2012 Agenda for Synod - Christian Reformed Church

C. Youth ministry and young adult ministries
The denomination does not have its own youth ministry office, having for
many years directed congregations to the ministry resources of its independent
partner, Dynamic Youth Ministries (DYM), which is made up of the
Calvinist Cadet Corps, GEMS Girls’ Clubs, and Youth Unlimited. As a result,
the Network serves as the CRC’s connection point with DYM. In addition,
the Network presently sponsors an interagency task force on youth ministry.
More recently an initiative was developed under the umbrella of the Leadership
Exchange that is focused on young adult ministries. Currently there is a
discussion about how to more meaningfully link this initiative with overall
denominational interests. A Young Adult Summit is being planned for June
2012. Finally, attention is being given to how to relate both youth and young
adult ministries with the Faith Formation initiative being considered as a
comprehensive approach to these ministries.
D. Sustaining Congregational Excellence
In July 2007 a denominational program, Sustaining Congregational Excellence
(SCE; www.crcna.org/sce), began encouraging and walking alongside
smaller CRC congregations to foster health in their ministries.
SCE programming is intended primarily for churches with 150 active,
professing members or fewer. Of 1,069 CRC congregations overall, 65 percent
fall into this category. As of February 2012, 71 percent of smaller Canadian
churches and 64 percent of smaller U.S. churches had participated in SCE in
some way.
SCE offers five types of grants—Health and Renewal, Technology and
Equipment (TE), Technology and Equipment Training, Coaching for Churches,
Coaching for Pastors—and regional learning events for congregational
leaders and a multimedia preaching seminar.
Health and Renewal grants allow congregations to create and design
a project that fits their ministry setting. Many appreciate the freedom this
offers versus a one-size-fits-all approach. The Health and Renewal projects
have resulted in wonderful stories of renewed hope, life-giving encounters,
strengthened relationships, stronger leadership, successful outreach, engaged
youth, and encouraged pastors.
Technology and equipment purchased with SCE funds benefit smaller
congregations in significant ways. For example, having equipment function
properly during a worship service enhances worship and reduces stress
levels for those in leadership. Often, receiving a Technology and Equipment
grant is a church’s first step toward other SCE opportunities.
There are two coaching options within SCE—one for the pastor and one
for the pastor and a ministry leader. The second option was somewhat of an
experiment and has proven to be quite successful.
Each year SCE holds a number of regional learning events. These events
bring leaders from twelve smaller congregations together for mutual learning,
support, and encouragement. A variety of topics related to congregational
health are presented in a creative and interactive format. Attendees share
best practices, meet with denominational personnel, and are given tools to
apply in their ministries. As of February 2012, 286 congregations have attended
a learning event.
42 Board of Trustees report AgendA for Synod 2012