The SALT Report Explained: Question #5 

What does the expanded Joint Ministry Agreement (JMA) mentioned in the SALT Report include, beyond the already agreed upon JMA of 2022?

The Joint Ministry Agreement that was adopted in 2022, is a legal document designed to help CRC Canada comply with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements. The JMA is actually an agreement between CRC Canada and CRC U.S., which defines how they will operate  jointly-funded ministry activities offered in both Canada and the U.S. 

The expanded JMA will be between the Office of General Secretary (OGS) and the CRCNA ministry and educational organizations. The expanded joint ministry agreement will focus on synodical, ecclesial, ecumenical, governance, administrative and ministry activities. It will be used to describe how the OGS will partner with the ministry and/or educational organization in carrying out acts of synod and in implementing the CRCNA Ministry Plan. 

The expanded joint ministry agreement translates the SALT report’s commitment to healthy partnership relationships among leaders and boards into concrete action. It identifies who is responsible for what parts of the partnership, and outlines what collaboration and robust communication is needed. The expanded JMA is less about money, and more about health in relationships and the fostering of a sense of missional community among leaders, boards and personnel. The emphasis will be on role clarity, organizational process, and protocols to be followed in times of dispute and disagreement. 

Co-Authors 

Rev. Frederic Koning is a retired CRC Pastor and Medical Ethicist. He served as the Reporter for the Structure and Leadership Task Force (SALT), and co-facilitator of the SALT Steering Committee and the Joint Ministry Agreement Task Force.  

Dr. Lloyd Vanderkwaak is a retired CEO and has conducted research on the governance partnership in nonprofit organizations. He served as a co-facilitator of the SALT Steering Committee and the Joint Ministry Agreement Task Force.