Important Update: CRC Missions Compliance, Credentialing, and Future Strategy

Greetings in Jesus’ Name,

❖ Strategic Vision Moving Forward

As we approach the centenary of the CRC movement in 2045, we remain fully committed to our global vision of: “A CRC Presence in Every Nation by 2045.”

We believe the next five years present a vital window for each CRC church to prayerfully engage a new mission’s field. Our strategic goal is this: “To personally connect and make a meaningful contribution into another nation.”

We encourage every pastor and church to consider this question: “How could you and your church personally contribute into a new nation(s) over the next five years?”

Now is the time to sow into unreached nations, with faith that CRC works will rise up across the globe. “Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.” – Psalm 2:8

As many of you are aware, all Australian charitable organisations—including churches—are now under the regulatory oversight of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

Over the past two years, the Australian International Missions Team (AIMT) has been closely monitoring changes to ACNC regulations, particularly as they affect international missions giving, partnerships, and travel.

Following a comprehensive review of all existing CRC missions’ policies, we acknowledge that while our previous frameworks served the movement faithfully for over two decades, significant updates are now required to comply with the new ACNC External Conduct Standards.

These standards were designed to help churches and mission entities maintain integrity and align with global best practices. They aim to:

• Prevent unintentional support of terrorism, trafficking, or unethical activity;

• Strengthen clear accountability structures;

• Ensure our missions activities remain safe, transparent, and effective.

We invite you to visit our CRC Missions website (www.crcmissions.org) and explore the Resources page, where you’ll find our updated, compliant documents. In particular, we encourage you to:

• Review the Four ACNC External Conduct Standards

• Download and complete the ACNC Self-Evaluation for your churches’ next AGM

• Read the new Introductory Letter, which outlines our recommended strategic pathway for engaging in new missions’ partnerships – up to becoming an autonomous CRC Missions field.

• Familiarise yourself with the revised missions credentialing and governance framework

❖ Changes to International Credentialing

As part of these changes, we have also reviewed the process by which Australian-issued ministry credentials were extended to overseas pastors. In previous years, recognition was occasionally given from Australia to pastors operating in developing mission fields prior to the formation of a legal CRC entity in their nation.

However, under current ACNC regulations, this practice is no longer feasible or compliant.

Therefore, effective 1st July 2025, all past credentials and ministry recognitions issued to international pastors and churches under previous CRC Australia structures are considered to have lapsed.

Why this change is necessary:

• Australian-issued credentials carry legal responsibilities under our national child safety, ethical, and governance standards—which cannot be transferred or enforced internationally.

• Most nations now have, or are forming, registered CRC national entities capable of issuing their own credentials, in line with CRC’s threefold global values:

  • Self-governing

  • Self-propagating

  • Self-supporting

We understand some ministers and partners may still require transitional support. The new documentation outlines a clear process—from first contact, through recognition under Australian covering (where applicable), to full national registration and credentialing autonomy.

❖ Updated Missions Giving and Compliance Structure

To support our churches in safe and compliant missions giving, we’ve introduced a refreshed giving structure, now available on our website.

This system helps align with ACNC standards and includes the following key tools:

• Donations Information Form

• Missions Overseas Funds Transfer Form

• Donor Agreement & Missions Giving Form

• Receipt Reporting Form

We strongly encourage churches to use this platform. It provides protection and transparency in accordance with the External Conduct Standards.

If your church believes it requires a customised or duplicate process, please contact me directly—we're happy to assist.

❖ Future Structure: A Dedicated Missions Entity

The AIMT has also been exploring how best to structure CRC missions for long-term effectiveness. Through discussions with other church movements and in response to increasing compliance demands in Australia and abroad, it has become clear that establishing a separate mission’s entity—operating under the CRC National Executive—is now considered best practice.

This proposed structure (to be presented at the upcoming National Conference) would:

• Provide flexibility and opportunity to develop tax-deductible giving for eligible projects

• Strengthen our capacity to launch new nations into the CRC family efficiently and securely

• Offer credentials that would not require Australian Legal responsibilities.

• Ensure long-term alignment with ACNC compliance and conduct requirements.

We believe this structure will help us steward our global missions call with excellence, especially as we advance toward our shared centenary goal: “A Presence in Every Nation by 2045.”

❖ We’re Here to Help

We recognise that these changes may raise questions or require further clarity. If you or your team would like assistance in understanding how this affects your church or mission relationships, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to walk through the updated structures and help you navigate the changes.

Let us continue moving forward in unity and faith as we serve the Great Commission together. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always.” – Matthew 28:19–20

Blessings in Christ,

Ps. Phil

Australian Missions Director

CRC Australian International Missions Team (AIMT)