Jesus Friends Seva: Synod Votes to Simplify, Clarify Cross-Borders Relationship of the Christian Reformed Church

Task force proposal promises to help US and Canadian congregations work together more easily.

What’s the relationship between the Christian Reformed Church in North America in Canada and the Christian Reformed Church in North America in the United States?

It’s complicated.

The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRC) is single denomination. But legally it exists as two separate entities—one incorporated in Michigan, the other north of the border. Bound together by faith and history, they carry out their work through joint ministry agreements.

How the two operate in unison can be a bit confusing even for those within the churches.

“There is a lot of fog in the system, and it is hard to figure out what is expected and how we can move forward for the benefit of the church,” said Albert Postma, newly appointed transitional Canadian executive director.

The Structure and Leadership Task Force (SALT) Report—presented for approval at the CRCNA Synod 2022 and formally passed on Wednesday, June 15—will hopefully add some clarity to the relationship and help the Canadian churches comply with recent changes in nonprofit tax law. Its recommendations include:

Clarify ecclesiastical, ecumenical, and synodical responsibilities between countries.
Clarify governance responsibilities and interrelationships between boards of directors and advisers in Canada and the United States.
Clarify the administrative responsibilities between countries.
Clarify ministry responsibilities between countries.
Affirm that joint ministry agreements will be approved by relevant governing authorities.
Affirm the process of developing and overseeing joint ministry agreements.

The task force is also recommending adjustments to the leadership structure, including the establishment of an office of general secretary. ...