Still have questions?
If you've reviewed the FAQs on this page but still have a question or need extra support, use the chat box in the bottom right corner of this page and every page on the site.
CRCNA staff are available for live chat support during office hours. Though if we're busy helping other users, the chat box will give you the option to leave us a message.
After hours, you'll see an option to send us a message.
This support, like the Digital Library itself, is made possible because of churches that contribute Ministry Shares. Thank you!
Contents
About the Digital Library
What is the Digital Library?
The CRCNA Digital Library gives free, online access for CRC churches and members to hundreds of Faith Alive Christian Resources titles—including curriculum, Bible studies, and more. This program launched April 2016 to maximize the use and ministry impact of Faith Alive’s resources throughout the denomination. With the Digital Library, you and everyone in your church can access hundreds of resources in a more convenient way—any time of the day or night, from anywhere, on any device connected to the web.
Is the Digital Library really free?
Yes, if you attend a Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is made possible through your church’s support of Ministry Shares.
Why is the CRCNA doing this?
These are your Ministry Shares at work! We want to maximize the use and impact of these resources throughout the denomination. The Digital Library makes it more convenient and less expensive for our members and churches to make full use of these resources. For more, see the news story.
Why is this only available to Christian Reformed churches and members/attenders?
Christian Reformed churches contribute Ministry Shares, and the Digital Library is free for CRCs in recognition of that support.
The resources contained in the Digital Library are also purchased by churches from other denominations (in fact, they account for about half of total sales). If the pilot program goes well, we will consider whether to open up the Digital Library beyond the CRC on a paid-subscription basis.
How will I access the Digital Library?
To access the Digital Library, you will create an account (if you already have an account for the online Banner or The Network you will be able to use that same account). You’ll log in, and from there you can view all the materials in the Digital Library.
How can I use the Digital Library?
With the Digital Library, you and everyone in your church can access hundreds of titles in a more convenient way—any time, from anywhere, on any device connected to the web. You can do keyword searches within a book. Elders, deacons, and other ministry leaders can access resources to help them in their work. If a Bible study leader or Sunday school teacher is sick, someone else can fill in without having to drive over to pick up the leader’s guide. These are just some examples of how having materials electronically makes them portable and easier to access.
How do you verify that I attend a CRC?
When you create an account, you are asked to select the church you attend. The church office is alerted and can report any unauthorized use.
Are all Faith Alive products included in the Digital Library?
Most products are included, but some are not—for example, because of third-party copyrights (including music), old file formats, and other reasons.
Will this work on my laptop, tablet, or phone?
Yes, any web-connected device can use the Digital Library, and the website has been built in a “responsive” way that adapts to the screen size of your device. However, because each book is displayed like a printed book, we recommend a full-sized tablet or computer for the best viewing experience and to minimize scrolling.
May I download and use the resource offline?
No. The Digital Library requires an Internet connection to verify your identity. We may consider offline (app or ebook) functionality in the future, but for the pilot project it was too cost-prohibitive to do so in a way that would protect from unauthorized use of these resources.
May I print?
Not really. This is a digital library and is intended to be used on a computer or tablet. You can read or teach from the resources using any connected device. Hard copies can be purchased with the new CRC discount (see below).
However, if you need to print a small portion of a resource, you can do a “screen print” from your device, up to five pages, for personal use. (If you’re not sure how to screen print, do a web search for screen printing instructions for your device.)
Will I still be able to purchase these products?
Absolutely! In fact, when you're looking at resources in the Digital Library there will be a button you can click that will take you to that item in the Faith Alive online catalog, where you can purchase with your CRC discount. See details below.
About the CRC Discount
What is the CRC discount?
The CRC discount applies to purchases of most print materials. The discount is currently 10% off for the 2022-23 ministry year.
Who is eligible for the CRC discount?
The discount applies to purchases for church or personal use by members of a Christian Reformed church. Materials for church use, including small groups and other church programs, may qualify as tax-exempt. Therefore, be sure that they are made under the church account rather than a personal account.
Why don't I see the discount when I click the 'Buy Now' button?
The 'Buy Now' button takes you to the Faith Alive website. Churches from many denominations use that website, but since the 10% discount is only available to CRCs you must be logged into your church's Faith Alive account to see it. If you don't have access to your church's login for the Faith Alive website, please call us at 800-333-8300 to place your order by phone.
Do all products qualify for the 10% CRC discount?
Most Faith Alive products that are intended for church use will qualify for the discount, but there are some exceptions, including hymnals (because of music royalties).
Can I use more than one discount on my order?
No. If a product has a special discount, you can use whichever discount is greater, but only one discount is permitted per order.
Account and Login Help
How do I create an account?
To create an account, click the "Log In / Sign Up" link at the top of this page (and every other page on the site). Once you’re on the login page, click “Sign Up” at the bottom of the page or login using your Google, Facebook, or Yahoo account. Fill out the required fields and click “Create new account.” Once your account is created, we’ll send you an email; you will need to click on the verification link in that email. Once that step is complete, you’re ready to log in!
I've logged in, but when I try to view a book the button still says "Log in to Read".
The Digital Library is only available to people to attend a Christian Reformed Church (why? see details above). If you are CRC, make sure you have your church selected on your account profile. Click "My Account" at the top of any page, and then 'Edit' your profile to select your church.
I forgot my username. What should I do?
Log in using your email address (you may try multiple email accounts if you cannot remember the email address used to create the account). If none of those work, please contact us for further assistance at library@crcna.org.
I forgot my password. What should I do?
On the login page, you can select “Forgot my password” (under the Password box). In the dialogue that opens next, fill in your User account verification information and click the link to “Email new password.” Within a few minutes you should receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password.
I have two Digital Library accounts. How do I delete my old one?
Please contact us at library@crcna.org to notify us that you have two accounts and would like to merge them to your new or preferred email address.
I never received an email to verify my account. What should I do?
If you did not receive an email to verify your account, please check if it was misfiled into your spam folder. If you are still unable to verify your account, please email library@crcna.org or call 1-800-333-8300.
*For any other issues with your login or sign up, please use the live chat option (bottom right corner of any page) or contact Customer Service at 800-333-8300 or email library@crcna.org.