Connectors Equip Congregations

“As a connector, I’m continually inspired by the dedication and creativity I see in the ways churches are engaging with and serving their communities,” said Idella Winfield, who serves as regional connector for the Great Lakes Region through Thrive, the congregational support agency of the CRCNA.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is the opportunity to build new and meaningful relationships,” she explained. “Whether it’s through outreach programs, community development, or fostering spaces of worship and growth, I get to witness firsthand the incredible impact they are making.”

Winfield shares the connector title with nine other denominational staff. Collectively, they serve six distinct CRCNA regions in addition to three affinity groups: Hispanic congregations, Korean congregations, and youth/young adults. 

These point people are equipped to come alongside congregations and ministry leaders to connect them with denominational resources and relationships to help them flourish. 

Their main goal? To make sure churches know they are not alone. 

“Oftentimes when churches have a pressing need or question, they can feel isolated in that experience,” said Thrive director Lesli van Milligen. “The purpose of our connector team is to ensure that each individual congregation knows they are part of a collective and that peer groups, mentorship, connection with other congregations, training, and other resources are available to them. Our connectors work to ensure that churches and ministry leaders can access the right tools and support, whatever they are facing.”

Becky Jones, regional connector for Canada East, explained that a number of churches in her region recently had to navigate pulpit vacancies. In situations like that when a pastor is not available, she said, she must often connect with the clerk of council, a member of the pastor-search team, or another lay leader in the congregation who is looking for support and resources for their congregation.

“I’m so thankful that we can be there to support congregations as they navigate a pastor-search process,” Jones said. “I love providing connections to the people within Thrive and across the denomination who can support congregations well during this kind of journey.”

Regional connectors are equipped, as well, to make introductions to Thrive consultants in the areas of abuse prevention or response, disability access, justice and diversity, pastoral transition, conflict resolution, faith formation, and more. Ron deVries, Thrive’s youth and young adult consultant, helps churches to familiarize themselves with what is available for discipling the next generation. Ethnic connectors Aura Guerra-Artola and Catheryn Jo Kim are equipped to support Hispanic and Korean churches, respectively, in accessing denominational resources and community.

“I find great joy,” said Guerra-Artola, “in learning about the incredible work our Hispanic churches do, particularly in welcoming new immigrants and helping families adjust to life in the U.S. or Canada. These churches are so family-oriented and hands-on in their approach to helping others. Engaging with Hispanic pastors fills me with energy, as their passion for serving the Lord is contagious. I feel blessed every time I hear their testimonies and witness their deep devotion to serving alongside their families.”

Thrive’s U.S. East regional connector Sandra Gonzalaz agrees. “This role enables me to do what truly matters —-- to engage with churches in their contexts. I’m grateful for the chance to support their growth and mission!”

To find your regional or affinity group connector, visit Thrive’s connector page: crcna.org/thrive/regional-connectors. 

To learn more about each individual connector, follow our ongoing intro series on the Network.