Growing Native American Ministries

Historically the Christian Reformed Church's ministry among Native Americans has primarily been with the Zuni and Navajo tribes living in and near Gallup, N. M. But that work is likely to expand to include Native American tribes across the United States now that Rev. Stanley Jim, a Navajo, has been named by Christian Reformed Home Missions to be part of a newly formed Ethnic Ministry Council.

Jim's job will involve training and developing Native American leaders and teams across the country to do ministry among their people, to start churches, and to bring the message of Christ to as many people—Native Americans especially—as possible. Jim also envisions using leadership clusters throughout North America to accomplish his vision of helping to provide a better life for Native Americans in need.

"I want to dream, cast vision, and be a resource to the CRC, and I'm passionate about new Native American Christian ministries becoming self-sustaining and incarnational," says Jim.

With more than 500 Native American tribes represented in the U.S. alone, he has a huge ministry ahead of him. But he is excited to see the church broadening its reach to include more Native Americans.

"We want to bring all tribes to Jesus in obedience to God's word to 'Go ye into all nations,'" says Jim. "We must warmly welcome our Native American brothers and sisters into our church community. It's key to building relationships with them."

To learn more about the Home Missions Ethnic Ministry Council, see www.crcna.org/ pages/crhm_ethnicministry.cfm.