New Video Describes 'Our Calling'

For nearly 160 years, the Christian Reformed Church has responded to God’s gracious call by planting and nurturing the seed of faith “in sanctuaries and schools, in hospitals and homeless shelters, in evangelism and relief work across North America and far beyond,” says a new video.

The short video titled “Our Calling” features CRC members reflecting on ways in which the church seeks to express God’s love.

Once known as “five streams,” the five callings are: gospel proclamation and worship; global mission; mercy and justice; faith formation, and servant leadership.

Fast-paced and reflecting the diversity of the CRC, the video is available online or as a download for showing at church services or other gatherings.

After watching a preview of the video, one pastor commented: “I feel like I've just heard ‘for God so loved the world’ for the first time.”

Another viewer said the video “made me well up. I thought, this is what my church is, or could be.”

The video poses questions such as: “How can we as followers of Christ be stewards of shalom in every endeavor and encounter?” or how the church can respond to the apathy that grips many faith communities.

At the end, a chorus of voices echoes:  “I believe … I believe … I believe … I believe this is our calling … this is our church … engaging and serving in God’s world today … For God so loved the world.”

You can find a description of the callings, together with a list of the agencies and ministries that fall under each area, on a page called What We Do on the CRC’s website.