Synod 2026 agreed that the Christian Reformed Church in North America needs vision and mission statements that are more specific and better reflect the Christ-centered vision of the CRCNA. It asked the general secretary to form a group to work on this over the next year.
The decision came in response to a request from Classis Minnkota, which asked that the current mission and vision statements be replaced. Instead of going with exactly what Minnkota sent, synod asked the CRC’s general secretary, Zach King, to form a committee of various voices from across the denomination to work on the update and give an initial report to Synod 2027.
Synod said the new statements should “emphasize the work of the Triune God—revealed in Christ, proclaimed in the gospel, and lived out through the great commission—in keeping with our Reformed identity.”
Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is meeting June 12-18 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The vision statement was last updated in 2005, the mission statement in 1997. Delegates agreed it’s time for a change, suggesting the current statement is too broad and doesn’t explain what makes the CRC truly Reformed.
Brittany Clark, Classis Grand Rapids North, said it's important to know, as the CRC, what makes us specifically unique, and to be proud of who we are. “I think these statements are good for us as the church, and they’re not just for us, they are for outsiders looking in to know who we are.”
Darren Kornelis, Classis Central Plains, said, “I have been thoroughly encouraged by what appears to be a very positive vision and direction for the CRCNA” with the “desire for renewal and church planting.” New statements to reflect that make sense.
Kaitlyn Hofsink, young adult representative, concurred. “As we invite new people to participate in the CRC, we should be clear what that means. … Having an opportunity to revise is a really timely thing right now.”
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting 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.