Renewal Called For in the Face of Membership Decline

In the last decade, membership in the Christian Reformed Church has dropped more than 13 percent. Synod 2017 discussed this trend and encouraged churches and denominational staff to make church renewal a priority.

Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church. In its response to statistics on membership decline, Synod 2017 instructed denomination, agency, and educational leaders to “seek out best practices and resources” for church renewal and share these practices with the churches.

Synod also urged collaboration as people work toward renewing the church, and directed that a list of resources be given to churches. Lastly, Synod told the executive director “to keep the call to prayer for church renewal continually before God’s people.”

James Kralt, Classis Thornapple Valley, asked his colleagues to be sensitive when passing out advice to shrinking congregations. “If you know a church is struggling, make sure you listen, too,” he encouraged. “Hear the struggles, the heartbreak, the things they tried to do that didn’t work.”

“The way we think about membership is changing and needs to be [reexamined],” added Brian Tarpy, Classis Central Plains. “We want membership to be meaningful.”

Delegates also asked that as best practices and resources for church renewal are researched, developed and shared, attention be paid to looking for and producing materials that apply to rural churches. Too many resources are focused only on urban church renewal, they felt.

“I appreciate that the CRC is a very organized, well-structured denomination,” said Cameron Fraser, Classis Alberta South/Saskatchewan, as the conversation drew to a close. “However, that can lead to assumption that church renewal comes through more study committees….I would respectfully submit that our emphasis needs to be in prayerful practice in life and deed.”

Following this suggestion, Synod wrapped up the session with each delegate and guest praying “Korean style” for church renewal. Andrew Beunk from Classis BC North-West introduced this style of prayer by noting that his church has a growing Asian population. He has learned “Korean-style” prayer from them. This style of prayer involves everyone lifting their voices to God at the same time, praying what is on their hearts outloud.

The “Korean style” prayer for church renewal resulted in a prayerful din, as each asked God for renewal in their local region and in the Christian Reformed Church.

Later, delegates heard an update about Inspire 2017, an event that will be held later this summer to encourage, inform, and pour into volunteers and ministry leaders in local churches. Rev. Ben Van Arragon, a member of the planning team, encouraged delegates to make sure their church is represented at the event. Inspire 2017 will be held from August 3-5 at a Detroit waterfront location, along the US-Canadian border. To learn more, visit crcna.org/Inspire2017.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2017 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.