CRC Advancement Director Steps Down

Peter Harkema is stepping down as director of denominational advancement for the Christian Reformed Church in North America at the end of this year.

The decision was announced in a memo this week to denominational employees by Rev. Joel Boot, interim executive director of the CRCNA.

"The Board of Trustees received this notification at its meeting this past week and expressed its gratitude for Pete's four-and-a-half years of faithful service," Boot said. "We pray for God’s richest blessings on Pete and his family in this new phase of his life."

As director of advancement, Harkema gave oversight to the Christian Reformed Church Foundation and led CRC fundraising initiatives. Most recently, he also oversaw the creation of a campaign to promote the ministry shares program to church leaders and members.

In a letter that was read to the Board of Trustees, Harkema said that the period since the resignation of former executive director Rev. Jerry Dykstra "has been a challenging time of transition." He said that during such times, development work is often put on hold and organizations and individuals wait until permanent leadership decisions are made.

He said that he decided to leave at the end of 2011 to give himself time to "finish any transition work that is underway and minimize any organizational confusion."

Harkema came to the CRCNA from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he worked as vice-president for advancement. He is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., and holds a PhD in higher education administration from Michigan State University.

Prior to working at Fuller, Harkema worked for more than 20 years at Calvin College, including as vice president for external relations and vice president for enrollment services.