Reports of Ministries and Education Institutions Reports of Ministries and Educational Institutions 2021 2021 Reports of Ministries and Educational Institutions 2021 © 2021 Christian Reformed Church in North America 1700 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508-1407 U.S.A. The Christian Reformed Church is active in missions, education, publishing, media, pastoral care, advocacy, diaconal outreach, and youth ministry. To learn about our work in North America and around the world, visit www.crcna.org. CONTENTS Foreword ..........................................................5 Reports of Agencies, Institutions, and Ministries Faith Formation Calvin University ..............................................7 Faith Formation Ministries .....................................14 Servant Leadership Chaplaincy and Care Ministry ..................................19 Pastor Church Resources ......................................24 Raise Up Global Ministries .....................................31 Global Mission ReFrame Ministries ...........................................35 Resonate Global Mission .......................................41 Mercy and Justice Committee for Contact with the Government/ Centre for Public Dialogue ..................................51 Disability Concerns ...........................................54 Indigenous Ministries (Canada) ................................58 Race Relations ................................................60 Safe Church Ministry ..........................................63 Office of Social Justice and Hunger Action .......................66 World Renew ................................................72 Gospel Proclamation and Worship Calvin Theological Seminary ...................................93 Worship Ministries ...........................................101 Denominationally Related Educational Institutions Dordt University ............................................107 Institute for Christian Studies .................................109 The King’s University ........................................ 112 Kuyper College .............................................. 114 Redeemer University ......................................... 117 Trinity Christian College ...................................... 118 REPORTS OF MINISTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 2021 Contents 3 FOREWORD Dear Christian Reformed Church member, We never imagined in spring 2020 that we would still be dealing with repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring and summer of 2021. The pandemic has caused the cancellation of two consecutive synods—cer- tainly a unique time in the history of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Nevertheless, God is faithful—evident as churches leaned into new ministry and worship formats that will help shape the future of outreach and connecting with members. “Family reunions” are taking place among members who were forced to distance in the past fifteen months. And doors are being swung open, welcoming neighbors and guests once again. God is faithful to his community, his church, and to each of us. Throughout this challenging year, we have continued to be the church— expressing the good news of God’s kingdom that transforms lives and com- munities worldwide. I am so encouraged by the ways congregations across North America have adapted to their local challenges and found new ways to be the church to their neighbors and the global community. The Christian Reformed Church has not lost sight of what God has called us to do and be. Thank you. The following pages include reports from the ministries and educational institutions of the Christian Reformed Church in North America—your min- istries that serve the church. These reports were written with the intention of informing delegates to Synod 2021 about the work that has taken place in the past year. While Synod 2021 could not meet, we believe that these reports still have significant value—additional evidence of how God is blessing the ministry of the CRC! I hope that you will take some time to read the en- closed reports and appreciate all of the good work we are doing together as a denomination. May God continue to bless you and your local congregation, and may you give evidence of his faithfulness as you serve him and live out Our Mission: As people called by God, We gather to praise God, listen to him, and respond. We nurture each other in faith and obedience to Christ. We love and care for one another as God’s people. We commit ourselves to serve and to tell others about Jesus. We pursue God’s justice and peace in every area of life. Colin P. Watson, Sr. Executive Director of the CRCNA REPORTS OF MINISTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 2021 Foreword 5 Faith Formation Calvin University I. Introduction Calvin University equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Calvin graduates are ready to step into the public square and renew all things for the glory of Christ. We believe that every student has something to offer the world; every student has something that God is calling him or her to do. Calvin’s job is to partner with each student to discover what that is and to help them develop the skills they will need to gain that success. In order to achieve this objective, we have charted out a strategic plan with four goals: embody, grow, collaborate, and build. A. Embody a faithful and engaged Reformed Christianity – Confident that conviction and curiosity are mutually enriching, Calvin University will con- tinue to be shaped by Reformed Christian confessions as faculty, students, and staff engage with Christians across the nation and around the globe to live out their faith in fresh ways. B. Grow student enrollment by diversifying academic offerings – To extend the reach of Calvin’s mission, Calvin University will attract new students by offering a range of programs and services, degrees, and credentials. C. Collaborate to enhance learning – To engage the complex challenges of the modern world, Calvin University will encourage collaboration that bridges academic disciplines and fosters external partnerships. D. Build spaces that inspire learning and promote community – By invest- ing in its learning environments, Calvin University will support a thriving educational community that promotes the well-being of people and creation. II. Reflecting on Our Calling At Calvin University, we long for God’s shalom—universal flourish- ing, wholeness, and delight. This is why we are here, and it is what we are all about: educating for shalom. To that end, Calvin University is grateful to partner with the CRCNA in living out the denomination’s five ministry priorities. A. Faith formation – In keeping with Calvin University’s vision to embody a Reformed Christian witness, the board of trustees and faculty senate have unani- mously affirmed new expectations to deepen and strengthen Reformed Christian faith for faculty, senior administrators, and board members. This work is supported by the de Vries Institute for Global Faculty Development. With an $11 million dollar gift received in June 2020 to develop the institute, the academic division is poised to move forward to serve Christian faculty and leaders in institutions around the world as well as to expand and deepen opportunities for Calvin faculty to integrate Reformed Christian faith with their teaching and scholarship. REPORTS OF MINISTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS 2021 Calvin University 7 In August, Matthew Lundberg, professor of religion, was appointed to serve as the first director of the institute. – Campus Ministries’ pastoral care appointments have continued remotely. – The 2020 campus-wide Bible study offered a six-week study of Philippians. – Upperclass students serve as discipleship assistants to oversee Chris- tian formation in the residence halls, supervising the student Barnabas leaders who serve on each floor. – Campus Ministries hosted, with the worship apprentices and members of Urban Doxology, two seminars at the Calvin Symposium on Worship called “Worship 101: Worship and Culture” and “Worship 101: Worship Band Basics.” – Calvin’s student Worship Apprentices attended the virtual Multicul- tural Worship Leaders Network Conference in October, learning about multicultural worship and racial reconciliation. B. Servant leadership – The unique Calvin LifeWork program continues to prepare students for servant leadership in work and life after earning their university degree. – Calvin reenvisioned Streetfest, our annual service-learning program during student orientation, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of sending students into the community, we invited partners to our campus so that students could meet with them and learn about their work, with the goal of having students become inspired to get involved after the pandemic is over. C. Global mission – Calvin University is an intentionally global community, from current students, to faculty and staff, to alumni. – Calvin’s global pursuits are exemplified through centers and institutes, research, and special projects. – Calvin staff and faculty have walked alongside all students, and partic- ularly international students, to make necessary adjustments for travel and coursework, and to ensure their learning opportunities during the pandemic are robust and rewarding. – Calvin responded to the visa challenges of approximately 70 first-year international students by tailoring a set of online courses just for them. One of the key aims of the International Cohort is that