CRC Holds Post-Synod Consultation with African Church Leaders

The time spent making introductions was an important element of the recent, first-time consultation between Christian Reformed Church in North America leaders and church leaders from east and southern Africa.

“It was good to hear one another’s stories and to learn about each other’s ministries,” said Steven Timmermans, executive director of the CRC.

“This was the first time we’ve ever done something like this.” Timmermans added. “We met as a way to bridge the world of our ecumenical relations with these churches to learn about and look at ways in which we can partner with one another in ministries and programs.”

The Post-Synod East African Program Consultation took place on Friday, June 16, the day after Synod 2017 adjourned, on the campus of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill.

African church leaders, several of whom offered greetings to Synod 2017, came from Kenya, the Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Africa to take part in the consultation.

CRC leaders represented the church’s agencies, institutions, ministries, and affiliated ministries, including Calvin College, Calvin Theological Seminary, the Office of Social Justice, Resonate Global Mission, World Renew, Timothy Leadership Training Institute, and Partners Worldwide.

Attending the consultation “helped us as ministries and agencies of the CRCNA to learn and share with our brothers from Africa in a mutually discerning way what God is doing in each of our contexts and to identify ways that we can continue to strengthen each other in our ministries,” said Ida Kaastra-Mutoigo, codirector of World Renew.

She said she was pleased to hear from Woyita Olla, a leader of the Kale Heywet Church in Ethiopia, that World Renew's work with their development commission was effective in combating hunger during the recent drought affecting eastern Africa.

Education was one of the issues that played an important role in the consultation.

“Many new universities with Christian roots are starting in various countries,” said Joel Carpenter, director of the Nagel Institute for World Christianity at Calvin College.

“Churches [in North America] are recognizing that our role in society is changing and we need to be involved in education. How do you do this in an integrally Christian way?”

Like many African denominations, he said, the churches at the consultation are encountering rapid church growth and often lack educated pastors to help respond to the growth.

“Pastoral and lay ministry training at the grassroots was one of their most imperative concerns,” he said.

At the meeting, Calvin Theological Seminary President Jul Medenblik pointed out resources that the seminary makes available, such as its visiting scholar program and distance-learning program. Assistance is also offered to individuals who want to study for a degree at the seminary.

“The post-synod gathering . . .  deepened and broadened the network for us and for the African church leaders that were present,” said the seminary president.

The African church leaders at the meeting discussed some of the challenges they face in furthering the education of pastors and others. They said accessing the Internet, even when it is available, is costly. Few people have computers.

Despite the challenges they face, said Carpenter, “the work of these Reformed church leaders was really impressive.”

Ron Geerlings, director of international ministries in Africa and Europe for Resonate Global Mission, said the consultation showed that “the possibilities for ministry connections and partnerships within the eastern and southern Africa region were clear.”

And, he said, “This was especially highlighted by the potential for South African churches and institutions to serve the region and beyond.”

Mwaya Wa Kitavi, a missionary leader for eastern and southern Africa with Resonate Global Mission, said there are things the CRC can offer African churches, such as a comprehensive world-and-life view.

“‎For a long time, the church in Africa has been preparing her members for heaven only and neglecting the reality of here and now,” he said.

“The CRC is strong in the belief that the whole world belongs to God and that there is not a square inch of life where God does not say this is mine.”

This too connects with education.

“In Africa, Christian education means reading the Bible and singing a Christian song and prayer, but, while these are important things to have, they don't equal a full Christian education. . . . The CRC can bring these blessings [for education] to bear in African schools,” said Kitavi.

Also, there is what the CRC can learn from African churches. While membership is dwindling in North America, membership in African churches is skyrocketing.

“The CRC can learn how to evangelize, recognizing the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, and how prayer is an integral part of revival,” said Kitavi.

Patrick Jok Ding Wic of the Sudanese Reformed Church, who spoke to synod delegates about both the hope and horror presented by the ongoing civil war in his country, also attended the consultation — and appreciated participating at each event.

The gatherings in Palos Heights, he said, “have been an encouragement for us. We realize we are not alone. . . . And I’ve met my brothers . . . and now I know them and can call them.”