More than 1,700 people have now signed up to receive free access to hundreds of Faith Alive Christian Resources titles through the Christian Reformed Church’s new Digital Library.
Meanwhile, the Facebook post announcing the Digital Library, along with a 20 percent print discount on Faith Alive books and resources for churches and members starting in June, has had a record number of shares and likes.
“So far, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement from both CRC churches and members,” said Tim Postuma of CRC Ministry Support Services.
“We had 600 people sign up for the Digital Library in the first 24 hours after the announcement was made in late February. And over 100 churches shared it on their own Facebook pages.”
The Digital Library aims to make it easier and more cost-effective for churches and members to access resources to support their local ministries.
People can access it any time of the day or night, from anywhere, on any device connected to the web. People who have signed up for the library will be given access to the library on a first-come, first-served basis starting in April.
Everyone who has signed up will be notified by email when they can access the library. To sign up, visit crcna.org/Library. People are encouraged to share the news with other CRC members and their churches.
Here are some of the responses to the Digital Library announcement:
“This is exciting! Our congregation has always made good use of the excellent resources for all ages available from right within our own denomination. More access with less expense is a real gift. Can't wait to explore the virtual shelves,” wrote All Nations CRC in California, in response to the Facebook announcement.
“This is a wonderful initiative of our denomination for CRC members,” said New Westminster CRC in Burnaby, B.C.
Dave Gifford, a Christian Reformed World Missions missionary in Mexico, said on Facebook that he appreciated the chance to have “free access to great books.”
"Wow! This is exciting, a great new way to access tons of great resources!” added Living Hope CRC in Peterborough, Ont.
The Digital Library will include the majority of Faith Alive’s products, including Bible studies, children’s ministry curricula, worship resources, small group studies, and youth resources. There will be some exclusions, however, such as hymnals, due to copyright restrictions and song royalties.
While many other denominations also purchase Faith Alive’s resources, only Christian Reformed churches and members will have access to the Digital Library. The reason for this is that only Christian Reformed churches make contributions toward Ministry Shares, which make possible much of the CRCNA’s domestic and global ministry, including resource development.
About the Author
Chris Meehan is a freelance writer and commissioned pastor at Coit Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
