https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:39:00 +0000 Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:36:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/something-other-lectionary Some years ago I attended a session of one congregation’s long-term visioning project. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/something-other-lectionary Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:36:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/rob-ford-and-pastors Recent weeks have produced tumultuous news in Toronto and, unfortunately, around the world. Six months ago Mayor Rob Ford was accused of smoking crack cocaine. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/rob-ford-and-pastors Mon, 09 Dec 2013 11:34:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/we-believe-help-our-unbelief I still cannot comprehend these facts three weeks after it all began. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/we-believe-help-our-unbelief Tue, 28 May 2013 13:44:42 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/its-closin-time Leonard Cohen wrote and sings a long, complex song called “It’s Closin’ Time.” It’s full of varied images and scenes that evoke life’s excitement, unpredictability, the rare possibility of controlling much, but dealing with it without anxiety.Sort of like The Network, I think. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/its-closin-time Tue, 24 May 2011 13:11:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/week-was-bin-ladens-death-and-canadas-election 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. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/week-was-bin-ladens-death-and-canadas-election Sun, 08 May 2011 18:50:53 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/easter-meditation-what-good-resurrection On Easter I greeted our congregation, “Christ is risen.”And they replied: “He is risen indeed.” James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/easter-meditation-what-good-resurrection Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:11:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/lenten-meditation-praying-lent-and-always Lent ends soon. Lent–six weeks between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, not counting Sundays. Many say Lent’s 42 days mesh with Jesus’ 40 days of desert temptation by the devil. He was sustained by praying. Lent is still a time for praying.When do you pray? James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/lenten-meditation-praying-lent-and-always Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:09:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/new-old-old-story This is the time of year when we start (or ought to!) thinking about planning for preaching, worship and teaching for the school/church year starting in September. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/new-old-old-story Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:57:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/two-books-reviews-both-bouquets-and-near-brickbats Regrettably, it is a mighty snowy afternoon in St. Catharines—and this on the second day of what the calendar calls “spring.” Still, maybe this is better than mighty muggy in July. Besides, because of a few weather-related cancellations, I’ve been able to catch up on recent book reviews. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/two-books-reviews-both-bouquets-and-near-brickbats Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:39:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/word-library A few weeks ago church librarian Jo Vandermey of Providence CRC in Beamsville, Ontario sent me an interesting note that I thought might fit in our Network. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/word-library Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:15:51 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/have-you-ever-abandoned-your-vocation-or-been-tempted Last month I wrote about Judah. That creepy member of Jesus’ family from Genesis 38 nevertheless revealed Jesus—which should give everybody hope. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/have-you-ever-abandoned-your-vocation-or-been-tempted Sun, 27 Feb 2011 02:12:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastors-losing-family-members-death How do churches and pastors carry on after an immediate family member has died—whether suddenly or after an illness? James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastors-losing-family-members-death Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:19:03 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/love-god-belhar What is your church doing with the Belhar Confession? James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/love-god-belhar Tue, 15 Feb 2011 03:07:43 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/bit-more-not-tweeting Early on in the stone age of The Network (about ten months ago), I blogged about why I did not tweet and rarely use my Facebook page. My use of those social networks has not changed appreciably since then. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/bit-more-not-tweeting Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:28:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/r-rated-epiphany-story Many Christians celebrate Epiphany starting every January 6—the date traditionally assigned to the magi’s visit to young Jesus. “Epiphany” means a kind of recognition and revelation. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/r-rated-epiphany-story Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:08:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/jesus-every-book-bible-and-internet We hear a lot about wicked and dangerous stuff on the internet. But God is the Lord of all technology, including the internet, which can be used for much good. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/jesus-every-book-bible-and-internet Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:49:36 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/conflict-inevitable-so-learn-understand-and-lead-through-it On the Church Administration Network colleague Sheri Laninga has posted a blog with this fine article from the Alban Institute about understanding and managing conflict in churches. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/conflict-inevitable-so-learn-understand-and-lead-through-it Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:51:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/see-change 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. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/see-change Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:46:51 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/christmas-rear-view-mirror The week before Christmas was supposed to be easy. On my Monday off I took a pick-up load of scrap metal to Adelstein’s Recycling and pocketed $129.60; more than paid for stocking stuffers for the children and grandchildren who would start trickling in on Wednesday. They’d stay till December 27. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/christmas-rear-view-mirror Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:35:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/all-i-want-christmas My kids and wife hardly give me stuff anymore, regardless of the occasion. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/all-i-want-christmas Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:51:28 +0000