The ministry of Pastor-Church Relations (PCR) was approved by Synod 1982 to provide programs of “healing and prevention” for ministers, staff, consistories and congregations of the Christian Reformed Church.  PCR staff is available as a resource to pastors, staff ministry leaders, and congregations in areas such as intervention, consultation, education, leadership development, and staff support.  An increase in PCR staff in recent years has made it possible to respond increasingly to the needs of congregations and their staff.  Ministry-share funds allow PCR to provide services to congregations whose resources may be diminished.

Pastor-Church Relations carries out its task through the following programs:

Calling a Candidate

Guidelines for congregations considering calling a ministerial candidate. Download the document.

Church Visitors

PCR is working with several classis groups to explore more effective means of providing Church Visiting.  The goal is to reinvigorate this means by which classes assist congregations and to propose a variety of models for church visitors to use.

Consultation/Mediation

The staff of Pastor-Church Relations is available for consultation in times of transition or crisis.  This involvement usually follows an invitation from the local church council.

Continuing Education

There are funds available in the form of grants for continuing education activities, such as classes, seminars, etc. for pastors and church ministry staff in the CRC.  Deadlines for application are November 1, April 1, and August 1.
Download application (Word | PDF)

Mentors

Newly ordained pastors, ministers entering the CRC from other denominations, and clergy who have had some stress or other problems are assigned mentors.  These mentors are experienced pastors who are available to help during the first five years of ministry.  The two covenant together in setting goals and establishing support regarding personal, spiritual, and professional practice and formation.  In April of 2006 a mentoring conference was attended by 112 people – new pastors, their mentors and spouses.

Ministerial Information Service (MIS)

In situations of pastoral transition, the MIS provides resources and assistance to congregations and pastors.  Ministers and congregations that have a vacancy in a pastoral position are asked to complete profiles which are maintained by the PCR office.  Churches can request ministerial profiles and pastors who wish to move may request that their profiles be sent to a church with a vacancy.  PCR assists congregations in matching their needs to pastors who have expressed an interest in moving, and at times assists congregations in matching their needs to pastors who are available.

• Download the Church Profile form
• Download the Minister Profile form

Regional Pastors

There is at least one regional pastor appointed in each classis.  These are pastors who lead a congregation and also volunteer time to provide support to fellow clergy.  The regional pastor maintains individual contact with pastor colleagues and their spouses, assists in assigning mentors for new candidates, and generally seeks to be available to provide assistance in ministry.  PCR offers biennial training conferences for pastors who supply this service. Click here to see a directory of Regional Pastors. 

Resources/Evaluation Materials

Pastor-Church Relations continues to develop educational resources for congregations, pastors and church staff that strengthen responses to conflict, help develop evaluation processes, increase congregational resilience, assist church leadership, and link congregational life to key aspects of biblical/theological themes.  Materials are also available to assist church councils in evaluation of the pastor, staff ministry leaders, council and congregation.

Retirement Resources

In 2006 Sustaining Pastoral Excellence published a booklet about the process of pastors’ retirement – “Closing Well – Continuing Strong.”  PCR is offering seminars for pastors and spouses based on this booklet, trusting that this will help them in planning for a unique time in their lives and ministries.

Staff Ministry Leaders

Synod has mandated PCR to provide support for all church staff similar to that provided for ordained clergy.  This support is carried out through a new staff person who began working in PCR in May of 2006, and through the work of the SMC -  Staff Ministry Committee.  In various ways staff and SMC are connecting with the nearly 1,000 church staff ministry leaders that have identified.

Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Program

Today’s congregations need strong servant leaders who can adapt to and grow with their congregations.  For this, pastors must develop character, knowledge and skills.  How can pastors grow and flourish in ministry?  How can council members support and strengthen pastors?  The first step is to understand pastoral health and effectiveness.  Sustaining Pastoral Excellence is a program to support and strengthen pastors so they can build healthy congregations.  The program aims to sustain pastors in ministry through mentoring, peer learning, and continuing education with funds made available through a grant from the Lilly Foundation.  A “Pastor’s Spouses Retreat was held in Toronto in November, 2006 and was attended by 125 people.

Transitional Specialists

There are four pastors who work directly with Pastor-Church Relations and a number of others who have taken interim minister training and are contracting with congregations.  These pastors assist congregations in transition, and provide strategic assistance when churches need a pastor to help with both regular pastoral duties and the processing of key dynamics in preparation for calling a new pastor.  PCR supports the growing number of pastors who are entering interim ministry, assures congregations of their credentials, and provides opportunity for collegial interaction.

For more information, contact
Duane Visser (Director) 616-224-0746
Norm Thomasma (Education Specialist) 616-224-0764
Jeanne Kallemeyn (Staff Ministry Specialist) 616-726-1152
Laura Palsrok (Administrative Assistant) 616-224-0837.