What Happened at RPCNA Synod 2026?
The 194th synod meeting of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) met in Marion, Indiana June 16-19, 2026. About 145 delegates (12 first time) gathered from around the nation as the broadest and highest court of the RPCNA. The meeting was called to order by the retiring moderator, Dr. Ed Blackwood. Over the week the court sang many Psalms a cappella, prayed together as a court as well as in small groups, and enjoyed preaching from various ministers. The RPCNA is made up of 86 congregations (several were recently released to form the RPC of Canada) across 7 presbyteries. Currently 10 congregations are without pastors; we are also in need of more ruling elders; and finances are stable across the denomination (we have a $37 million synod-level portfolio plus other assets).
Two nominations for moderator were given: Rev. Vince Scavo of Manchester, PA and Dr. Frank Smith of Atlanta, GA. Rev. Scavo was elected to serve as our 194th moderator. Our previous denominational clerk was suspended from ministry leaving our assistant clerk with extra labor in the weeks before synod. Revs. Drew Poplin (Durham, NC) and Josh Smith (Prairie View, IL) were elected as clerk and assistant clerk. As Reformed Presbyterians, the teaching and ruling elders gather annually “for better government and further edification of the church (WCF 31.1).” Synod also ministerially (a very important word) helps to determine controversies, cases of conscience, set down rules for better ordering worship and government, and to hear complaints (WCF 31.2). The court did all of these things this week, demonstrating a good use of time under the glory of God.
Several reports were heard from boards and agencies of the church. The board overseeing Crown & Covenant Publications reported on their year and noted the 2028 retirement of Drew and Lynne Gordon. The search for the next director has begun. We heard examinations and lectures from two men up for positions at our seminary RPTS (founded in 1810). Dr. Jeff Stivason will begin teaching Systematics Theology (leaving the New Testament department) and Rev. George Gregory was elected as the next Professor of New Testament. Rev. Gregory is completing his PhD from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Also connected to the seminary, we heard memorials of Dr. Jerry O’Neill and Dr. Wayne Spear, former president and professor who both died this year. Geneva College reported on the work of the college, noting several things of importance: Geneva is a debt-free institution; it promotes Sabbath keeping among all students; chapel is distinctively Reformed Presbyterian; and all professors are under the subordinate standards of the Westminster Standards and RP Testimony.
There are many mission works that reported under various letters: HMB, GMB, CASA, EAC, etc. Churches are being planted in the USA as well as several mission fields around the world: South Sudan, Pakistan, East Asia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Chile, and others. Other reports were heard about church history, military and hospital chaplaincy, Vital Churches, youth ministry, and others. A final report was heard from the board overseeing the RP Home. After 130 of ministry, the RP Home was sold to Concordia Lutheran Ministries. Thankfully, Concordia assumed all debt as well, which exceeded the RP Home’s assets. It is sad to lose a ministry intended to serve our former missionaries, pastors, and church workers in need. Each presbytery also reported, speaking of church planting, closures, discipline cases, and students under care. We give thanks for the work of each of the seven presbyteries.
Over the week we heard from those with whom we have fraternal relationships. The Reformed Presbyterian Global Alliance is essentially an RP think tank to assist in bringing Reformed Presbyterian presbyteries and synods in closer fellowship. We heard from the RP Churches in Australia, Scotland, Ireland, and Canada. We also heard from other Reformed and Presbyterian bodies in the USA: The American Reformed Church, Orthodox Presbyterian, Reformed Church in the US, and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. As a healthy Reformed Presbyterian international community, relationship is important: the RPCNA hosts an international conference every 4 years. The committee overseeing that conference is having a difficult time finding a venue and asked the church to provide counsel on whether we want international conferences in the same manner or whether smaller regional conferences will be more beneficial. We will not be going back to Indiana Wesleyan for international (or for synod).
A committee on changing the language of the RP Testimony reported and got the following language approved without any dissent or objection: "Unborn children are living persons made in the image of God. From the moment of conception to birth, they are attended by God's providence as they are being prepared by Him for the responsibilities and privileges of living before Him in this world. Unborn children are to be regarded and treated as human persons in all decisions and actions involving them. The deliberate and elective termination of the life of an unborn child is murder. In cases of pregnancy in which the life of the mother or the unborn child is threatened, all medically reasonable measures should be taken to honorably care for the lives and bodies of both mother and child.” For many years there was controversy around the phrase “except possibly to save the mother's life” due to its ambiguity.
