About Us

The time has come to consider and facilitate the development of a new way of being Canadian churches together. We have grown beyond our current structure; we are longing for a network which recognizes unique Canadian ministry needs. Across this country, there is a growing deep desire among many congregations to live out our calling together in responsive, accountable, and contextually fitting ways. For this reason, we look ahead to a time when those churches can join together, as missional, grace-shaped, and curious communities, having the ecclesiastical space needed to collaborate together thoughtfully, carefully and respectfully for the mission of God entrusted to us. This call is not a rejection of our U.S. siblings in Christ, nor our Reformed heritage, but a fitting step forward that will further the flourishing of God’s work in us and through us in Canada. This step began at the All Canada Church Summit in Kitchener, November 5-9; where prayerful conversations to follow the Spirit's leading occurred to possibly allow a new community of Reformed churches be born. A community that is based on these Core Commitments:

1. Rooted in the Bible and Reformed tradition.

2. Honouring local church leadership.

3. Listening and leading together.

4. Creative and engaged in our culture.

5. Open to learning and growing.

Our Values

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Rooted in Scripture and the Reformational Tradition

We are grounded in Scripture, centred on Jesus Christ, attentive to the Holy Spirit, and shaped by the Reformational tradition of renewal and faithful witness in Canada and our world.

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Communities of Belonging and Hospitality

Because we are reconciled through the gospel, we seek to embody welcome, justice, compassion, and authentic community for all people across Canada.

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Courageous and Creative Mission

Confident in Christ’s lordship over every square centimetre of creation, we engage our mosaic of cultures in Canada with humility, imagination, compassion, and courage as we share the hope of Jesus.

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Listening and Discerning Together

We seek God’s leading through prayer, humility, shared wisdom, and honest conversation, believing that discernment is best practiced in community.

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Honouring Local Churches in Covenant Community

We value the leadership and calling of local Canadian churches while committing ourselves to mutual encouragement, accountability, and shared mission together.

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Faithful Stewardship

We steward God’s creation, resources, relationships, and gifts with wisdom, gratitude, and hope for the flourishing of future generations in Canada.

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Lifelong Formation

We pursue ongoing spiritual growth, humility, curiosity, and learning as we continue to seek God and be renewed together in Christ.

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Statement of Faith

As followers of Jesus Christ, we declare with joy and trust that our world belongs to God. We are grateful for more than a century of nurture in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and seek to live out our faith through a Reformed witness in our distinctive Canadian culture. Our faith is rooted in the belief that our only comfort in life and death is that we belong to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. We strive to embody and witness the gospel in the Canadian context, united by God’s Word, creeds, confessions, sacraments, and covenant relationships.

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Our Team

We are a growing group of members and former members of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, who feel that the time is right for those churches which are disaffiliating, to develop a new home to enable them to continue to serve God and their neighbours. Our Board is composed of dedicated members who guide our mission and vision. The team includes:

Everett Vander Horst, Chair (Ancaster, ON)

Ken Tigchelaar, Clerk (Dundas, ON)

Gord Vlieg, Treasurer (St. Albert, AB)

Catalyst church representatives:
Gayle Monsma, The River Church (Edmonton, AB)
Karen Gerristma, Jubilee Fellowship (St. Catharines, ON)
Ray Hendriks, Meadowlands Fellowship (Ancaster, ON)
TBA, Gardens Community Church of St. Albert

At-large members:
Shiao Chong (Etobicoke, ON)
Michelle Kool (St. Albert, AB)
John Valk (Fredericton, NB)

Staff:
Peter Bulthuis, Director of Engagement (Ancaster, ON)
Amy Field, Administrator (Edmonton, AB)

History

For more than 120 years, the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Canada has served God in uniquely Canadian ways. The CRC in Canada has been distinct due in part to its unique cultural and historical context. It originated with Dutch immigrants and developed a Reformed presence supported by U.S. missionaries. Post-World War II, many new churches were formed, often as Dutch enclaves. The CRC in Canada has emphasized diaconal outreach and social justice, all the while maintaining strong ecumenical relationships. Recent governance challenges have led to advocacy for more autonomy.

Timeline of Christian Reformed Church in Canada

(selected dates and events) *

1905

First CRC in Canada: southern Alberta

By Toward CRC Canada