CRC Foundation Launches New Web Site

The Christian Reformed Church Foundation has launched its new web site, which contains, among other aspects, descriptions of the mission, the history and current projects of the Foundation. Also there is a link that connects people to information about estate planning provided by other organizations.

Using the image of a slender, multi-colored leaf as a symbol of new growth, the web site reminds people that together "we worship the same God who is making all things new. That’s why, as a denomination, our goal is to be God’s instrument in transforming lives and communities worldwide."

"Launching the new web site may not seem like a major accomplishment, but it does represent a significant step in communicating the mission and current intent of the Foundation," says Peter Harkema, director of advancement for the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

"We've spent the last year listening to current and former Foundation board members (and to many others) to determine what the thrust of the Foundation's work should be. The information in the web site represents the outcome of these discussions," says Harkema.

In essence, the CRC Foundation "works on behalf of the denomination to fund priorities and keep the church focused on its mission," according to the new site.

The Foundation is currently raising funds to support healthy congregations and to launch the new Leadership Exchange, which will work to "catalyze a culture of leadership focused on the process of creating trusting, committed, mutually accountable relationships."

The idea of the exchange will be to use different means and tools, including retreats and online conversations, to “connect and energize leaders and followers to work together in healthy ways.”

The Foundation is also working to raise resources to help launch The Network: Connecting Churches to Ministry. The Network, as it is currently envisioned, will be used to advocate for what congregations say they need to do their job and to perform their various ministries more effectively.

The Network will also provide and enhance access to information about best practices to assist congregations in accomplishing their goals. The Network also will have a training component, using regional teams and coaches to assist congregations that ask for help.

The CRC Foundation itself focuses on the current denominational priority of “creating and sustaining healthy congregations for the purpose of transforming lives and communities worldwide," and the need to fund leadership development, and congregational health. But it will be willing to look at other priorities as they arise in the future, says Harkema.

Most recently, the Foundation was instrumental in awarding grants, coming from last year’s CRC-sponsored cross-country, Sea-to-Sea bicycle tour, to churches and communities with programs that fight and work to alleviate poverty.

With the advent of the web site, the Foundation plans, says Harkema, "to make the Foundation consistently visible with regular ads in the Banner, annual mailings to CRC constituents and congregations, and contacts by Jerry Dykstra, the CRC’s executive director, and myself."

As the new web site is launched and the Foundation expands its work, Harkema asks members of the CRC for prayer to assure “that the Foundation grows as an important resource for the ministries of the Christian Reformed Church.” To access the new website, visit: http://www.crcna.org/pages/foundation_index.cfm.