A paper on the use of tobacco was sent to a five man study committee. The RPCNA used to require total abstinence from tobacco “and other narcotics” but softened that stance in 1980. The paper suggested softening it even further. Debate on the floor included removing all references to tobacco from the RP Testimony; some comparisons with sugars and seed oils; and even a speech against the language of “corporate conscience” which was used in the paper. If I were a prophet, I would imagine the committee recommending striking the line (including the use of alcohol line) completely from the RP Testimony.
For about five years a committee has been working on a position related to abuse in the church. The committee sought to bring synod-level procedures related to various forms of abuse. After several years of work, the committee’s paper was received by the court. This neither affirms their work nor disparages their work—the paper can be used for information or not.
Three matters took up much of the time of this year’s synod: A complaint related to the discipline of Rev. Chris Myers; the appeal of Mr. Sam Ketcham; and female deacons.
Last year a commission was formed to adjudicate charges against Rev. Chris Myers (formerly of Phoenix RPC). The commission made a “plea deal” with Mr. Myers, giving a rebuke with what amounted to a suspension from ministry. The complaint argued against both plea deals and rebukes being unable to have more than “one and done” discipline. The synod sided with the complaint, acknowledged the “irregularities” but kept the "voluntary suspension" in place. A special resolution was adopted by the synod: “WHEREAS, synods and councils are to be used as a help in both faith and practice, but all may err and many have erred, and WHEREAS, the errors of synods and councils may be a hindrance to faith and practice; and WHEREAS, this Synod erred, through its commission 25-03, by acting irregularly outside the law of the church; THEREFORE, this Synod begs the forgiveness of all the saints who have been hurt by this action, urges the saints to keep looking to our Lord, whose judgments are true and righteous altogether, and prays to God that He will keep this Synod's error from causing any of His sheep to stumble.” A committee was also formed to minister to those who have been hurt by the actions around this case (including Mr. Myers, his family, former session members and their families, and members of Phoenix and the Pacific Coast Presbytery). Church discipline can be messy and it is important to remember that real souls are at stake. (Thank God for the right of appeal and complaint).
The court also heard the appeal of Mr. Sam Ketcham, a deposed and excommunicated minister of the RPCNA (who has been worshiping in and ministering in the Free Church of Scotland Continuing for the past six years). Mr. Ketcham was excommunicated for a series of articles on white supremacy, “race realism,” and “kinism.” Mr. Ketcham was found guilty of violating the 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 9th commandments by the Presbytery of the Alleghenies. The synod heard his appeal, with each side (POA and Ketcham) coming to agreement on the terms of how the appeal would be heard, and then given 25 minutes each to make their case, and respond to charges. The court then debated the terms of the appeal and voted on each count. Mr. Ketcham’s appeal was not sustained related to: Irregularity: Not sustained, 30-55. Manifest prejudice: Not sustained, 2-88. Injustice in sentence imposed: Not sustained, 6-73. Severity in censure: Not sustained 46-47. Severity in censure was related to Mr. Ketcham being excommunicated rather than just deposed or suspended or some lesser form of church discipline. The discipline stands. Several men registered dissent on various aspects of the discipline.
The teaching and ruling elders of the RPCNA are essentially divided 50-50 on whether the Bible teaches that women may serve as deacons. Despite the division, the RP Testimony says women as well as men may hold the office of deacon. The female deacon committee is seeking to have this line removed from what the church confesses, while allowing the practice to continue. A communication coming through the Atlantic Presbytery asked for this committee to be dismissed. Forty-five minutes was spent debating whether the Bible teaches female deacons. After several hours of debating the removal of the line from the RP Testimony that says women may serve as deacons, the court voted. Ninety voted to remove the line and 53 voted to keep the line. The motion failed because it needed a super-majority (2/3) rather than a simple majority (1/2) vote. The court did vote to add the line to the Directory of Church Government (through a motion from the floor) and three men were added to the committee (which previously lost three men). The spirit of the court was to come back and try again next year.
Despite the heavy burdens of the court and some men leaving with “losses” and and others leaving with “wins,” the fact remains that men can disagree and not be disunited. As the court adjourned, we sang Psalm 133 and concluded in prayer. Until next year!
Soli Deo Gloria.
Warmly,
Nathan Eshelman
Orlando, FL
