https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:59:27 +0000 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:45:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/nudged-spirit-or-science I was convinced that though I wanted to do one thing, the Lord was calling me to do another. As a follower of Jesus, I quickly attributed my conviction and subsequent decision to the Holy Spirit. I assumed the Spirit had lovingly and wisely directed my steps. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/nudged-spirit-or-science Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:45:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/3-persistent-pastoral-temptations Throughout my four-plus decades in vocational ministry, I have wrestled with three persistent temptations. I had hoped by now I would have overcome them, but they have been my ever-present “thorn in the flesh.” Perhaps you can relate. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/3-persistent-pastoral-temptations Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:46:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/rest-weary Life is not always like driving on a highway in Nebraska: predictable, smooth, steady, peaceful, and refreshing, allowing me to cruise while taking in some lovely landscapes. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/rest-weary Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:00:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/return-church-cemetery It has become commonplace for congregations to ask themselves how they can best serve their communities. Their answers have resulted in an array of services including shelters for the homeless, food pantries, thrift stores, coffee shops, tutoring, vegetable gardens, and much, much more. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/return-church-cemetery Mon, 01 May 2017 18:13:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastoral-practice-self-reflection Not sure what James & John were thinking. Perhaps they weren’t when they asked Jesus if they could have positions of honor and authority when Jesus comes to sit on his throne as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastoral-practice-self-reflection Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:56:31 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/beware-dissing-preacher ʺHow was the service Sunday?ʺ one pastor asked another. ʺWell, the guy preached a good sermon but he didn’t preach the text.ʺ Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/beware-dissing-preacher Wed, 08 Mar 2017 18:57:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/confessions The Confessions of Augustine is a first-of-its kind spiritual auto-biography and required reading for a seminary course I have the privilege of leading. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/confessions Mon, 07 Nov 2016 17:43:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-3 I write this final installment (here are links to Part 1 and Part 2) from the perspective of a Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-3 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:08:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-2 So here is the proposal from an outsider alluded to in Five Steps for Denominational Renewal - Part 1. (Those familiar with the work of Will Mancini will recognize his “Vision Frame” in the backgr Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-2 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:18:24 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-1 Most pastors will acknowledge that the relationship between their congregations and their denominations is tethered by but a thread. One simple explanation for this is that denominations serve but a small percentage of the essential needs of their congregations. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/five-steps-denominational-renewal-part-1 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 12:44:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/time-non-compete-clauses-clergy Time after time, we hear of a pastor leaving his church (and, yes, it is always a he who does such a thing) to plant another congregation in the same neighborhood and, in the process, a significant percentage of the first congregation goes with him. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/time-non-compete-clauses-clergy Thu, 07 Apr 2016 12:22:42 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/whats-your-skeleton-corporate-worship If you have been called out by your congregation to plan the Sunday service, you know that, sooner than later, you must decide on a skeleton or order for the liturgy. One option, perhaps the most popular, is to begin with last week’s liturgy. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/whats-your-skeleton-corporate-worship Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:54:40 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/time-revival "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known" (Habakkuk 3:1). Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/time-revival Fri, 18 Dec 2015 16:19:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/being-offendable As a kid my parents taught me that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” That principle helped me navigate a neighborhood divided into ethnic tribes, each prouder than the next. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/being-offendable Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:28:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/controlling-holy-spirit “When I look back over the history of our congregation during my lifetime, it seems that we have been dying ever since we tried to control the Holy Spirit.” Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/controlling-holy-spirit Wed, 06 May 2015 19:25:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/evangelical-liturgist Every congregation has a liturgy, even those congregations which shy away from the word. For them, the word “liturgy” may seem like a dirty word… suggesting the Roman Catholic mass or the Episcopalian prayer book, accompanied by vestments, candles, and altars.” (D.G. Hart & John R. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/evangelical-liturgist Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:01:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/learning-lyrics-god Today’s reading in the One Year Bible includes lyrics written by God! Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/learning-lyrics-god Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:09:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastors-may-cause-christ-rejoice Of all the work we do in this world, how much of it causes Jesus Christ to rejoice? We might hope that by doing everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17), we cause Jesus Christ to rejoice. Perhaps, but the Bible doesn’t confirm that aspiration. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/pastors-may-cause-christ-rejoice Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:47:16 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/winging-our-prayers Most pastors carefully prepare and deliver their sermons.  They commit hours to study. They develop outlines, even manuscripts for each sermon. Some even practice delivering their sermons in empty sanctuaries. Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/winging-our-prayers Tue, 10 Feb 2015 22:23:31 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/evolution-pastoral-ministry Throughout the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth, American Protestants identified four primary functions for their pastors: preaching (homiletics), planning and leading the Sunday service (liturgics), teaching the basics of the Christian faith to the young in age and the new Sam Hamstra https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/evolution-pastoral-ministry Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:03:46 +0000