Synod 2008 honored Gary Mulder, director of Faith Alive Christian Resources, as he prepares to retire this year.
Mulder, 65, has directed the denomination’s publishing ministry for 24 years. During his first five years he developed an organizational framework for an effective publishing ministry for what was then the newly formed CRC Board of Publications.
Since then the agency has been renamed Faith Alive and has provided many new resources for churches in the CRC and several other denominations.
Mulder says there have been several high and low points for him during his tenure. High points include the new publishing partnership with the Reformed Church in America, the adoption of the every household Banner, and working with the high-quality staff of Faith Alive and other CRC agencies.
Mulder said an ongoing low point has been “that many Reformed church leaders don’t seem to perceive that it is important to use church education materials from a Reformed perspective.”
Some challenges he sees ahead for Faith Alive and the new director are how to serve the increasing diversity in Reformed denominations; how to incorporate DVDs, the Internet, and other communication technology in published materials; how to make progress in ethnic diversity on staff and in developing resources; and how to remain financially viable.
In retirement Mulder plans to continue a part-time position as director for the Protestant Church-owned Publisher’s Association. He and his wife, Donna, plan to travel, be campground hosts in the summer, and volunteer in their new home community of Washington, D.C.
