Orientation Attendees Informed, Inspired
What happens when you mix a group of new Christian Reformed Home Missions (CRHM) campus pastors and church planters in the same room and ask them about their ministry’s vision? Excited and passionate voices erupt, as men and women share their hearts with each other.
That was the scene recently during CRHM’s Orientation for new church planters and campus pastors. The annual three-day event, held at the Christian Reformed Church office in Grand Rapids, Mich., gave church planters and campus ministers an introduction to CRHM, the denomination, and other agencies, and helped encourage networking, resource sharing, and building relationships.
This year, CRHM brought 11 church planters and four campus ministers together for the orientation.
"Attendees displayed an outward passion for the specific context and ministry God has called them to," says orientation planner Janice Buist.
"Orientation was a rich time of equipping, empowering, and encouraging the hearts and minds of individuals serving in Home Missions-supported ministries."
Reflecting the hearts and thoughts of many others in CRHM, Buist says the orientation will have a lasting impact on those who attended.
"What lingers after attendees depart for home is deep gratitude and a vibrant picture of the work God is doing through Home Missions.”
Throughout the event, participants were able to network and learn more not only about the work of CRHM, but engage in conversations with presenters about topics such as coaching, contextualized mission, Reformed identity, multiculturalism, and communications.
Another highlight this year was a presentation from CRHM advancement director Nate VanderStelt on raising resources for kingdom causes.
Biblical framework and fundamental fundraising strategies and tools were shared, followed by a lunchtime visit from a local business owner who shared insights on being approached for donations.
Carl and Jan Van Voorst, planters of Hope for Life Community Church in Watertown, South Dakota, attended the orientation and found it to be very helpful, connecting them with others and offering insights and information they will use in their work.
"It truly was a wonderful and very helpful time for us. We now have many more friends that we can journey with as we bring the Gospel to communities through new churches and on university campuses," says Carl Voorst.
"It was good to be introduced to many folks from the denomination who are praying for us, instructing us, and providing resources. Jan and I have identified about a dozen things we want to do differently or start doing. May our gracious God be glorified and blessed by our joint efforts."
