Kentro Christian Network was born in 1984 as the Relief & Development Group (R & D Group) of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Their members came together to meet the need for a strong, combined Christian voice in Canada on international relief, justice and development issues. The group provided the opportunity for Canadian Christian agencies and individuals involved in international relief and development to encourage one another, cooperate, share expertise and experience, and to respond to changes in their field.

In October 2004, the R&D Group became the Canadian Christian Relief and Development Association (CCRDA) and named six key purposes:

• Christian Voice – speaking together on relief & development issues from a Christian perspective
• United Voice – advocating together for social and policy change
• Commonality – working together to address concerns and respond to needs
• Constituency – enabling, engaging and mobilizing our constituencies
• Annual Forum – sharing information and expertise, networking, and dialogue
• Collaboration – cooperation to avoid duplication and increase impact

The CCRDA gained independent charitable status in 2007 and these key purposes informed our renewed vision for flourishing lives and communities worldwide, which was established in 2017.

In 2021, a special committee of members drew inspiration from Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” – and proposed “Kentro”, meaning “centre” in Greek, as a more accessible and memorable name, highlighting our network’s Christ-centred focus.

As a network facilitator, Kentro Christian Network continues to come alongside organizations and individuals doing good Kingdom work. We provide practical ways to help them have access to the best shared knowledge, tools and resources, while avoiding repeating the mistakes of others, wasting resources and burn-out. We are in it together, working together, and pulling in the same direction.