Christian Reformed Church Foundation: A Catalyst for Ministry
During this era of change in the church and stress on the local congregation, the denomination has established a first-step priority of creating and sustaining healthy congregations to transform lives and communities worldwide. Because the CRC Foundation’s goal is to resource denominational efforts, we’re seeking gifts now and in the future toward that priority. The Foundation is also partnering with the Timothy Institute for three years to raise funds for their expanding program.
As congregations thrive and denominational needs shift, the CRC Foundation’s specific funding focus will change too. Here’s what won’t change: staying open to God’s leading and retaining the CRC Foundation mission of resourcing the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.
How you can get involved
The Foundation is seeking financial resources for two primary projects related to the priority of creating and sustaining healthy congregations.
- The Leadership Exchange. During the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Christian Reformed Church, the denomination decided to focus attention on leadership development for both clergy and lay leadership. A strategy for accomplishing this goal is in place, and an operational plan for the Leadership Exchange was approved by the CRCNA Board of Trustees in September 2008. The operational plan calls for a $1 million budget for the first three years of operation, beginning in fall 2009. We praise God that $750,000 of the $1 million goal is committed. The Foundation seeks gifts toward completion of this three-year funding goal.
- The Network: Connecting Churches for Ministry. This new, bold, and innovative program is ready to bring new resources to local congregations. The Network does this by mobilizing and strengthening regional and other networks to meet needs and opportunities of congregations and their leaders, with the goal that each congregation becomes a vibrant witness to the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ in lives and communities. The Foundation invites you to consider contributing to fund the growth of The Network as a vital resource to local congregations in the CRCNA.
- The Timothy Institute: The Timothy Institute brings affordable, doctrinally sound, and effective leadership training to parts of the world where the church is experiencing explosive growth, but where leadership is woefully lacking. Working in more than 30 countries, the Timothy Institute is instrumental in training thousands of local church leaders. In carrying out its programs, The Timothy Institute works closely with Calvin Theological Seminary and Christian Reformed World Missions. The Foundation seeks $150,000 over three years in a 3:1 matching program with Timothy Institute. We invite you to consider assisting to fund this highly successful global church leadership development program.
- Estate Planning Gifts: We don’t know exactly where God will lead the CRC in building the kingdom. We do know that being obedient to that call will require connecting cutting-edge ministry with the depth and breadth of our Reformed tradition. The Foundation is your vehicle for resourcing the work of the CRC as it goes forward. That’s why we seek estate gifts for future ministry ideas…and for generations to come.
