Calvin University has a “covenantal partnership” with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), and many of the important governance decisions made by the CRCNA apply directly to Calvin. These governance decisions are made at an annual general assembly called Synod, which works as a legislative body to make decisions for the entire CRCNA. These decisions range from topics like virtual church and church planting to the confessional status of human sexuality issues and church discipline. Synod 2025, held this summer, was particularly important for Calvin, as some of the decisions Synod makes shape the daily workings of the university itself.

As John Zimmerman, Calvin’s associate director of public relations, wrote in an article in June, “At Synod 2025, Calvin University expressed gratitude for its covenantal partnership with the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), reaffirmed that the theological standards and interpretations of the church are the university’s theological standards and interpretations, and emphasized its deep commitment to serving the church through Christ-centered teaching, learning and scholarship.” 

According to Zimmerman, incoming Board Chair Perrin Rynders and Calvin University Provost Noah Toly represented the university in important discussions regarding Calvin’s faithful response to Synod’s confessional guidance. 

Something Zimmerman quoted from Rynders is the fact that Calvin’s Board of Trustees selection process for new board members “…prioritizes alignment with the theological convictions of the denomination.” Zimmerman also said that the majority of Calvin’s Board is required to hold the CRCNA’s confessional positions. 

Zimmerman also writes that Synod discussed Calvin’s faculty formation with respect to the confessional decisions of the denomination. Regarding this matter, Toly explained to Synod, “We believe that faculty who shape students’ minds and hearts must be shaped by the commitments we hold in common.” Toly articulated Calvin’s 3-year process of faculty formation, which is “aimed at helping faculty understand and embrace the Reformed confessions in both belief and practice,” according to Zimmerman. 

Synod delegates also celebrated the continued work the university has been doing through the Calvin Prison Initiative as well as  other notable events and accomplishments such as Calvin’s 150 year celebration, enrollment growth, President Elzinga’s “Christ-centered leadership” and Calvin’s recognition as the #1 school in the midwest for undergraduate teaching.

According to Zimmerman, Synod recognized that Calvin’s policies regarding confessional subscription are “…thoughtful, robust and reflective of a sincere desire to honor both the expectations of the church and the academic vocation Calvin pursues on its behalf.” 

Calvin is committed to providing further clarity on its policies and processes in Synod 2026, according to Zimmerman.

Note: While the author is related to Provost Noah Toly, quotes are directly from Synod 2025 and are not sourced from a conducted interview.