Synod Approves Unifying World, Home Mission Agencies
Rev. Gary Bekker and Rev. Moses Chung
Karen Huttenga
Synod 2015 overwhelmingly approved a proposal to unify Christian Reformed Home Missions (CRHM) and Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM) into one global mission agency.
The mandate for the unified agency is to “give leadership to the denomination in its task of bringing the gospel holistically to the people of North America and the world, and drawing them into fellowship with Christ and his church.”
While the two agencies have been encouraged for years to work closely together, the leaders of the agencies said that unification is timely, strategic, and stewardly.
Colin Watson, Sr., the CRC’s director of ministries and administration who also previously served as president of the board of World Missions, noted, “Most people groups are no longer bound by geographies.
“Now strategies used by agencies can be exchanged by each agency to be more effective…in obedience to God’s call. The proposal before you is all about increasing/becoming more stewardly and able to do more ministry.”
Rev. Moses Chung, director of Home Missions, added, “We live in a changing, shrinking world. Domestic boundaries are less relevant or helpful. Facing challenges in a diverse world, we believe that as one agency we can come alongside local congregations to face the mission challenge.”
Chung said that the existing agency structures have served the church well, but the time has come to break down barriers. “...We need to be thinking and preparing for the future. It’s here!”
World Missions director Rev. Gary Bekker agreed. “This is about liveliness of the gospel in the CRCNA … and serving the Lord of the ages in the age where he has placed us.”
Rev. Paul Im, Classis Hanmi, asked whether the change would affect the support now given to the Korean churches. Committee reporter Rev. Jose Rayas said that in his ministry in Texas, he had both Home Mission and World Mission support, and that would continue.
Rev. Merle Den Bleyker, Classis Arizona, also said that in his experience as a pastor in Berwyn, Ill., the distinction between the two agencies quickly blurred.
Rev. Josiah Chung, Classis Grand Rapids East, expressed his support of the unification. He said he sees it helping as he pastors international students.
Rev. Gerald Koning, Classis Georgetown, a former missionary in El Salvador, said that by joining, “We fill the need for missional pastors working in a local context.” Rev. Stanley Jim, Classis Red Mesa, observed, “This allows us to be missionaries in our own backyard.”
Some delegates wondered about how the transition would proceed. They were told that, while there will be learning along the way, the agencies have a detailed plan.
After approving the unification, delegates surrounded the two directors as executive director Steven Timmermans prayed, thanking God for visionary leaders who dreamed and worked very hard, and asking that God will now give them a calm spirit as the work of unification moves forward.
For continuous coverage of Synod 2015 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.
