Synod 2026 accepted a review of the work of World Renew, part of a rotating evaluation schedule of Christian Reformed agencies adopted by Synod 2025.
Synod recommitted to its covenantal relationship with the relief and development agency and encouraged congregations to create opportunities for World Renew to report and share their many resources and campaigns. Congregations are encouraged to take four offerings per year for World Renew, which does not receive ministry shares—pooled contributions from congregations—from the denomination.
Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It met June 12-18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Carol Bremer-Bennett, U.S. director of World Renew, and Peter Timmerman, Canadian director, shared a presentation, including testimonials, of what the agency does.
World Renew was founded in 1962. Part of its mission is to be compelled by God’s deep passion for justice and mercy and join with communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation. We “minister in Christ’s name, to those stressed by war, poverty, or crisis,” said Bremer-Bennett.
World Renew reported walking alongside 720,633 participants in 1,449 communities in 30 countries in 2025. The areas it has partners include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Timmerman shared a story from Northern Nigeria, where a 35-year-old mother fleeing violence was cut off from her farm and stream of income. She struggled to feed her children and in a crowded camp she and her children often went hungry. She constantly worried for their health. Through “the support of World Renew and our partners, she received a monthly cash allowance, training, and (participated in) a space for pregnant mothers to learn about nutrition.” As her children gained weight, the woman “started a support group to teach other women in the camp what she had learned.”
Synod evaluated World Renew’s activities against the CRC’s four milestones. Regarding cultivating practices of prayer and spiritual discipline, Bremer-Bennett said prayer is not an add-on, but a posture in World Renew.
To some questions about whether World Renew is overly focused on human needs and missing an emphasis on the fundamentals of the Christian faith, Timmerman said wherever World Renew is, they share the gospel and try to lead others to Christ, wherever they can, particularly through local church partners. Timmerman also added that, “our connection to the CRC is as strong as it can be.”
Synod commended the work of mercy carried out by World Renew and urged the churches to take at least four offerings per year in lieu of ministry-share support.
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, met June 12-18 on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Go to crcna.org/synod for the livestream, photos, reports, and a live blog of synod proceedings and decisions. Find daily news and our video Synod Recap at thebanner.org/synod.