2026 Report from the Global Vision Implementation Team

Synod 2024 discussed and adopted a Global Vision Team report from the Council of Delegates. As part of this conversation, synod unanimously approved several recommendations aimed at strengthening relationships between the CRCNA and churches outside North America, including the creation of a Global Vision Implementation Team. Attached is an update on the team's work since its inception. 

Resources

One part of the synodical mandate was to create a set of resources to assist congregations and classes in their discernment before the end of the ministry year. These resources are shared below:

Foundational Reports:

• Global Vision Team Synodical Report (Acts of Synod 2024, p. 690-709): The Global Vision Team’s report to Synod 2024 contains a wealth of information and reflection on affiliation relationships between churches in North America and their global partners. It contains healthy values and theological perspectives that nurture such relationships. It also includes a witness of what global vision looks like in other denominations, and some initial concepts that could support affiliations outside North America. 
• God’s Diverse and Unified Family: A resource for discerning how a biblical vision of diversity intersects with relationships between churches of different ethnicities.
• EIRC Ecumenical Charter 2019: A resource that provides biblical principles for relationships between churches

Resources for North American Congregations Building Ministry Relationships with Churches Outside North America (with a special focus on in-person visits and resource sharing):

• Across the Street and Around the World (Jeannie Marie)
• Cross-Cultural Partnerships: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission (Mary T. Lederleitner and Duane Elmer)
• When Helping Hurts (Corbett & Fikkert) (also available in video, small group study and seminar format)
• Helping Without Hurting & Asset‑Based Community Development (ABCD) Training (World Renew: [email protected])
• Connection Tours & Global Learning Experiences - World Renew
• Helping Without Hurting in Africa (Chalmers Institute)
• Helping without Hurting in Generosity (Chalmers Institute)
• Cultural Values in Ministry (CICW) 
• African Friends and Money Matters (David E. Maranz)
• Witness Trips (Resonate)

Resources for Building Inter/Cross-cultural Relationships:

• Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot-and Cold-Climate Cultures (Sarah Lanier)
• Christians and Culture Difference (David Smith & Pennylyn Dykstra-Pruim)
• The Culture Map (Erin Meyer)
• Intercultural Development Inventory and Intercultural Cohorts ([email protected]) 
• Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations
• Cultural Awareness Workshop - Gary Timmerman, Resonate ([email protected])

Denominational Staff Contacts:

• Church & Community Engagement (CaCE) Team at World Renew- [email protected]
• Church Order and Candidacy and Ordination: [email protected]
• Intercultural Ministry in Canada:  [email protected]
• Resonate (Cultural Awareness): [email protected]

Best Practices:

• Try to include a third person who has an understanding of both cultures in your conversations. This could be a missionary or former missionary who lived in the culture, someone from the other culture that has lived in North America for awhile, etc. They can help you learn about different contexts from an unfamiliar culture. For example, when you are trying to set something up or when you have an awkward or baffling situation, you can ask them how something will sound or what might have been behind the awkwardness.
• Spend more time building relationships than you think you'll need. In white North American contexts, trust is often built by following through on commitments and efficiency. In other cultures, trust is built by spending time together and building relationships. Because of this, processes may take longer than expected, so prioritize the opportunities to be together and build relationships.
• The most helpful resource is involving cross-cultural individuals who are already serving in the places where people want to build partnerships. 

Conclusion:

As the CRCNA continues to grow in its global relationships, there is increasing opportunity to learn from, support, and partner with churches around the world. Meaningful global partnerships require humility, patience, and a commitment to mutual relationship-building, but they also offer the church a richer understanding of God’s work across cultures and contexts. Through continued collaboration and shared mission, these partnerships can strengthen the global church for years to come.