https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:18:39 +0000 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/congregational-feedback-surveys-vs-listening-circles Mark it in the Calendar Sean Baker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/congregational-feedback-surveys-vs-listening-circles Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/called-elsewhere-including-current-churches-pastoral-discernment “Dating” and “courtship” are two of the most commonly-used metaphors to describe the experience of churches searching for pastors in the CRCNA. Sean Baker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/called-elsewhere-including-current-churches-pastoral-discernment Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastoral-retirement-uncomfortable-opportunity-transition If you are looking ahead to whatever comes after full time, pastoral ministry, then you are entering a season of substantial transition. There are opportunities and uncertainties ahead. There are options for addressing them, and all of them have important implications.  Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastoral-retirement-uncomfortable-opportunity-transition Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/post-synod-make-decisions-about-truth-without-losing-grace For many of us, the hardest thing about contentious issues is the looming sense that at some point, a decision may have to be made. We eventually realize that, at some point, even not deciding is actually a decision. Sean Baker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/post-synod-make-decisions-about-truth-without-losing-grace Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/how-communicate-questions-and-concerns-your-council-6-steps Have a question or comment you need to relay to your church’s leadership? Try this six-step process for best results.  Sean Baker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/how-communicate-questions-and-concerns-your-council-6-steps Sun, 05 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/virtual-workshop-pastors-exploring-their-call Are you asking questions such as:  Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/virtual-workshop-pastors-exploring-their-call Wed, 16 Nov 2022 15:01:37 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-burning-my-bones-authorized I presume that most Christian Reformed pastors reading this review have in some small or grand ways been blessed by reading one or many of Eugene Peterson’s books. Rev. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-burning-my-bones-authorized Thu, 05 May 2022 14:55:20 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/help-pastors-and-their-families-after-article-17 The season following an Article 17 separation can be painful and lonely. Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/help-pastors-and-their-families-after-article-17 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:29:24 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-flourishing-ministry When Pastoral Resources provides a free book for reviewing, I’m challenged to find out if I’m “paying too much” for it. You can write me and let me know what you think.   Rev. George Vink https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-flourishing-ministry Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:54:34 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/asking-dr-phil-question Dr. Phil McGraw is a television personality famous for a question that he often asks people on his show. The question, usually asked when a person is explaining why they do what they do, is: “How’s that working for you?” Rev. Rodney Hugen https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/asking-dr-phil-question Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:40:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastor-restoration-grants Pastor, your flourishing and wellbeing is crucial to your ministry. Pastoring a church through the Covid-19 global pandemic has been difficult and contributed significantly to experiences of burnout and uncertainty of call. These are significant threats to your flourishing and wellbeing! Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastor-restoration-grants Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:38:49 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-life-transitions TRANSITIONS OR TRANSMISSIONS? Rev. George G. Vink https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-life-transitions Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:05:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/need-sacred-rest A June 2, 2021, Christianity Today article ( Rev. Shawn Brix https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/need-sacred-rest Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:05:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/exploring-call-virtual-gathering Are you considering a new call? Pastor Church Resources will be hosting a workshop for pastors who may be asking questions such as: “Is it time to make a change? Is God calling me to a new season of ministry in my current setting? Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/exploring-call-virtual-gathering Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:39:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/lets-join-hands-and-pray The largest demographic in the final church I served was retirees. One of the delightful couples in the church, Bob and Marge, were relatively new to the Christian Reformed Church. They had lived their entire married life in Queens NY, eventually retiring in the St. Rev. Bob Broekema https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/lets-join-hands-and-pray Wed, 19 May 2021 12:58:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/ken-gehrels-memorial On May 10, 2021, with family surrounding him, Ken Gehrels of Kemptville passed away peacefully at home after a valiant battle with cancer. Ken was a vibrant leader, a man of deep convictions, a friend of God and countless others. One of the ways in which Ken served others was in his rol Rev. Jack Van de Hoef https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/ken-gehrels-memorial Wed, 19 May 2021 12:51:19 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-diary-pastors-soul-holy Every pastor needs support and help. Maybe most of all we need wisdom and a companion. We regional pastors can provide some of that wisdom and companionship, but there are other resources and people we can point them to as well. Rev. Dave Vroege https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-diary-pastors-soul-holy Wed, 19 May 2021 12:31:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/financial-shalom/get-financial-health-check Let’s be honest: we all need a financial check-up from time-to-time.  Thrive (CRCNA) https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/financial-shalom/get-financial-health-check Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:12:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/leaning-regional-pastor One of the joys of being a Regional Pastor is to meet with a group of colleagues and be part of the banter that fills the room.  With monthly meetings, we come to know each other well and can laugh and cry together comfortably. Rev. Jack Van de Hoef https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/leaning-regional-pastor Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:32:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-pastor-secular-age There are few jobs that require as broad a skillset as that of the pastor. Leader, manager, administrator, theologian, academic, therapist, counsellor, confidante, teacher, coach, speaker, cheerleader, mentor, are just a few of the skills pastors require and congregations expect. Rev. Andrew Beunk https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-pastor-secular-age Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:22:57 +0000