Skip to main content

"We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.”―C. JoyBell C.

Safe Church Ministry has been my context (my pond) for the last 9 years. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve the CRCNA. I’ve been given a wonderful platform to work toward my passion to see the Church become a safe, beloved, healing community for everyone, and especially for those who have experienced sexual abuse.

I’m grateful to the Lord for this calling and opportunity. It was a steep learning curve for me, especially as I did not grow up in the CRC and I had never worked in such a large office environment. At my very first synod, where I was introduced as the new director of Safe Church Ministry, I expected to stand up and do a little wave to the crowd of delegates. Instead, I was invited up to the microphone to say a few words! I have no idea what I said. In some ways, that was a good introduction into a position that has called me into unexpected places and challenged me in ways I could never have anticipated.

Now, the time is quickly coming for me to venture out, and to entrust Safe Church to others who will carry the work forward. I plan to retire from my position as director of Safe Church Ministry on November 20, 2020.

Since 1994, when it was created, Safe Church Ministry has undergone many changes: a new name, new leadership, new staff members, new structural changes, new strategies, new priorities, etc. Change is one thing that remains a constant through the years. There is nothing to fear in change, because we know that our Lord, our all-powerful, loving sustainer, has promised not to forsake his people.

We can trust in God’s very presence with us, with his Church, through any and all changes. Our hope in God is sure and unchanging through it all. And the mission of Safe Church Ministry, to equip congregations in abuse awareness, prevention and response, is not going to change or go away any time soon. We can expect its influence and impact to continue to grow.

The last few synods have powerfully revealed the need for effective safe church ministry within the CRCNA. The Church has a key role to play in abuse prevention and response, and also in the wider movement to end abuse. This has been clearly evident from the beginning,  and will continue to be true for a long time to come.

Why am I writing this now? Is it too soon? Will I become a “lame duck” and lose my voice once people know I’m on my way out? I don’t know the answers. What I do know is that I would like to request your prayers, for me, that I would finish well as director of Safe Church Ministry, and for discernment as I enter into what’s next.

A friend, on her retirement, once said to me, “I want to leave while I can still walk out of the place.” I resonate with the sentiment of wanting to leave while I still have some good years left, to try some new things, and to enjoy time with my husband while we both have our good health. I look forward to new opportunities and new ways to follow my calling and use the gifts that God has provided.

There are lots of other changes within the CRCNA, those ongoing, and others being considered. The ongoing, anticipated, and not yet considered changes also need discernment and prayer. So, please keep praying and stay tuned, God is working.

Comments

Bonnie, I am so grateful for the role that you have played in the CRC but also in my own ministry and leadership. I'm not gonna lie, I'm really sad to see you go, but I affirm your words that God is a faithful God and will not forsake us during this transition come November. I know you don't do this for reward, but this is one of those times when I wish we could see the ripples of blessing from our actions. I am sure if we could see yours, they reach far and wide and have blessed many more than you could imagine.  Adie

Bonnie, I was so sorry to read of your retirement as the CRCNA Safe Church Director.  You inspired me (along with the Holy Spirit's nudging me) to become involved with this ministry. I have learned so much about the various forms of abuse and have met so many wonderful Christian people through my involvement with Safe Church.  I want to thank you personally and also on behalf of the many people who you helped during these years as our director.  You are truly a gift from God.  I pray that you will find somewhere else to use your gifts to glorify God.  Blessings to you and your family Bonnie.

Judy Jongsma

Thankyou for your contributing your wonderful gifts to Safe Church Ministry, Bonnie.  You will be truly missed.  I wish you the Lord's blessings as you discern what God has in mind for you next.

Thank-you so much for all you have given to us.
I admire your truthfulness, perseverance, gentleness and reverence. 
I will miss you.

Safe Church Ministry will not be the same without you, Bonnie.  But I don't begrudge your decision for a second.  You have worked hard, well and faithfully.  Your efforts have been blessed.  Thank you so much for all that you've been able to do in the name of Jesus.  

I have no doubt that your work will continue, only in a new direction.  It remains to be seen what that will look like!  Hang on!  

Let's Discuss

We love your comments! Thank you for helping us uphold the Community Guidelines to make this an encouraging and respectful community for everyone.

Login or Register to Comment

We want to hear from you.

Connect to The Network and add your own question, blog, resource, or job.

Add Your Post