History of the CRCA

The Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA) includes over fifty congregations across Australia established since 1951 in just about every state and territory.

The Calvinist or Reformed stream of the Christian Church emphasises –

  • God’s honour, pre-eminence and grace in all things,
  • reconciliation with God through Christ Jesus alone,
  • the work of the Holy Spirit essential for faith and growth,
  • the Bible as the foundation of our faith’s substance, and
  • the church as a community in covenant with God.

We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word. Our understanding of key Christian doctrines is summarised in the three ecumenical creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian) and in the Reformed Confessions: the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dordt, and the Scottish Westminster Confession. We also identify with the Contemporary Testimony of the CRC of North America. These may be read on other pages of this website.

The CRCA was formed as a result of the post-World War 2 migration of Dutch people to Australia. The desire to start a new denomination grew out of a commitment to establish churches that –

  • embraced and upheld Biblical and Reformed theology, as expressed in the statements mentioned above;
  • had a national profile that could enfold new settlers and others interested in every state and capital city; and
  • was governed by a group of elders chosen periodically by the church and linked with representative state and national bodies.

Up through the 1990s the CRCA experienced steady growth and saw churches between established throughout Australia. Since 2000 the CRCA has renewed its commitment to be a church that is reforming to reach the lost for Christ. It adopted a fourfold task (Pray, Train, Grow, Align) as the framework to expand the CRCA’s gospel impact throughout Australia. In every state there are renewed efforts to continue the pattern of the first CRC churches in Australia: to plant many new churches and also welcome migrants who are making their home in Australia. The CRCA is committed to see “the gospel bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.” (Colossians 1:6)