It Can Be Everyone’s myCRC
The Christian Reformed Church’s online information hub The Network has launched a new feature called myCRC, which looks to "capture stories, experiences, and perspectives on being CRC."
Above all, the new initiative gives people a chance to tell and share their stories as fully as they want, providing examples and anecdotes of what the CRC means to them.
Open to everyone from the elderly to the younger set, the site also allows people to reflect on the strengths they see that can help lead the CRC into the future.
"We want to retain our rich theological tradition at the same time we try to tap into new voices," says Michael Bruinooge, coordinator of The Network.
Philosophically, myCRC fits neatly with the mission of The Network, which is in the "business of connecting people to help them in their ministries."
Launched 10 months ago, The Network has grown steadily, connecting church members on a variety of issues. Each week, the site receives thousands of visits and more than a hundred posts from users sharing ideas with each other.
"The Network offers the opportunity for conversation," says Bruinooge. "So far, most visitors just read and haven't yet started a conversation. But we know they are visiting the site, and we hope that they get more comfortable and will start to enter into conversations."
The Network is also "a resource tool, putting in one place things we'd like people in the denomination to know about," says Bruinooge.
Far from a being a top-down, bureaucratic information tool, the site is a marketplace with everyone being on the same level and having the opportunity to share their feelings and ideas honestly.
Bruinooge says myCRC is also looking for responses from people who are "newer, enthusiastic members of churches; those who may bring a different theological background to the CRC. We’d love to hear their voices."
The hope is that the site can also serve as platform on which people can let denominational leadership know what they are thinking so their thoughts and stories could play a role in crafting a new identity statement for the CRC.
"We want to know what people are thinking about the church in today's world, to add their voices to a chorus of voices expressing what it means to be Christian Reformed," says Bruinooge.
"By sharing each of our perspectives, we hope to learn more about each other and about our collective identity as a denomination."
So far, people have written about the richness of the CRC’s Reformed tradition, the comforting, family nature of one’s church, and the sovereignty of God.
Specifically, myCRC encourages people to write about their personal thoughts or experiences related to any or all of these five questions.
- Tell your story of why you're Christian Reformed. If you were born into the CRC, what keeps you here?
- What do you love about your local Christian Reformed church?
- Which CRC beliefs or practices do you especially treasure?
- Is being part of a denomination important? Why or why not?
- What comes to mind when you hear the word "Reformed"?
To add your perspective on these questions, visit www.crcna.org/myCRC
