"Synod is the ecclesiastical body of delegates that provides governance and leadership for the members, congregations, classes, agencies, and ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. While many think of synod as a one week meeting in June each year, synod actually fills an essential denomination-wide governance and leadership role alongside the regionally delegated authority of the church classes and the locally elected church councils. While the delegates of synod meet in person for one week, the work of synod continues on throughout the year. Each decision made by synod determines the work and direction of denominational staff, committees, and Council of Delegates meetings." (taken from the CRC website)