Continuing the Story of the Classis Renewal Ministry Team

The CRMT is a group of ministry leaders convened by The Network, who believe that classes are healthiest when they function as communities of fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth; when they create and sustain healthy congregations; and when they facilitate shared ministry that is missional and transformational for individuals, neighborhoods and regions.Last fall the Classis Renewal Ministry Team developed a new mandate:

The Classis Renewal Ministry Team (CRMT) exists to foster vital, healthy classes within the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA). It does this consistent with the denomination’s vision of “a diverse family of healthy congregations, assemblies, and ministries expressing the good news of God’s kingdom that transforms lives and communities worldwide.”

The CRMT is a group of ministry leaders convened by The Network, who believe that classes are healthiest when they function as communities of fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth; when they create and sustain healthy congregations; and when they facilitate shared ministry that is missional and transformational for individuals, neighborhoods and regions. With this in mind, the CRMT partners with classical leaders to pray, think, and plan how their classis can:

• Work purposefully and creatively to be a healthy assembly of the church
• Plan and participate in regional resource networks and other venues of collaboration
• Encourage prayer, spiritual growth and faithful Christian living among leaders and congregations
• Share learning, stories, and helpful practices
• Connect pastoral and other congregational leaders with coaching and other resources
• Advocate that the denomination’s expectations for good order are fulfilled
• Monitor benchmarks of classical vitality and take action as appropriate

I like this mandate (and not just because I had a hand in writing it). I like that it purposefully connects with the denominational vision.  We are all working together, pulling in the same direction. I like the vision it gives of a healthy classis.

What do you like about the mandate? Is there anything you think is missing or that has missed the mark?

If you'd like, you can see the redeveloped website for The Classis Renewal Ministry Team.  Check it out!