About Us

About us

We are the Faith Formation Committee, established by Synod 2007 and appointed by the Board of Trustees (check out our mandate). Since we gathered for our first meeting we’ve taken seriously our call to engage congregations and classes in dialogue about current practices of baptism, the Lord’s Supper (especially as it relates to children’s participation), and profession of faith—with an eye toward deepening, revitalizing, and celebrating in community each of these milestones that mark a person’s faith journey and life of discipleship.

For a closer look at our calling, check out one pastor’s summary of the committee’s purpose and work—written as a way of informing his congregation and inviting their interest and participation in these issues.

Our hope

As we look back on our work so far, it is our prayer that we have worked well together as a denomination, we have wrestled with scripture, we have honored and learned from the Reformed Confessions, we have shared with each other the fruits of our local ministries, we have supported each other in prayer, and we have helped to strengthen ministry among children, youth, seekers, and life-long Christians of all ages. As we look ahead to the completion of our work in 2013, we hope to offer congregation further support and resources, especially around the decision of Synod 2011 to welcome covenant children to the sacrament of communion.
In the meantime, our work as a committee also proceeds prayerfully toward a clearer understanding of how faith develops and how it may be nurtured by the family and the congregation, particularly by means of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. It's our deepest hope that greater understanding will lead to joyful affirmation of our baptisms, to celebration of the Lord's Supper in all of the richness that 1 Corinthians 11 suggests, and to a revitalization of our practice of profession of faith.

Contact us

We hope you'll continue to support our work with prayer and join us by staying in touch. Contact us by email at faithformation@crcna.org.
Committee members

Dr. John D. Witvliet, chairperson
Dr. Howard Vanderwell, secretary
Ms. Irene Bakker
Rev. Peter Choi
Ms. Jill Friend
Dr. Syd Hielema
Ms. Pat Nederveld
Dr. H. David Schuringa
Rev. Joel Boot, ex officio