In preparation for the 27th General Council, we are publishing a series of feature articles exploring key insights from Reformed theology that shape our shared journey of faith and witness. These reflections offer a deeper understanding of the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ (WCRC) self-understanding as a discerning communion—a body that listens, reflects, and responds to God’s call in the world today.

We begin with an exploration of discernment in Reformed theology. The Reformed tradition has long held that discernment is not just a private spiritual exercise but a communal and structural responsibility. At its core, it is about listening together—seeking the movement of the Holy Spirit in collective decision-making, theological reflection, and the church’s witness in society.

A Legacy of Shared Gifts and Communal Discernment

The Reformed understanding of discernment is deeply rooted in a theology of mutual accountability and shared gifts. This principle is beautifully captured in the invitation to the Emden Synod of 1571, a defining moment in Reformed church history:

“God has assigned his gifts to men in such a way that he has not given to individuals the whole fullness, but only a very definite measure and a definite share of these gifts, so that they, joined and united together, enrich each other, and that they are among themselves instruments and, as it were, channels for his goodness and his grace, precisely through the fraternal union of their gifts. It follows from this: The greater the number of believers who are united among themselves, the richer is the resulting flow of grace for all.”

This vision of discernment emphasizes that no single person or institution holds the fullness of divine wisdom. Instead, the church is called to listen, learn from one another, and make decisions together. This is the heart of synodality—a way of being the church that resists centralized power and instead fosters dialogue, prayerful reflection, and communal decision-making.

Discernment: A Foundational Principle in the Reformed Tradition

In Reformed theology, discernment is more than individual reflection—it is a corporate, Spirit-led process that involves the entire church community. It is based on the belief that God speaks through Scripture, tradition, and the voices of believers gathered in prayer and dialogue. The Reformed understanding of discernment is deeply tied to its conciliar tradition, where decisions are made collectively rather than through hierarchical authority.

Historically, synods and councils have played a vital role in shaping doctrine, church governance, and social witness. Unlike centralized models of church leadership, the Reformed approach values collegiality, accountability, and theological debate. This means discernment is not simply about following religious intuition but about wrestling with Scripture, engaging with theological traditions, and responding to contemporary challenges with faith and wisdom.

Synodality and the Perspective on Discernment in Church Governance

The term synodality, often associated with Catholic ecclesiology, also holds significance in the Reformed context. While Reformed churches do not have a singular governing body like the papacy, they emphasize shared leadership, mutual responsibility, and judicial accountability in decision-making.

The synodal governance of Reformed churches ensures that discernment is not arbitrary but grounded in theological principles and communal consensus. Church councils, presbyteries, and general assemblies are tasked with interpreting doctrine, addressing ethical issues, and maintaining church unity. Through these judicial bodies, discernment is tested, refined, and applied in ways that reflect both historical faithfulness and contemporary relevance.

This judicial perspective on discernment is particularly crucial in today’s world, where the church faces complex ethical, social, and theological dilemmas. Whether addressing issues of justice, inclusion, environmental stewardship, or human dignity, the Reformed approach insists that decisions must be made in community, guided by Scripture, and open to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Discerning God’s Call in a Changing World

The 27th General Council of the WCRC will be a defining moment for the global Reformed community. As churches prepare for this gathering, there is a collective call to reflect on what it means to be a faithful witness in the world today.

One pressing question is: How can the church engage in faithful discernment in the face of social, economic, and political upheavals? The Reformed tradition offers a framework for this engagement by emphasizing:

• The Authority of Scripture – Discernment must always be anchored in God’s Word, interpreted in light of contemporary realities.
• Communal Decision-Making – No single individual has the final word; instead, discernment happens through councils, synods, and assemblies.
• Prophetic Witness – The church is called to speak truth to power, advocating for justice and righteousness in society.
• Confessional Accountability – Theological traditions and historical confessions provide guidance, ensuring that discernment remains rooted in core Christian beliefs.

At the upcoming General Council, discussions will center on these principles, exploring how the global Reformed family can respond to pressing global issues such as economic inequality, climate change, migration, and peacebuilding.

A Call to Action: Shaping the Future of the Church

As the WCRC prepares for 150 years of mission and witness, churches and individuals are invited to take part in this collective discernment process. The General Council workbook (draft) has been released, offering an opportunity for feedback and reflection before the Council convenes in Chiang Mai.

Download the draft in English, German, French, Spanish, Korean, and Indonesian

Submit your feedback by Feb. 28 to ensure your voice is heard! Email your insights to gc2025@wcrc.eu.

The Reformed tradition teaches that discernment is not a passive activity—it requires active engagement, thoughtful dialogue, and faithful commitment to God’s call. As we approach the 27th General Council, this is an opportunity for the global church to unite in listening, learning, and shaping the future together.

Let us continue to seek God’s will with humility, courage, and a spirit of discernment—for the sake of the church and the world.

Note: This article is based on the paper “Listening to the Reformed Approach: The Judicial Perspective on Synodality” by Hanns Lessing, executive secretary for communion and theology of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Your feedback will help shape discussions at the 27th General Council in Chiang Mai as we celebrate 150 years of mission and witness together. Let’s continue discerning God’s call in our changing world!