Delegates to Synod 2009 had a chance to hear about the CRC’s newest plan to better connect member churches with the denomination and with each other.
It’s called the Network for Congregations and will “serve as the connection point for discipleship, prayer, spiritual formation, youth engagement, small group ministries, and similar resources presently scattered throughout denominational offices, ministries, and agencies,” states the report to synod from the denomination’s Board of Trustees.
“What is a network?” asked Rev. Michael Bruinooge, interim director of the network. “It is multiple connection points sharing a common purpose—in this case the vitality of the local church. The Network is a way of adding value to the structure we already have.”
The new office will provide a “proactive communication network to link the workings of the church with the local congregations,” said Keith Oosthoek, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Many of our congregations are designing programs and structures that have already been built or tried in other churches, unaware of the work that’s already taken place.”
About the Author
Dan Postma is an occasional reporter for The Banner.
