Calling Project Sparks Hopeful Conversations

This fall, ministry leaders and regional connectors across the Christian Reformed Church in North America have been reaching out to pastors and congregations as part of a new initiative nicknamed the “Church Passion Project.” The goal of this effort is simple yet significant: to listen well, learn what churches are passionate about, and encourage congregations in their ministry journeys.

Listening First

The calling team consists of regional staff from across the United States and Canada. Each has a list of congregations to reach out to over the coming year, with the goal of having a conversation with every Christian Reformed church. They say that even though the effort has just started, they have found pastors and leaders eager to share. 

“I am grateful that a handful of pastors got back to me right away,” said Idella Winfield, regional connector for the Great Lakes region. “They were eager to talk about their church, what’s happening, and what they are looking forward to in the fall.” 

She added that many conversations have opened doors to unexpected conversations and the ability to share resources—such as one church that was wondering if any congregations had active-shooter policies to help them prepare for the possibility of a future crisis. Winfield was able to share a Network post on that topic and some advice with them, while also passing along to the rest of her team the types of concerns CRC pastors are carrying alongside their ministry hopes.

The conversations made clear that connecting is essential for building healthy, thriving ministry partnerships.

Sandra Gonzalez, who serves as regional connector for the U.S. East region, noted that the project has been useful for churches themselves. “One comment that stood out to me as I asked a deacon what her church was passionate about was her response of ‘Oh wow, that will give us something to think about.’ It was an opportunity for them to determine what their passion is and to hone in on something more specific,” said Gonzalez.

Celebrating Milestones

Many conversations were also filled with joy. Becky Jones, Canada East regional connector, shared about First CRC in Chatham, Ont., which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and had the opportunity to serve as the convening church of Synod 2025.

“I didn’t know that 20 years ago their church was declining significantly and they were considering closing,” she explained. “There is a lot of joy that they made it through those challenges and were able, through God’s grace, to reach such a significant milestone.”

Others highlighted the unique gifts of smaller congregations. “Mount Hope Community CRC in Hamilton, Ont., has about 85 members but 40 regular attendees of their Sunday service,” Jones said. “We had a positive conversation simply around the value of being a small church, and the joys that come with it. When you have two or three new children in a small church, it is a big thing to celebrate. Small churches matter.”

Stories of Support

In the Alberta North region, Pastor Ron DeVries said he was encouraged to be a part of congregations working together in creative ways. “There are four congregations working together to support a little local congregation in the Rocky Mountains that has no pastor and is struggling with leadership,” he said. “It is encouraging to see these four congregations working together for a kingdom need.”

Aura Guerra-Artola, the CRCNA’s Hispanic connector, found joy in including new voices in her calls as well. “Sometimes male, Latino pastors don’t feel comfortable when a woman contacts them,” she explained. “I decided to invite their wives into the conversation, and they have so much insight and information to offer. They told me that sometimes they aren’t taken into account as much. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and learning what they have to say.”

Asking Vital Questions

Chris Choe, a Korean connector, emphasized that these conversations aren’t only about gathering quick answers. “Some of the questions we ask are vital questions: What is your vision? What are you excited about? How are you doing? What are you doing?” he said. “Sometimes churches have a hard shell and don’t want to go deep with these questions. But when we meet face-to-face or over video, it gives them safe ground to talk. Then real conversation starts.”

Looking Ahead

Liz Tolkamp, regional connector for Canada West, acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in churches without a pastor. “The number of vacant churches within the CRC is challenging,” she said, referring to congregations currently without a pastor. “It can be complicated trying to figure out who to talk to.”

Even so, the overall tone of the conversations has been hopeful. “The majority of conversations have been upbeat and positive,” Winfield reflected. “No one had any negative sort of tones.”

Congregations who have not yet received a “Passion Project” call can expect to receive one in the coming months. As these calls continue, CRCNA ministry leaders are encouraged by the opportunity to learn directly from congregations. What’s emerging is not only a clearer picture of the CRCNA today but also renewed energy for discerning the Spirit’s work now and in the future. 

“We aren’t here to counsel or be a lifeline,” Choe noted, “but sometimes simply asking questions ignites pastors to share stories and rediscover their passions.”

By gathering stories, uncovering passions, and celebrating milestones, the pastor-calling project is reminding the denomination that every congregation—large or small, thriving or struggling—has a role in God’s ongoing story.