Digital Library Becomes a Permanent Project

Launched last year as a successful pilot project, the Christian Reformed Church’s Digital Library will now be available on an ongoing basis for CRC congregations and members.

“Response to the library has been very positive,” said Kristen deRoo VanderBerg, director of communications and marketing for the Christian Reformed Church, about the online library that provides free access to hundreds of titles from Faith Alive Christian Resources.

“When we launched it, we hoped that the digital library would provide a new way of equipping individuals and churches with the tools they need to grow in their faith and impact lives for Christ. We agreed to a one-year trial — and because there has been such a high level of interest, it will now continue.”

The Digital Library aims to make it easier and more cost-effective for churches and members to access resources to support their local ministries.

Since its launch last spring , about 700 of the CRC’s 1,000 churches have had at least one person register to use the Digital Library. Some churches have promoted it to their members more extensively than others, and one congregation has had nearly 50 people sign up.

What’s more, the digital tool has not had a negative impact on sales of Faith Alive’s printed products. Instead, many are finding it a helpful way to try out resources and share copies across a congregation.

“The Digital Library is a great idea, especially for worship planners, church ed teachers, musicians, etc,” reported one user.

Other users seem to agree. Recently, a survey went out to a sampling of people who subscribe to the CRC News and Banner emails. One of the key takeaways was that the majority of respondents know about the digital library and like it.

“It may take time to catch on, but you’re changing the system!” one respondent commented. “I love the accessibility, and will continue to promote it in my context.”

Another survey respondent who was not familiar with the Digital Library was excited to learn about it. “I will take a look at it and see how it can be useful in my ministry.”

Funded through the Christian Reformed Church’s ministry shares system, the Digital Library is free for all members of the Christian Reformed Church. It includes the majority of Faith Alive’s products although some items, such as hymnals, are excluded due to copyright restrictions and song royalties.

Seventy-seven percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement that providing the library “shows the denomination cares about my church.”

While many other denominations also purchase Faith Alive’s resources, only Christian Reformed churches and members have access to the Digital Library, because only Christian Reformed churches make contributions toward ministry shares.