https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:36:36 +0000 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 14:38:53 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/what-small-group-resource-are-you-excited-about It's officially fall, and that means ministry season is underway! There are so many options out there for small groups/Bible studies—everything from traditional print studies to ebooks to online studies and more. Angelyn Kuiper https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/what-small-group-resource-are-you-excited-about Tue, 25 Sep 2018 14:38:53 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/small-groups-where-discipleship-happens Small groups were usually seen as social gatherings over coffee and an array of desserts, with a sprinkling of discussion around a pertinent topic or book of the Bible. Keith Knight https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/small-groups-where-discipleship-happens Thu, 05 Apr 2018 13:02:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/tips-small-group-success A recent article in The Banner (Small Group Suggestion: Real Simple) sparked my interest and got me thinking about small groups. Staci Devries https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/tips-small-group-success Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:25:13 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/small-group-discipleship-questions In my role for Home Missions, I have the privilege of talking with many amazing lay leaders and pastors about small group discipleship. The conversations usually start with a short story and a question. Here a sampling of the types of questions that I hear. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/small-group-discipleship-questions Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:48:45 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/day-joshua I am often asked , "what should be my priority – family or serving God?" I believe that is the wrong question! Daphne Kirk https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/day-joshua Tue, 28 Apr 2015 15:33:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/voluntary-and-temporary-community I recently read “Caminemos Con Jesús” by the Latino theologian, Roberto S. Goizueta. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/voluntary-and-temporary-community Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:36:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/huddles-and-triads When making disciples in a church context, it’s important to use the right tool for the job. At our church we’re focusing on two specific tools: triads and huddles. The biggest difference between these tools lies in what they produce. Nathan Visker https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/huddles-and-triads Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:56:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/speed-discipleship If you “feel the need for speed,” then starting a movement of discipleship in your church is probably not for you.  Discipleship is not a fast process. There are several reasons for this. Nathan Visker https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/speed-discipleship Mon, 16 Feb 2015 21:11:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/bible-overview-curriculum Let's imagine. Sally and Stan are typical folks in your community. Sally went to church with her family until she started college. Stan remembers a Bible school experience and a few Christmas and Easter services. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/bible-overview-curriculum Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:08:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/multiplying-missional-leaders By Marcia Bosma Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/multiplying-missional-leaders Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:32:46 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/leading-missional-communities Leading Missional Communities:Rediscovering the Power of Living on Mission Together by Mike Breen and the 3DM Team; report by Paul Worster: Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/leading-missional-communities Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:22:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/building-discipling-culture Report on Building a Discipling Culture, by Rachel VanSchepen Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/building-discipling-culture Tue, 04 Mar 2014 14:47:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/hook-book-look-took-intergenerational-story-group-experiment "For the 2011-2012 educational year at our church we set aside traditional Sunday School and incorporated what we called Story Groups. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/hook-book-look-took-intergenerational-story-group-experiment Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:50:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/shema-shaped-discipleship-crosspoint-story CrossPoint’s discipleship strategy may be the simplest and most used word in our vocabulary, yet the most difficult of words to truly live out — LOVE. The Shema (found in Deut. Danell Czarnecki https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/shema-shaped-discipleship-crosspoint-story Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:58:16 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/stages-disciple-growing-theres-not-one-best-way-everyone Fact:The 2012 survey of CRCs showed that out of eleven healthy church factors, the responders scored in “Disciple-Making” tenth out of eleven. Michael Johnson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/stages-disciple-growing-theres-not-one-best-way-everyone Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:24:54 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/new-life-growing-believers-unique-churchs-story Crossroads Community Church officially opened on Easter, 1998 under the leadership of Paul and Betsy Ingeneri.  They have a rare and wonderful story as a church reborn.  They were an older CRC church in serious decline that has been given a second fruitful life.  W Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/new-life-growing-believers-unique-churchs-story Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:52:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/missional-communities-after-year Just over a year ago our congregation launched its first missional community.  We’ve defined a missional community (MC) as a Christ-centered community of 15-50 people sent to announce and demonstrate the kingdom of God in and to a local neighborhood or people group.  We think o Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/missional-communities-after-year Tue, 19 Nov 2013 12:57:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/trenches-sue-prins What is Providence’s vision or picture of a disciple of Jesus?  Providence is in the process of forming a Dream Team to answer that question! We hope to sharpen our picture of what it looks like to be a disciple. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/trenches-sue-prins Tue, 05 Nov 2013 12:00:13 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/johns-spiritual-gifts-adventure A couple of weeks ago, my friend John Rozeboom emailed a question:“Sam, can you recommend or point me to a member spiritual gift inventory that can be self-administered, is simple and straightforward.” Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/johns-spiritual-gifts-adventure Tue, 24 Sep 2013 13:21:08 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/harvest-time It seems appropriate for me to finish this series of blogs at the end of the growing season. The Michigan summer has been great for apples. Sam Huizenga https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/small-groups/harvest-time Mon, 09 Sep 2013 19:22:50 +0000