Episode 211: The CRC We’re Fighting For — Jason Ruis (Part 2)

“In two to five years, we dream that the CRCNA would be a confessionally-grounded, unified, and mission-focused denomination. We dream that it will be a place where pastors confidently preach the gospel, members grow in discipleship and joy, and churches thrive as vibrant witnesses for Christ. We dream of a denomination that embodies courageous leadership, empowers local churches, and passes the faith on to the next generation. We dream that the CRCNA will be known for its faithfulness to God and to His Word. And because we dream these things, we get out there and we keep fighting the good fight in this messy reformation.” — Jason Ruis

Summary of This Episode

On this episode of The Messy Reformation Podcast, Jason turns our focus to the future of the CRC. As we hear again his vision for reducing the bureaucracy to help us focus, he hopes this would put greater focus on the ministry of classes. “If we're going to have a healthy-functioning denomination, we have to have healthy-functioning classes…I start to imagine a world in which…the classes themselves are actually the place where resources are being developed, where curriculum is being written for the local churches…If your denominational ministry shares were cut…and all of that money ended up staying in your classis, what would that allow you to do?...I think it might be the path forward…to…doing more effective church planting…discipleship…training, and resources caring for hurting churches.”

Thinking about the near future, Jason turns to Synod and gives the call that we still need good delegates at Synod 2025. This especially includes good elder and deacon delegates–be watching and thinking about who speaks well, who can lead well, who can be faithful and work hard, that you can recommend. If you’re at a classis meeting in a conflicted classis, don’t be afraid to ask about gravamen, limited suspension, or signing the Covenant for Officebearers of those being nominated for Synod.

One of the primary things Jason sees delegates at Synod 2025 needing to do is accountability. Synod 2024 gave instructions to the boards of agencies and institutions to align with and implement its decisions–is that happening? At local levels and in classes, is limited suspension or even special discipline happening if prior statements and actions have not been removed and repented of? The Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee (EIRC) was instructed to provide a report regarding our relationship to the Reformed Church in America (RCA), which has been in turmoil related to their unfaithfulness on matters of human sexuality over the last decade–what will that report say? 

In terms of overtures, there aren’t many that are publicly known, but if you have one that you would like to share or get feedback on or want help connecting, Jason invites you to connect with him. He shares there are some known regarding churches and classes in open rebellion and our relationship with the RCA. 

Jason wraps up the episode sharing dreams that he’s heard over this last year of who we want to be. There’s a desire for meaning, discipleship, courageous leadership, conviction, empowerment, and authentic faith. He closes with this summary statement, “In two to five years, we dream that the CRCNA would be a confessionally-grounded, unified, and mission-focused denomination. We dream that it will be a place where pastors confidently preach the gospel, members grow in discipleship and joy, and churches thrive as vibrant witnesses for Christ. We dream of a denomination that embodies courageous leadership, empowers local churches, and passes the faith on to the next generation. We dream that the CRCNA will be known for its faithfulness to God and to His Word. And because we dream these things, we get out there and we keep fighting the good fight in this messy reformation.”