Free stuff! Discounted stuff! And not just a one-time sale, but all the time if you are Christian Reformed Church member buying for your church.
What stuff? Hundreds of resources from Faith Alive Christian Resources. Why? Because the ministry shares dollars that helped pay for the resources came from CRC members. “We want to maximize the impact of these CRC-produced resources throughout our churches,” said Steve Timmermans, executive director of the CRC.
The products include Bible studies, children’s curriculum, devotionals, worship resources, and more. If it is for your church use (including small groups) you get print discounts or free digital products. The digital library doesn’t include everything, including hymnals, because of copyright restrictions. And digital products may not be printed. “We recognize that in some cases, digital is best. In other situations, print copies are best. This new pilot program helps churches with both,” said Tim Postuma of the CRC’s Ministry Support Services department.
Postuma said that if CRC members like and use the digital library, it opens the possibility of developing new resources in a digital-first format.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the digital library will be available in stages, Postuma said. Church members can sign up now to receive free digital stuff starting in mid-April. The 20 percent discount on print materials takes effect in June. Postuma said that the response has been great. “We had 600 signups in the first 24 hours and 1,500 in the first week. But we need each church to spread the word.”
Not a member of the CRC? You’re among the half of Faith Alive customers who will have to pay full price for resources except for specific sale items.
For more information see crcna.org/library.
About the Author
Gayla Postma retired as news editor for The Banner in 2020.
