CREW Ministries to wind down

CANADA – At its most recent meeting in May, the CREW Ministries’ Board made the difficult decision to begin to wind down the almost 25-year-old organization. “The Board members are all agreed that it’s time to close this chapter of ministry in Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and beyond,” said Rev. Michael Schutz, Board Chair. “While we take the necessary steps to wind down over the next few months, we want to celebrate all that God has done through so many dedicated people over the years.”

CREW Ministries was formed by LCC music group The CREW in 1994, following a number of years of performing and touring themselves. Rev. Schutz was a member of the first touring team trained and sent out by CREW Ministries, A Face in the Crowd. “God used CREW Ministries to set me on the path to full time church work in LCC, first as a Director of Parish Services and now as a pastor.” A large number of alumni of its full-time and summer music teams now serve in LCC and in the wider Christian church as pastors, parish workers, volunteers in youth and music, and more.

The Board is now taking steps to officially wind down operations of the music and outreach organization. Once full-time teams stopped touring, it became difficult to raise up summer teams, which were still in high demand for events like Vacation Bible Schools (VBS). The Board prayerfully explored other avenues, but ultimately decided that it was time to wind down. All the Board members are active workers or volunteers in LCC, and all are convinced that continued fruitful ministry is in store for them in their various vocations, as well as for the almost 100 alumni.

Once the necessary steps are taken, including the clearing of some long-term debt from ministry expenses, CREW Ministries will be officially wound down. However, the group that started it all, The CREW, will continue to tour occasionally as they use their gifts and music to bring the message of hope in Jesus Christ to many more people.

The Board would like to thank the many people who were a part of the CREW Ministries story over the years: team members, office staff, Board members, congregations, schools, camps, billets, trainers, prayer supporters, financial supporters, everyone who attended concerts, retreats, VBS, and many more events, those who bought recordings, those who encouraged team members before, during, and after their time on teams, and anyone else who contributed to CREW Ministries’ efforts to share the hope of Jesus in Canada and beyond.

If you have a story to share that would help the Board celebrate the last 25 years, you’re invited to email it to office@crewministries.com. They’d love to be able to share some stories of the impact CREW Ministries has had in LCC and beyond. You can also get information on The CREW at www.thecrewguys.com, and find out more information about CREW Ministries at www.crewministries.com.

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