Synod 2011 mandated a task force to review the administrative structure of the Christian Reformed Church—its organization, culture, and leadership.
Synod adopted a statement that noted, “The abrupt and painful resignations of key leaders in our denomination demonstrates the need for the task force.”
The CRC’s executive director Rev. Jerry Dykstra resigned in April, and Sandy Johnson resigned from the director of denominational ministries position in May.
Other reasons given for the task force were that “conflicting governance and administrative structures need resolution” and “the current organizational culture is unhealthy.”
The new task force will comprise the interim executive director, two Board of Trustees (BOT) members, two denominational staff, three CRC members at large, a Synod 2011 delegate from the advisory committee that handled the matter, and an expert in organizational development. The task force will report to Synod 2012.
“We need to grow in our denominational culture. . . . We want to see growth in the way we relate to one another,” said Rev. Mark Vermaire, outgoing president of the CRC’s Board of Trustees.
For more coverage while synod is in session, including webcasts, photos, a discussion forum, reports, and more, see the Synod 2011 website.
About the Author
Roxanne VanFarowe is a freelance writer who claims both Canadian and American citizenship and grew up in the Christian Reformed Church. She is a member of Blacknall Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina.
