the 2026 Canadian National Gathering
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Every season of the church invites both gratitude and courage. Gratitude for the ways God has been faithful in the past, and courage to step forward into what is still unfolding. The theme of the 2026 Canadian National Gathering, Foundation to Future, holds these together as churches across Canada prepare to pause, listen and discern what God may be calling the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in Canada toward in the years ahead.The Canadian National Gathering will take place May 28–31, 2026, at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont. Held every three years, this gathering brings CRC members from across the country together to reflect, learn and explore what faithful ministry looks like in the Canadian context today.
The CRC in Canada has been shaped by generations of faithfulness. Many congregations began as small immigrant communities finding their footing in a new country. Over time, we have grown, adapted, and welcomed new cultures and voices while continuing to serve our neighbourhoods across Canada. This shared story of resilience, trust and obedience forms the foundation that continues to shape the church’s identity today.
The theme Foundation to Future invites participants to honour that history while also asking how the church can faithfully move forward. Looking back helps the church name what has been strong and life-giving in our story. From that grounding, we can explore how the church can respond to the questions, opportunities, and challenges emerging in congregations and communities around us.
A central part of the gathering will take place through six focused conversation streams: Leadership Ecosystem, Conflict Navigation, Faith Formation for Children and Youth, Discipleship Pathways, Community Outreach, and Building Authentic Community. What we’ve heard from church leaders across Canada is that our churches are experiencing both opportunity and complexity in each of these areas.
While participation in the gathering itself is limited to around 10 people per classis based on classis nominations, the impact is intended to extend far beyond those who attend. The conversations and reflections that take place will help shape ongoing ministry discussions in congregations, classes and communities across the country.
As the Canadian National Gathering approaches, we’d like to invite you to join us in prayer.
Please pray that this time together would be marked by humility, wisdom and openness to the Spirit’s leading. Pray for the participants who will gather in Ancaster, that they would listen well to one another and discern faithfully together. Pray also for the six conversation streams. May the discussions surface insight, encouragement and new imagination for the life of the church.
Finally, pray for the CRC in Canada as a whole. Ask that God would continue to guide us as we seek to live out the gospel in our communities, rooted in a strong foundation and attentive to the future God is unfolding.
From foundation to future, the story of the CRC in Canada continues, and the whole church is invited to hold this moment in prayer.
