Introduction
There’s something about a journey that’s exciting and invigorating. A promise of new horizons; new possibilities; new challenges. The Christian Reformed Church is on such a journey. It’s called Our Journey 2020. “Our” journey because we’re on it together. “2020” to remind us that this is just one stage of a journey that will see us living and growing together in new ways and new places by the year 2020.
This journey of the Christian Reformed Church includes five destinations - or desired futures - that outline where we believe God is calling us to go. Each of these desired futures is outlined in more depth below. How we get to these futures — and where to go first — is different for each congregation. Along the way, however, we are sharing our stories, learning from each other, and finding support through resources of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is exciting to see where God will lead us.
Church and Community
Desired Future 1: Churches Flowing into Their Communities
Our congregations will flow like streams into their communities. We will meet our neighbors at community events and gathering places, listening to each other, learning from each other, and serving each other. By our presence we will become channels for the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit’s life-giving transformation.
Discipleship
Desired Future 2: Churches Nurturing Disciples
Our churches will be vibrant communities, radiating grace. As we preach, teach, and live out the gospel within and beyond our walls, we nurture people of all generations as they grow into the likeness of Christ Jesus.
Leadership
Desired Future 3: Churches Cultivating Leaders
Our churches and ministries will grow new leaders of many kinds. At all levels—local, regional, denominational—we discover the talents, skills, and strengths in our ordained and lay people. We cultivate those gifts through education, handson ministry opportunities, and guidance from mature leaders in order to raise new leaders who have deep roots and yield abundant fruit.
Identity
Desired Future 4: Churches Telling Our Story
We will grasp—and be grasped by—a richly Reformed world and life view so that we are able and eager to express what it means to belong to God’s diverse and unified family. Transformed by that story, we will learn to tell it so compellingly that people from many cultures and experiences are drawn to see and know themselves as God’s beloved ones, entrusted to bring the good news to others.
Collaboration
Desired Future 5: Churches Working in Partnership
Our churches and ministries will work hand in hand with each other, and with partners in our own communities and around the world, to faithfully fulfill Jesus’ command to make disciples of all people.
Resources
Note: Order copies from Faith Alive Christian Resources.
Booklet
Brochure
Poster
Videos
(with English, Spanish, and Korean captions)
Related Resources
Explore
Our Vision, Our Mission, Our Calling
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