Previously known as the Reformed Churches of Australia, the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA) is part of a large family of Reformed congregations with roots in the European Reformation of the 15th and 16th centuries.
The denomination was formed in Sydney by Dutch immigrants who came to Australia following World War II. Most of these immigrants had been members of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands. They weren't particularly interested in starting a new denomination, hoping, instead, to join with the Scottish Free Presbyterians, who were also of the Reformed tradition. However, they found that the cultural differences between the Scottish-Australian Presbyterians and the Reformed Netherlanders were significant. A larger problem for the newcomers, though, was the liturgical restrictions on the use of instrumental accompaniment in singing during the worship service, and the prohibition of any songs other than the Psalms.
Unable to find churches in Australia that embraced the Reformed theology and traditions they were accustomed to, they organized a separate denomination in December of 1951. Known as the Reformed Churches of Australia, the new denomination was originally made up of Reformed churches in Sydney, Penguin, and Melbourne. By 1955, they had about a dozen member churches, with a presence in all Australian states. In the early 1990s, the denomination took its current name.
Over the past couple of decades, there has been a decline in membership, largely due to a desire to assimilate into Australian society, as well as changes that were made in Australian Anglican and Presbyterian churches that brought them theologically closer to the CRCA. Today, the denomination is somewhat smaller than it was twenty years ago, but it is more diverse, better reflecting the larger Australian society.
The Christian Reformed Churches of Australia adhere to the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort, and the Westminster Confession. The basic unit of church government in the CRCA is the local church, which is governed by the local session, elected by the congregation. Sessions within a geographical area, usually statewide, meet every three or four months as a classis. Delegates from throughout the country meet every three years as a Synod, which deals only with issues that have been raised by a classis. Between meetings of the Synod, the financial commitments of members churches are administered by a Synodical Board of Management, while other matters of the denomination are taken care of by the Synodical Interim Committee.
There are CRCA churches in every Australian state, including one church in the Australian Capital Territory.
Topics related to the Protestant denomination known as the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia are the focus of this category. Online resources representing member congregations are ordinarily listed in the Local & Global category that reflects the geographical location of the church, but sites that contain significant information about the larger denomination may, at the discretion of the editors, be listed in both categories.
Recommended Resources
Cadets is a Christian youth organization, run by volunteers, for primary school boys from age nine to fourteen. Among other things, Cadets learn about God, complete badge work, do arts and crafts, play games, sing songs, participate in camps and outings, and make new friends. An overview of the organization is put forth, including its Reformed beliefs and goals, information, and schedules relating to resources for leaders. A contact form is included.
https://cadets.crca.org.au/
The volunteer, Christian-operated, organization stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Saviour and is intended to help bring girls, 9-15, into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Members of the club learn about God, complete badge work, create crafts, play games, sing songs, go on camps and outings, and make new friends, along with other activities that are listed here. A contact form is available for those who are interested in its programs. Leaders resources are listed.
https://www.gems.crca.org.au/
Christian Reformed Churches of Australia
The CRCA is a Protestant denomination with more than fifty congregations in every Australian state and territory. The official denominational website presents a history of the denomination, and overview of Reformed churches, and a directory of member churches, ministries, missions, and programs. A calendar of events is published on the site, and Synod resources can be downloaded from the site. Ministry and job opportunities are posted to the site.
https://crca.org.au/
A program of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, Ministry Formation offers a variety of services to churches and pastors of the CRCA, including SHIFT, a leadership development program where CRCA pastors are encouraged to establish a coaching relationship for themselves, where a series of questions can be regularly discussed. Its mission and strategy are outlined, and the CRCA Ministry Development Coach is available to speak on a number of topics.
https://ministryformation.com.au/
Known by its acronym, SWIM stands for Supporting Work In Ministry and is an arm of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, a registered charitable trust in the Solomon Islands, and an associate member of Solomon Islands Christian Association. Its key ministry areas, core biblical values, and mission are defined, opportunities for full-time and short-term ministries are published. Set on a 5-acre block of land in eastern Honiara, there are seven houses on the base.
https://swim.crca.org.au/
Previously the World Development and Relief subcommittee of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia, World Transform is an official denominational ministry of the CRCA, charged with ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of those in distress, from natural disasters, war, and hostilities, regardless of their sex, race, or creed. Its programs, ministries, and development programs are highlighted, and ways in which others may participate are presented.
https://worldtransform.org.au/
