CERCA

Who are we?

CERCA is a group of Reformed Church in America (RCA) Christian educators engaged in the church’s teaching ministry at congregational, classical, regional, and denominational levels. We include paid full- or part-time Christian educators and youth workers, volunteer educators and youth workers, and Ministers of Word and Sacrament.

CERCA, along with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Moravian Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America, make up the Association of Partners in Church Education (APCE). APCE is a partnership of those who serve or have served in Christian education that provides support, resources, and encouragement. With APCE, CERCA is considered a region highlighting our close partnership.

What is our purpose?

The mission of APCE is to Connect, Enrich, Empower, and Sustain persons serving in educational ministry in the Reformed Family of churches.

The purpose of CERCA is three-fold:

• To act in support of the statement of purpose of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators
• To support, strengthen, encourage, and advocate for persons serving in Christian discipleship and education (children, youth, and adults) in the Reformed Church in America (RCA)
• To promote Christian discipleship and education ministries in the church.

What do we do?

• Partner with APCE for membership
• Promote professional development for educators and youth workers
• Send newsletters and provide updates on social media. 
• Encourage participation in APCE events
• Advocate for member concerns and education issues facing the RCA
• May present a CERCA Educator of the Year award and /or a CERCA Life Achievement award
• May present a Christian Education award to a graduate of Western Theological Seminary and of New Brunswick Theological Seminary
• Assist with events that strengthen the ministry of educators and youth
• Send newsletters and provide updates on social media. Stay connected with us on Facebook

Get Involved

Join APCE/CERCA 

(select CERCA as your region in all registration processes)

By joining APCE/CERCA you will:

• Can networking with educators around the country and within the other 4 member denominations.
• Receive voting privileges in CERCA and APCE.
• Receive a discount on registration fees for APCE events.
• Have access to the APCE website with online publications, membership portal, and more.

APCE/CERCA membership provides you an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of the church’s education and youth ministry. Membership offers you a network to give and receive encouragement, and to facilitate sharing ideas for ministry.

Have questions, information you want to share, or want to connect?

Email us at cerca@gmail.com