'Welcome to the CRC'

March 4, 2010—A group of eight pastors and two spouses recently gathered in Grand Rapids, Mich., to learn more about the Christian Reformed Church as part of a pilot program of the church’s Candidacy Committee, which coordinates the ordination processes of the denomination.

The event was called "Welcome to the CRC," and provided opportunity for an up close introduction to the various denominational ministries, the campuses of Calvin Theological Seminary and Calvin College, and various other ministries in western Michigan that are affiliated with the CRC, says Rev. David Koll, director of candidacy for the CRC.

Four of the eight pastors were Chinese and "represent a revitalization of leadership in the Chinese-American ministry of the CRC," says Koll.

The other pastors were natives of Mexico, Kenya, Nigeria, and Korea. The event had the benefit of giving them opportunity to meet one another and make personal connections with various CRC personnel.

"The Cultural and History Tour was the highlight of the whole orientation," one participant said, referring to a daylong tour of ministry locations in western Michigan. "Through the tour we came to understand the heritage of the CRC and how it came to become today's CRC."

This tour included a stop at the Heritage Center of Graafschaap CRC, near Holland, Mich., which offers a professionally designed tour through the history of the denomination and of this founding congregation.

Also as part of the program, the guests were welcomed to participate in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s three-day Worship Symposium, a yearly event that gathers over 1,400 people from across the world. "They were very appreciative to have the opportunity to be part of that event," says Koll.

As to the future of this pilot program, Koll says, that “I definitely anticipate making it an annual event. Maybe even twice a year. It is aimed at affiliating pastors in the CRC, although the participants of this pilot attempt suggested opening it to any interested pastors or church leaders. I might very well consider that. It is a good tool to orient and assimilate those who want to become more familiar with the CRC.”

Koll publicized this event by sending an email to all classis clerks and all classis leadership committees, inviting them to send affiliating pastors.

For more information on candidacy in the CRC, contact Koll at dkoll@crcna.org or visit CRC Candidacy Committee.

—CRC Communications, CRC Candidacy Committee