A Letter From the Canada Ministry Board

A Letter to the Christian Reformed Church in Canada:

Dear Members, Leaders, and Pastors of the Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, 

We, as Canada Ministry Board (CMB) members, wish to reach out to you to express our shared understanding of the diverse experiences we are all undergoing within the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) across Canada. 

At our meeting last week, we shared and discussed the variety of experiences and responses we are hearing from CRC members and leaders across Canada. This included the pain and hurt some of us are feeling. The sense of displacement, of feeling lost or of being compelled to leave — expressions of no longer recognizing the denomination that has long been ours — causes us profound sadness. As delegates from every classis across the country, we lament the loss of any member or church that is feeling alienated from our fellowship, for whatever reason. 

As the CMB, we know that some Canadians feel our denomination is now increasingly characterized by fear-based rhetoric and a striving for rigid uniformity, undermining grace, stifling open dialogue, and creating division. We see the ongoing tensions in the discussions around the inclusion of female leadership and the ordination of women, alongside those regarding human sexuality. We recognize the work done to hold these conversations with the posture of Biblical courage, humility, and love. This is hard work we as leaders and members are doing together. 

So, we hold fast to hope. We can all see and celebrate the countless acts of faithfulness within our congregations and communities that witness God's goodness. It is in faithful prayer and preaching, service, and witness that the true heart of the church is worked out. These are signs of life, even in turmoil. Events like GATHER are so encouraging in highlighting the daily, steadfast commitment of our congregations. At our recent meetings, the US Ministry Board delivered to the CMB an encouraging letter that recognized the distinct cultures of our countries while celebrating the historical unity that God has nurtured in the CRCNA. Together we prayed for continued cooperation for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. 

As board members, we believe the denomination exists to serve, strengthen, and equip us for the Lord's work. Our focus is fostering collaboration, support, and shared resources, so we may all flourish in doing the Lord’s work. We are asking Him to reveal creative measures, new perspectives and His help through change. We are committed to upholding the CRC Agencies and Ministries as they seek God’s guidance. 

In hosting Synod this summer there will be vast opportunities to show grace and Biblical hospitality to all who attend, as is our Canadian reputation. We ask that you pray with us that this will be a time marked by open-heartedness and Godly respect. May we witness much healing and reconciliation.

Looking ahead, the board eagerly anticipates the 2026 Canadian National Gathering, envisioning it as a valuable space to further explore and discuss how, together as Canadian CRC participants, we can collectively strengthen the health and vitality of our local congregations. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of learning from one another's experiences, offering mutual support and encouragement, and sharing approaches to ministry. Watch for further details to come, because we’d like to see you there. 

Please be assured that the Canadian Ministry Board remains committed to listening attentively and acting thoughtfully to support your local congregations in faithfully serving God within your unique contexts. We are united by the conviction that our churches offer a vital contribution to Canada. 

We want to hear from you, so please share with your CMB classes delegate what the Lord is laying on your hearts. Send your email to canada@crcna.org and your CMB delegate will be advised. 

Joining in prayer and labouring together in Christ, 
The CRCNA Canada Ministry Board - May 2025

Debbie Karambowich - classis Alberta South / Saskatchewan
Hyung-Jun Kim - classis BC North West
Andre VanRyk - classis BC South East
William Koopmans - classis Hamilton
Peter Meerveld - classis Huron
Janet deVries - classis Niagara
Phil Apoll - classis Ontario Southwest
Michael Irshad - classis Toronto
Joan DeVries- classis Eastern Canada
Greta Luimes - at-large delegate in classis Eastern Canada
Ron Van Auken - classis Quinte
Melissa Van Dyk - at-large delegate in classis BC North West
Roberta Vriesema - at-large delegate in classis Eastern Canada
Henry Eygenraam - at-large delegate in classis Toronto

C.C. Al Postma - Executive Director, CRCNA Canada Corporation