Events
Join us for an event
Classis Holland hosts various training events to equip congregations to make more and better disciples. Below is a list of some of those events scheduled for the 2024-2025 ministry season.
Please contact the ministry office for additional information.
Ministry Office
(616) 494-6050
Classical Ministries Coordinator, Keith Doornbos keithd@churchrenew.org
Mark your calendars
NATIONAL PRAYER GATHERING
OCTOBER 12-14
Pastors from Canada and African countries will participate in the 2025 Global Prayer Safari through Michigan. The 10-day program (October 4-15) will bring this group of 40 diligent, determined, faithful prayer warriors to prayer points in Detroit, Lansing, McBain, Cadillac, Muskegon, Holland, Zeeland and Grand Rapids. They are planning to pray on site at several specific locations in the Holland area on Sunday October 12 through Tuesday October 14. Locations can include a church building, a mission center, or a significant location in a neighborhood and may include worship, a walk in the neighborhood, or a community gathering for prayer and fellowship. The group of 40 pastors expects to split into smaller groups to participate with as many churches as possible during this Global Prayer Safari. For more information or to request a visit by these prayer partners, please contact Bruce Cooke who serves as a prayer coordinator at Holland Heights CRC.
DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY (from Thrive)
OCTOBER 19
Creating a church where everyone belongs and has a meaningful opportunity to serve requires intentional investments. Belonging does not just happen, especially for congregational members who struggle with a disability. Disability Sunday focuses light on churches unique role of welcoming all persons into full and meaningful fellowship. More information is available here.
RETIRED PASTORS LUNCH
OCTOBER 23
HOUSE OF PRAYER COHORT
OCTOBER 27
The House of Prayer Cohort, consisting of representative from several churches in Classis Holland, has its next gathering at Holland Heights CRC, 836 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423, on Monday, October 27 beginning at 6:30pm. A discussion focused on healing prayer will take place. In preparation for the gathering, participants are asked to read chapter 9 on healing from The Familiar Stranger.
A GATHERING FOR PASTORS
OCTOBER 27-29
(From Thrive)
Thrive welcomes you to a gathering created specifically for CRC parish pastors, regional pastors, and chaplains on October 27-29, 2025, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Be refreshed as you step away from the demands of ministry to reflect on your wellbeing, focus on your relationship with God, and learn from Sean Nemecek, author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout. Thrive will cover most of the expenses. Registration fee is $260 until September 15. This fee covers two hotel nights and most meals. Find more information or register here.
REFORMATION DAY SERVICE
NOVEMBER 2
You are cordially invited to a Reformation Day Service scheduled for Sunday, November 2 at the 14th Street Christian Reformed Church in Holland from 6:00-7:00pm. Professor Katherine Goodwin from Hope College will speak on the subject “Monarchs, Mothers and Martyrs: Women and the Reformation.” Sponsored by the Reformation Commemoration Committee.
WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY (from World Renew)
NOVEMBER 2
World Renew invites your congregation to help families around the world plant hope and end hunger through our World Hunger Campaign. With your support, people will experience God’s compassion by receiving the training and tools needed to grow enough food. A printed bulletin insert is available for order that will encourage your church members to give generously in response to the growing food crisis. A World Hunger
Devotional is also available for order that can be used around family tables or small group circles. Additional resources, including a video, are available at worldrenew.net
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 5-8
The Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) National Conference is taking place November 5–8 in Grand Rapids, MI. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in gospel-shaped leadership, connect with others doing faithful, local ministry, and support the CRCNA’s mission to renew lives and communities through Christ. The CCDA was founded by Dr. John Perkins and is a national network equipping churches for holistic, Christ-centered ministry that engages both the spiritual and material needs of our communities. Visit CCDA’s app for more information.
Because of a partnership with Movement West Michigan, Classis Holland can purchase discounted tickets at $175 per person (50% off). Classis is setting aside $1,500, to send at least 8 leaders from classis. If you are interested in attending, please email Keith Doornbos or Jodi Gilmore and let them know by October 5.
STUDENT PARTNERSHIP SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 8
Every year Classis has the honor of supporting students with financial grants who are studying towards ordination in the CRCNA. This year’s students include Jose Garcia, Linda Garcia, Arturo Rojas, Owen Babcock, Connor Van Putten, and Silas Peterson. For the first time, the churches of Classis are being asked to celebrate STUDENT PARTNERSHIP SUNDAY on November 8. An electronic flier with student information will be sent to the churches for distribution. CET asks that prayers for the students be lifted up on that Sunday and that young people in the congregation be encouraged to consider ministry and missions as a potential life calling. Classis is not requesting a special student offering but a note in the flier will invite individuals to support the student fund, if they feel so called.
RICHAR BLACKABY EVENT
NOVEMBER 10
Dr. Richard Blackaby from Blackaby Ministries will be in West Michigan on Monday, November 10, from 9-2. The gathering will take place at City on a Hill in Zeeland. The event is free for pastors and church leaders from Classis Holland and Zeeland. To identify an approximate number of lunches, please email pastor Mark Vande Zande by Thursday, October 23 if you would like to attend.
COFFEE BREAK'S "LIVE AT PEACE" WOMEN'S RETREAT
NOVEMBER 14-15
(From Thrive)
Held in Hickory Corner’s , MI this Coffee Break Women’s retreat will be a mix of informative and encouraging speakers along with small group Bible studies, fun and times of prayer and reflection. Women from across North America will be in attendance. More information is available here.