CRWRC Becomes World Renew: A Name for the Future
The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), which in 2012 celebrated 50 years of community development and disaster response ministry, officially changed its name to World Renew.
Following extensive discussion and approval by the organization’s stakeholders, the name change received endorsement from Synod, the broadest decision-making body of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), in June 2012.
Reflecting on the organization’s growth, World Renew U.S. Director Andrew Ryskamp explained:
“The organization has broadened and its scope has expanded exponentially since its start 50 years ago. Our work reaches well beyond the Christian Reformed Church, involves much more than disaster response, and has been overseen by a board, rather than a committee, for decades.”
The new name reflected a desire to communicate not only the organization’s Christian Reformed roots but also its broader mission of community development, disaster response, justice, and renewal around the world.
A Growing Ministry
Shortly after CRWRC became the denomination’s benevolence organization in 1962, leaders began expanding beyond emergency relief efforts to include long-term solutions to extreme poverty. Over time, disaster response and sustainable community development became increasingly integrated, helping communities build resilience and create lasting change.
By 2012, World Renew was:
- Responding to disasters in North America and around the world
- Supporting long-term community development initiatives in dozens of countries
- Mobilizing thousands of local and international volunteers
- Encouraging advocacy efforts that address the root causes of poverty and injustice
- Partnering with faith-based organizations, governments, and communities to strengthen local capacity
In the year prior to the name change, World Renew’s work impacted the lives of approximately 1.75 million people in more than 4,050 communities worldwide. Since then, World Renew’s impact has continued to grow.
A Name That Reflects the Mission
Regarding the significance of the name change, World Renew Canada Director Ida Mutoigo shared:
“The name better reflects who we are and what we are about as a trusted, established non-profit that is working to help eradicate the root causes of extreme global poverty through the renewal of relationships with God, neighbour, and the environment. Changing our name doesn’t change our work or convictions. As World Renew, our values and mandate as a Christian ministry are the same: to reach out to those who are struggling to survive poverty, hunger, disaster, and injustice around the world.”
While the organization’s name changed, its Christian identity, relationship with the CRCNA, and commitment to serving Christ remained unchanged.
The change from CRWRC to World Renew reflected the growth of the organization’s ministry while affirming its continued commitment to Christ-centred service, community transformation, disaster response, and justice.
In 2012, World Renew celebrated 50 years of ministry as the community development and disaster response agency of the CRCNA. Today, that mission continues as World Renew partners with communities around the world to renew hope, reconcile lives, and restore creation.
Learn more about who we are and the mission that continues to guide our work.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2012 to announce the public launch of the World Renew name following Synod’s approval earlier that year.
