https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:07:04 +0000 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:44:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classical-transitional-specialist The Mess in the Middle A fully functioning Classis is vital to the health and future of the CRCNA. Classis continues to be a puzzle and a problem for the CRC. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classical-transitional-specialist Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:44:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/gospel-community-cruciform-leaders-classis For many CRC pastors and leaders classis is someplace between an administrative hassle that is best avoided if possible, and an ecclesiastical firefighter that is called upon to resolve uncomfortable problems that local churches are unable to resolve.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/gospel-community-cruciform-leaders-classis Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:34:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/how-will-classis-respond-change-church-leadership-flow Leadership Flow in North America One of the sea changes in North American church leadership over the last 50 years has been the change of seat from which leadership is recognized and influence is exerted.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/how-will-classis-respond-change-church-leadership-flow Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:56:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/why-god-enables-church-fights People Don't Like Conflict in Church Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/why-god-enables-church-fights Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:25:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/our-confessional-crisis Church services are for worshipping and Synod is for fighting and Synod season is upon us. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/our-confessional-crisis Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classes-wont-seat-women Dawn is a member of a church within a classis that won't seat women. In a comment on a previous posting (and on other forums) she shared that this leads her to the conclusion that classis is a broken structure and should be replaced.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classes-wont-seat-women Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:39:45 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/uniting-christs-body-through-classis Recently my classis celebrated a joint meeting of CRC Classis Central CA and RCA Classis Central CA with a joint educational day and reports from chief executives of the denominations and seminaries. It was a fantastic event.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/uniting-christs-body-through-classis Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:10:49 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-embodies-what-belhar-points “What’s a nice conservative theologian like you doing in THAT classis?  A Confession and a Challenge.” Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-embodies-what-belhar-points Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:16:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-and-denominational-question The CRC has long pondered its identity. In 1980, over thirty years ago Andy Kuyvenhoven editor of the Banner said “It’s Time to Burn the Wooden Shoes”. James KA Smith wonders about our wondering.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-and-denominational-question Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:54:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/bishops-crc CRC bishop Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/bishops-crc Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:06:20 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/article-17-flag Church Order Primer Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/article-17-flag Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:33:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/does-your-classis-collaborate-or-compete Because of historic migration and immigration patterns CRC congregations are often clumped. Even though competition can be a good thing for some markets, it is most often not good between churches within a Classis.  Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/does-your-classis-collaborate-or-compete Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:50:42 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classical-interim-pastor In September our classis mourned the death of Rev. Al Helder, current pastor of Modesto CRC and former Classical Interim Pastor (CIP) for Classis Central California. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classical-interim-pastor Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:34:46 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/how-change-classis When I finished Calvin Seminary someone told me that my faculty recommendation had a comment about me that went something like this “He seems to have a capacity for leadership but is timid to exercise it.” Some may be surprised I’ve ever been called “timid” but I do have my places for that. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/how-change-classis Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:07:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/when-bad-classis-happens-good-leaders Part of the difficulty of church work is that expectations run so high. Christian claims about being a new creation in Christ Jesus run head on into the reality of sinful, broken people in shallow, botched community. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/when-bad-classis-happens-good-leaders Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:16:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/secret-society Secret Society? Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/secret-society Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:55:06 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/drama-queen Because most of you don’t know me, let me make a few disclaimers. I love the denomination and its agencies. I’m a third generation minister and you can catch me talking denominational “shop” on my vacations. I’ve spent 10 years on the Home Mission’s board and served as president. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/drama-queen Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:23:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/when-classes-collaborate   Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/when-classes-collaborate Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:37:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/why-your-pastor-hates-classis Two things real people have said to me: Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/why-your-pastor-hates-classis Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:21:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/who-paul-vander-klay-and-whats-he-hoping-do Two good questions. Paul VanderKlay https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/who-paul-vander-klay-and-whats-he-hoping-do Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:44:23 +0000