2022 CRC Ministry Highlights

“After two-plus years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, many pastors and other leaders in our denomination are worn out. Congregations are asking difficult questions about what their role should be in their local context. Increased political polarization has made dialogue challenging, even with those we call brothers and sisters in Christ,” wrote Rev. Zachary King in the introductory comments to the CRCNA’s new 2022 Annual Ministry Report.

“On top of all of that, our denomination is in the midst of transition. We have restructured to better reflect our identity as one church in two countries. We have also made some strong decisions at synod that have affirmed some people’s beliefs and values but have left others wondering if they still belong,” he added.

But in the midst of all of this complexity, King also sees much to celebrate. The 24-page booklet, which is included in the Dec. 2022 print edition of The Banner and is also available at crcna.org/MinistryReport, is filled with stories and highlights from the ministries of the CRCNA over the past year.

Highlights mentioned in the report include the following:

• Twenty-three men and women were approved as candidates for ministry by Synod 2022.
• For the first time in three years, the Christian Reformed Church’s synod was able to meet in person.
• Nearly 420 people from across North America gathered in Tinley Park, Ill., Aug. 4-6, 2022, for the denomination’s third Inspire event.
• A denominational prayer shepherd position was created to help provide meaningful opportunities for prayer.
• Calvin Theological Seminary was recognized by Lilly Endowment Inc. and received a million-dollar grant in their Pathways for Tomorrow program.
• Calvin University awarded degrees to 76 inmates, marking the first time in the state of Michigan that bachelor’s degrees were awarded behind bars.
• Chaplaincy celebrated 80 years with over 140 chaplains serving in North America and throughout the world.
• Faith Formation partnered with the Reformed Church in America on Generation Spark—a faith-based intergenerational mentoring paradigm.
• Mission organizations and churches in 28 countries utilized Coffee Break methods to equip leaders to help groups discover the Bible together.
• Laws across China made it more challenging to openly share the gospel on the internet, so ReFrame’s Chinese ministry pivoted to publishing printed materials.
• More than 140 missionaries served with Resonate Global Mission in over 40 countries.
• World Renew served people in 30 countries, responding to disasters and providing community programs that helped 649,667 participants in 1,339 communities improve their lives.
• Over 250 people from every Canadian classis participated in the Hearts Exchanged learning journey.

All of these initiatives were supported by the prayers, ministry share gifts, and other offerings of the people of the Christian Reformed Church. The report thanks people for their support and provides a summary of revenue and expenses by ministry agency.

The report also highlights the reciprocal relationship between CRCNA congregations and the ministries that exist on their behalf to support and extend church ministry.

“I hope that as you read [the report], you will be encouraged in your own local context. Whatever your challenges or unique situations may be, we are here to walk alongside and assist you,” King wrote. “God loves his people, and he loves the Christian Reformed Church. He will continue to work in and through us if we continue to seek him and do his will.”