congregational life
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Posted on December 12, 2011, 12:48 pm
Topics: Communication, Organization
Here we are in the midst of the Christmas season. You’re well on your way with plans for Christmas. With just a few weeks left, are there still some things you can do to make sure your church has the best impact that it can?
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Posted on November 30, 2011, 2:23 am | 12 comments
Topics: Worship 101, Worshiping Community
A friend commented on two worship services saying, "One was full of life, the other was not." It made me wonder where the life of worship comes from and how our worship services can be full of life regardless of the style. What brings life to worship and what drains our services
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Posted on September 29, 2011, 3:59 pm
Topics: Safe Church
Abuse is a misuse of power for selfish gain that diminishes or destroys the person who is abused. Jesus shows us an opposing dynamic. Infused with His Spirit, we are empowered to follow His way, not using our power over others, but using our power for the sake of others. This creates a community of transforming love..
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Posted on July 5, 2011, 8:52 am
Topics: Worshiping Community
In recent years, it seems to be trendy to point out our individuality in worship. If only I had a dime for every time I heard someone say, “My church is not a typical CRC!” I fear that the comment is more an indication of our western love affair with personal expression and individuality than a true desire to live out godly creativity.
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Posted on June 27, 2011, 7:58 am
Topics: Youth
So how many members of your congregation pray each day for a student in your congregation? Have you asked them to? How many students do you lift up in prayer each day? I believe the one of the most important actions a youth leader can do is to pray for students and offer members of the congregation that same opportunity.
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Posted on May 8, 2011, 2:50 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Pastors, Congregational Life
This has been quite a week for both home nations of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Two events of political and pastoral significance riveted us - the death of Osama Bin Laden and the federal election in Canada.
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Posted on February 18, 2011, 10:19 am | 4 comments
Topics: Congregational Life
How do churches and pastors carry on after an immediate family member has died--whether suddenly or after an illness? I know two colleagues whose wives have died in automobile accidents and another whose young daughter died after a long illness. They were all faithful servants. Their congregations treated them well before and following those tragedies but . . .
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Posted on January 10, 2011, 11:46 am | 1 comment
Topics: Leadership
How many pastors does it take to change a Christian Reformed church? The best and right answer is probably “None.” But that hasn’t kept many of my ilk from trying. Some try wisely, some foolishly. We all pray we’re faithful to God in building up the church and serving in God’s world.
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Posted on November 19, 2010, 10:00 am | 2 comments
Topics: Congregational Life
How many of us preachers feel overworked, stressed out? (I have never complained about being underpaid, though some colleagues are. In fact, I often say, “You can’t pay me enough for what I do, but I’m not complaining, because this pastoring business is more than a job; it’s a vocatio.”)
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Posted on June 7, 2010, 12:55 pm | 2 comments
Here we go! The Network discussion on small groups is making the transition from “discussion network” to “guided network”. Congratulations to us!
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Posted on April 21, 2010, 7:26 pm | 3 comments
Topics: Leadership
Healthy congregations need not remain vague dreams for all but a few charismatic leaders. The first apostles were not super-preachers, yet the early church reached outward faithfully, creatively and winsomely with the message of salvation. Those congregations struggled with a hostile culture. Today ...
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Posted on January 20, 2010, 4:45 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Books and Book Reviews
Books spun from conferences often make better insulation for pastors’ studies than they spark spiritual fire. This book will keep you warm, all right, but not because it leans against an outside wall.
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Posted on January 20, 2010, 4:05 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Roles
It’s said that during the persecution of the church by the Roman empire, the soldiers often would kill the deacons of the church first. They did this because the deacons were so powerful in bringing new members into the church through their compassionate witness.
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