Mike Johnson, chair of the COD’s Resonate Global Mission Committee, introduced discussion of the proposed plan with a sense of incredulous gratitude: Last year at this time we were discussing cutting grants for church planting, and now we’re close to approving a full church-planting plan.

Lee Carter, a member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Ill., and past executive VP of scriptural engagement at Bible League International, has been approved to lead the CRC’s Thrive ministry.

‘The Lord is using ReFrame to get his word out far and wide.’

The Banner has been without an editor-in-chief since June 2025. Interim editor Lora Copley is the Council of Delegates’ recommendation to synod for the long-term appointment.

The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church met by video conference Feb. 4-6, receiving ministry reports, updates on budget projections, and matters to share with Synod 2026.

Synod 2026 anticipates a 10-year planting and renewal plan for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. The Council of Delegates glimpsed the renewal pathway at its February meeting.

The recently formed Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee of the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates will be the mechanism for diverse networking groups, such as Consejo Latino, to share reports with synod.

A review of the team created to support individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church suggests extending the mandate while equipping other resolution-seeking structures.

The Council of Delegates of the CRCNA named six people to the inaugural Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry committee, expected to meet at least twice in the 2025-26 ministry year.

Roberta Vriesema is the new director of partnership administration for the CRCNA, with responsibilities in governance and compliance, joint ministry plans, and budgets.

The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates approved two recommendations for Synod 2026 to consider to reduce denominational costs but rejected a proposal of establishing assessments.

Cuts to Resonate Global Mission’s budget, in line with decreased revenue from ministry share giving, is prompting a deep look at the funding model for the vital function of church planting.

The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church in North America heard an interim report from its task force to tackle synod funding and governance cost.

Adopting a Statement of Appreciation for the Bi-Nationality of the CRCNA was one of the items on the agenda of the U.S. Ministry Board of the Christian Reformed Church as it met May 8.

With ministry share giving down, the Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church is considering “ways to reduce governance costs, fund synod, and use time wisely.” A report will come in May.

Summary: A recent meeting of the COD included reviewing and sending back for edits a proposed update to the process for receiving exceptions to the Statement of Beliefs of the Christian Reformed Church. It ended with a unison, virtual reciting of the CRCNA’s mission statement

The Canada and U.S. Ministry Boards of the Christian Reformed Church in North America met Oct.17, discussing “Toward CRC Canada” and creating a building maintenance fund with proceeds of the denominational building sale.

The CRC’s Council of Delegates welcomed new members, discussed the One Family Conversation approach to classis leadership, reviewed some sobering financial numbers, and more.

The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church approved starting Synod 2025 and future synods with a virtual convening to elect officers.

The CRC's Council of Delegates has appointed Joel Vande Werken as the denomination’s first director of ecclesiastical governance, starting in mid-November.

Synod 2024’s measures to ensure leaders in the CRCNA remain in line with the denomination’s confessional teachings are having an impact on the makeup of the Council of Delegates.

The Christian Reformed Church in North America’s new role of director of ecclesiastical governance will emphasize spiritual practices in the church’s assemblies.

One of 10 planned Gather events is complete. The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates heard feedback, and some planned adjustments.