March 26, 2007 - Grand Rapids, Mich.: The Christian Reformed Church in North America has appointed Peter M. Harkema as director of denominational advancement, effective July 2007.
This is a new position, responsible for developing and implementing a denomination-wide fundraising effort in support of the agencies and educational institutions of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC).
Harkema comes to the CRC from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where, as vice-president for advancement, he designed and led a five-year capital campaign that raised $125-million.
He is a graduate of Calvin College and holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University.
Harkema served as vice-president for student life and enrollment services at Fuller from 1995-99. Before moving to Fuller in 1995, he worked for more than 20 years at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., including as vice president for external relations (1991-94) and vice president for enrollment services (1994-95). He taught high school in Byron Center, Mich., from 1971-74.
Rev. Gerard (Jerry) Dykstra, executive director of the CRC, said he is delighted with the appointment. "We are extremely pleased that Pete has accepted our invitation to join us in our efforts to enhance and expand the ministries of the CRC," Dykstra said.
"In addition to his excellent credentials and experience, Pete brings a passion and love for the Christian Reformed Church and its commitment to transforming lives and communities worldwide."
As advancement director, Harkema will lead CRC fundraising initiatives, including the denomination's ministry shares program, and will assist denominational agencies in their fundraising efforts. He will serve as team leader of agency-based development staff and chair of the Development Council. He also will work on behalf of the CRC Foundation and will serve as a resource for ministry fundraising efforts at the classical, regional or local levels.
The Christian Reformed Church is a denomination with about 275,000 members in more than 1,000 congregations across the United States and Canada, working to express the good news of God's kingdom that transforms lives and communities worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at www.crcna.org.
................... Henry Hess Director of Communication Christian Reformed Church To learn more about the Christian Reformed Church visit us at www.crcna.org "It is a serious waste to let a day go by without allowing God to change us."-Richard Rolle, The Fire of Love