2023 Annual Ministry Report

As general secretary of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, I have the privilege of being a pastor to our congregations. Often I learn about the challenges that our congregations are facing. Many churches seem to be struggling; our public voice as Christians seems to be weakening; the membership of many congregations is declining. People express their concerns for my having to shoulder this burden.

And yet, when this happens, I strive to respond with hope. I truly believe that God has a plan for our churches “for such a time as this.”

After all, the church was called and created by the Father, redeemed through Christ’s death and resurrection, and sent out on mission by the Spirit. We have a purpose. What’s more, the renewal of the Christian Reformed denomination and its congregations is fundamentally a work of God, not our own human efforts.

As general secretary, I’m privy to some of the challenges of our congregations, but I also hear about all of the wonderful and amazing things God is doing with and through us. I see thriving church plants, and I see established congregations finding new ways to serve their communities. I talk to pastoral candidates who see so much opportunity in our denomination. I have witnessed the resurgence of prayer and spiritual discernment as a priority not just for individuals but also for congregations, classes, and even our entire denomination. I also have the opportunity to see the wonderful things God is doing across the globe through our mission workers and our ecumenical partners.

We serve an amazing Father. I hope that as you read the stories and statistics in this annual ministry report, you are reminded, as I am, that when we humbly allow God to guide our steps, he is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine.

Your partner in Christ,

Rev. Zachary King, Ph.D. General Secretary