CRCNA Appoints New Leadership
Following the Council of Delegates meeting held May 6–9 in Grand Rapids, Mich., new leaders have been appointed for The Banner, ReFrame Ministries, and Thrive.
Together, these appointments mark a significant season of transition for the Christian Reformed Church in North America and will help shape the future of denominational communications, media ministry, and congregational support.
Al Postma, the CRCNA’s Canadian executive director, said the appointments reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing the denomination in this season.
“As we enter this next chapter, we're doing so with solid leaders who feel a deep sense of calling to denominational ministry. They all want to serve CRC congregations effectively and are committed to strengthening our ability to do so,” Postma said.
“The CRC continues to be in a challenging season where we are trying to regain a sense of footing, stability, and identity. The way that The Banner, ReFrame, Thrive, and the other ministries and agencies are able to work together to achieve this is setting us up well as a community.”
The Banner: Lora Copley Appointed Editor
Lora Copley, who has served as interim editor of The Banner since Dec. 1, 2025, was officially confirmed this week as the publication’s permanent editor.
Copley is the first woman appointed editor in The Banner’s 160-year history. An ordained minister of the Word, she brings a wide range of ministry experience to the role, along with a passion for storytelling, discipleship, and renewal within the denomination.
“I hope that The Banner can be an encouraging space — a positive, unifying vision of what God is doing to grow his church,” Copley said. “There are so many encouraging things happening in local spaces throughout the denomination, and sometimes we can get so caught up in the macro that we lose sight of that.”
Copley holds a bachelor of arts degree in theology from Dordt University and a master of divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. She has served as a coordinator and instructor for the Leadership Development Network in Classis Red Mesa and has worked in a variety of congregational ministry roles including worship, preaching, youth ministry, and congregational care.
Read more about Copley in The Banner’s full announcement.
ReFrame Ministries: Darrell Delaney Named Director
Darrell Delaney has been named the new director of ReFrame Ministries, succeeding Kurt Selles, whose retirement becomes effective July 2, 2026.
Delaney has served with ReFrame since 2021 as co-host of Groundwork, ReFrame’s weekly podcast and radio program. He brings more than a decade of experience in pastoral leadership, organizational development, and media ministry to the role. Prior to joining ReFrame, he served as pastor of Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids and as a campus minister at Grand Valley State University.
“I am drawn to the global reach and spiritual depth of ReFrame,” Delaney said. “It aligns with my calling to clarify vision and form leaders. I am most excited about strengthening discipleship pathways and helping people connect identity in Christ with everyday life.”
An ordained minister of the Word, Delaney has spent much of his ministry helping people engage Scripture and grow in discipleship through both local church leadership and media outreach.
Learn more about Delaney and his vision for ReFrame in their full story.
Thrive: Lee Carter Appointed Director
Lee Carter has been appointed director of Thrive, succeeding Lesli Van Milligen, whose retirement takes effect May 29, 2026.
Carter brings extensive ministry and organizational leadership experience to the role, along with a passion for spiritual formation, collaboration, and healthy team development.
“What drew me to Thrive is the opportunity to join a team deeply committed to thoughtful, faithful service that strengthens local churches in their calling to embody the Kingdom of God in their local contexts,” Carter said.
“What excites me most is the possibility of serving in ways that support and strengthen leaders in their calling and capacity for the mission of God. I see meaningful opportunities ahead for Thrive to continue walking with churches in a spirit of humility, collaboration, and hope.”
Before joining Thrive, Carter served for nearly nine years as executive vice president of Scripture Engagement at Bible League International and spent more than 20 years with the organization overall. His background includes strategic leadership, team development, and organizational growth. He currently attends Bethel Church, a CRC congregation, in Illinois.
Carter holds a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University, a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from North Park University, and a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Montana.
Read a more in-depth feature on Carter and his vision for Thrive here.
A Season of Transition
Denominational leaders expressed optimism as the appointments were confirmed during the Council of Delegates meeting.
Dan DeKam, director of operations for the U.S. ministry board, participated in multiple search teams throughout the process.
“We feel that the passion of these leaders will be vital for forming healthy teams, and their vast experiences across different ministry contexts position them well to lead the ministries of the CRCNA into their next season,” DeKam said.
“I’m especially encouraged by how their work will strengthen connections between our ministries and support the broader mission we share as a denomination.”
General Secretary Zachary King also reflected positively on the appointments.
“We are thrilled to welcome these three gifted leaders into roles that are central to the mission of the CRCNA,” King said. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to serving our congregations. I am confident their leadership will foster renewal and shared purpose across the denomination and beyond.”
As these leaders begin their new roles, CRC News will continue sharing updates on their work and the future of these ministries.
