BTGMI Board Makes Historic Decision to Move Its Offices

At its recent meeting, the board of Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI) approved a motion to sell the Palos Heights, Ill., facilities and move its ministry headquarters into the Christian Reformed Church in North America’s Grand Rapids, Mich., offices.

“After 18 months of research and prayerful discussion, the board came to the conclusion that this move would be best for the denomination and the ministry,” said Reggie Smith, BTGMI board president.

BTGMI director Kurt Selles added, “Their decision was based on BTGMI’s own strategic plan, which recognizes the church as the primary instrument for mission. We are part of and dependent upon the Christian Reformed Church, and we have long made cooperation within our denomination a part of our strategic plan.”

Selles explained, “In addition to continuing to use media to reach out in North America and around the world, we need to focus more intentionally on providing ministry content and resources for Christian Reformed congregations. Moving the ministry to the CRCNA headquarters will help us achieve our stated goal of integrating our outreach with the efforts of our sister ministries.”

Back to God Ministries International was launched in 1939 by a group of Chicago-area leaders who saw the potential for gospel outreach through media ministry, beginning at first with programming in the English language only. Initially the ministry facilities were housed in what is now the Roseland Christian Ministries Center.

The ministry continued to grow, eventually adding nine more languages. In 1974 synod approved the construction of the current facilities in Palos Heights, on the northern corner of the property where Trinity Christian College is located.

Most of the 10 language ministries now have offices located around the globe to more effectively reach the people who speak those languages.

“The board concluded that the move will increase our visibility in the denomination and enhance our contribution to gospel proclamation and discipleship, both within the CRC and beyond,” said Smith.

The transition will be completed by or before July 1, 2018. This decision will have a significant impact on every member of the BTGMI staff, especially those in Palos Heights.

“We will be sitting down with individual members of the staff over the next four to six weeks to talk through the implications of this decision for each position,” said Selles.

Smith affirmed, “The BTGMI board is extremely grateful for the many years of dedicated service provided by each member of the staff. During this difficult time of transition, board members will be lifting each of them in prayer. We ask the members of the CRC to join us in praying for the staff and the details of this transition.”