wfn.org | CRC Increases Denominational Ministry Shares by 1.5 Percent

["Henry Hess" <hessh@crcna.ca>]

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 17, 2004 - Synod 2004 approved an increase in the
ministry share assessment to $266.09 per adult member in the Christian
Reformed Church. This is an increase of $3.93 or 1.5% over last year.

Ministry shares provide almost $24-million a year for denominational
ministries carried out through agencies such as Christian Reformed Home
Missions, Christian Reformed World Missions, the Back to God Hour, Calvin
College, and Calvin Theological Seminary.  (The Christian Reformed World
Relief Committee does not receive ministry shares, but is supported by direct
gifts and church offerings.)

Delegates heard that while some churches are paying 100 percent of their
ministry shares, others fall short.  Nevertheless, the ministry-share program
provides significant support for denomination-wide ministries at very little
cost.

Synod also voted to shift the responsibility for paying chaplains' pension
plans to employers rather than the denomination.  The change will take effect
on January 1, 2006. Chaplains in situations of hardship can apply for
financial assistance to help with the transition.

Coming Up:

Synod will reconvene this evening to resume its discussion about the
Heidelberg Catechism's teaching regarding the Roman Catholic mass.

Contact Henry Hess or Kristen DeRoo VanderBerg at (616) 526-8652