In the Christian Reformed tradition, we believe in the importance of family not just as a place of safety, love, and growth but also as a place of discipleship and faith formation. We love and support families as part of God’s beautiful plan for transforming us as his covenant people. Caring for the families of those who lead our churches and work within our denomination, therefore, seems paramount.
Part of caring for families is making space for those who have recently given birth to a child, adopted a child, provided foster care, or who need to care for an immediate family member—and this includes allowing time away from our day-to-day work of ministry in order to pay our full attention to these momentous changes in our family life. As the Spirit of God works in, through, and around us in our lives and ministry, we as a denomination support times of change, transition, and growth in our families.
We offer the attached document as suggestions for individuals and churches to consider for family leave.
Prepared by Family Leave Project Committee