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Come to Detroit for Inspiration

September 21, 2016

Steve Timmermans is inviting all of those who are involved in ministry in their local churches to consider attending Inspire 2017 next summer in Detroit, Mich.

By attending the binational event, which is set for Aug. 3-5, 2017, participants can meet and be encouraged by others who are also involved in doing the work of God in communities, large and small, across North America and beyond, said Timmermans, the CRC executive director. Along the way, they may also be energized by the host city.

Inspire 2017 will gather people engaged in different ministries from around the CRC for three days of practical workshops, inspirational speakers, dynamic worship, and great conversation.

“The 2017 gathering will be a new kind of event for the CRC. It’s the first of its kind in terms of both size and structure,” said Timmermans.

“We’re making plans for 2,000 people to attend. Participants from the United States and Canada will have a chance to meet, interact, re-imagine, and energize one another and to consider how the church can better serve the people God sends us.

“This gathering is a big deal for our denomination. It’s a chance to get together and commit to equipping our ministry leaders and volunteers, and a way to usher in an exciting period of revitalization and conversation about how we do ministry in the CRC,” said Timmermans.

Inspire organizers picked Detroit to meet since it is centrally located on the border with Canada, just across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ont., making it a good spot for church members from either country to come.

In addition, Detroit has an inspiring story to tell, said Paula Wigboldy, who is helping to coordinate the gathering.

With creativity and a willingness to consider new ways, this city has rebounded from bankruptcy and other challenges and is drawing people of all ages and backgrounds to join long-time residents in making Detroit their home, she said.

“Rebuilding has required people to come together to think and act with a common purpose at every horizon,” she said.

Wigboldy added: “God is bringing us to Detroit. Is it because it was available? Or centrally located? Or affordable?” Or, Wigboldy wonders, “if perhaps, God had something there for us to study and learn.”

Wigboldy, the owner of a speaker marketing company, said she is excited to be part of the planning process because she’s been there, volunteering in the local church in many capacities and thinks the connections to be made at this event will have a huge impact on those who attend.

Often, said Wigboldy, people who are involved in ministry in the church have family commitments and jobs in addition to their work at church. This limits their opportunity to dig deep into their ministry, she said.

Making connections with people from other congregations can give these volunteers resources, encouragement, and insights to help them in their ministry, said Wigboldy.  

“We’ve put together this event to nurture, encourage and support the endeavors of those who are doing ministry in various ways in the local church,” said Wigboldy, who worships at Faith Christian Fellowship, a CRC congregation in Walnut Creek, Calif.

“We want to pour into the servants of the local church to  inspire and remind them that God has called them — and given them the gifts — to do his work where they are,” said Wigboldy.

“This event will give people the chance to encourage others with their story of how God is always faithful  and will remind people that each is doing God’s work with others,” she said.

The details of the event are still being knit together, but every detail will be for the purpose of filling and energizing the attendees. The goal is to have each attendee say, “Let’s do this again!” said Wigboldy.

 “Perhaps, at Inspire 2017, we can blend our voices, raise our prayers, and soften our hearts to what God has in mind for the CRCNA. 

“If we allow ourselves to be nimble, open to innovation, find creative options, and create places that allow for different ideas and models to come together to do God’s work here on earth, we will renew ourselves for the power of Holy Spirit in our churches.”

To receive planning updates, and registration material about Inspire 2017, click here. 

“We'd be delighted to have you come and participate. See you in Detroit,” said Wigboldy.