https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:23:45 +0000 Mon, 15 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/how-read-overtures-and-communications-synod Overtures can feel like something relatively mundane that is built into our ecclesial structure. Before we start evaluating overtures, it's good to understand what they are and how they work. Al Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/how-read-overtures-and-communications-synod Mon, 15 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/how-evaluate-overtures Once we have a handle on what an overture is and how to read them, we need to know how to respond to them. This is especially true if you're a delegate to a classis meeting or synod.  Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/how-evaluate-overtures Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:15:11 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/leadership-development/institutional-intelligence Gordon Smith's recent book, Institutional Intelligence: How to Build an Effective Organization Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/leadership-development/institutional-intelligence Sun, 06 Dec 2020 23:03:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-meetings-during-covid-collected-learning Classis meetings have undergone a massive experiment in the last several months. Last year, a few classes were exploring how they might use video for their meetings; this year, every classis has been looking into it (whether they ended up meeting by video or not).  Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-meetings-during-covid-collected-learning Thu, 03 Dec 2020 17:23:20 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/restrictions-precautions-classis-letter-churches-gathering-again This letter was developed by Classis Georgetown about how to approach meeting together in person again. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/restrictions-precautions-classis-letter-churches-gathering-again Fri, 15 May 2020 00:14:13 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-covid-19-response-coordination-team We have seen that many churches find it helpful to hear how their fellow churches within their region are responding to the COVID-19 situation. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-covid-19-response-coordination-team Thu, 07 May 2020 00:47:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-video-technical-edition Awhile back I wrote a blog with suggestions on how a classis might meet by video. That blog had a major assumption built in: time. Time to try things out. Time to test it. Time to move forward slowly but surely. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-video-technical-edition Wed, 29 Apr 2020 22:36:31 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/do-i-matter In this article, I write about a growing trend I've seen in my role supporting classis renewal. This trend is weakening our sense of community and collegiality. It’s a trend of feeling like we don’t count, and by “we,” I mean pretty much everyone. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/do-i-matter Wed, 30 Oct 2019 16:25:36 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-functionaries-some-basics Have you ever wondered about the basic structure of our denomination? If so, I wanted to share some of the typical roles you will find in a classis. Note: this is NOT an exhaustive list. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-functionaries-some-basics Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:46:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-video Many classes are exploring the possibility of meeting by video. These classes tend to cover a wide geographic area and their leaders are wondering if it might be possible to host a meeting that doesn’t require delegates to fly in or drive significant distances.  Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-video Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:52:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-worshiping-community This weekend I received an email with a call to prayer for one of the churches in Classis Atlantic Northeast. It was not because there was a tragedy in the community or any other urgent need. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-worshiping-community Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:22:55 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/time-rename-classis Last year an overture came to CRC Synod asking for a name change of "classis." In response to this overture, it was determined that further analysis would be helpful. In an attempt to get some feedback, the Classis Renewal Advisory Team sent out a survey asking questions such as: Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/time-rename-classis Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:17:08 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/continuing-education/unintentional-specialist Imagine you have a family doctor. From the whole array of topics they might engage to continue developing their abilities, they’ve always found the specific area of neurology most interesting. Quite frankly, it’s also what they’re best at. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/continuing-education/unintentional-specialist Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:03:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/pastoring-bi-vocational-pastors Steve Datema is a Regional Pastor in Classis Northern Michigan. Steve Datema https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/pastoring-bi-vocational-pastors Tue, 05 Jun 2018 14:56:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-strong-and-weak A review written by Cecil Van Niejenhuis, part of a newsletter for Regional Pastors. Cecil Van Niejenhuis https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-strong-and-weak Tue, 05 Jun 2018 14:49:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-journey A review written by Norm Thomasma, part of a new newsletter for Regional Pastors. Norm Thomasma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/regional-pastors/regional-pastors-bookshelf-journey Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:04:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/stated-clerks/collecting-classis-delegate-information One of the practical realities of hosting classis meetings is that organizers need to know who is planning to come. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/stated-clerks/collecting-classis-delegate-information Thu, 25 Jan 2018 21:26:19 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/praying-meetings-1934 We recognize that classis is a place and time for the churches to engage in collective spiritual discernment. One way we honour the spiritual nature of these meetings is by opening and closing with prayer. But what to pray? Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/praying-meetings-1934 Wed, 25 Oct 2017 13:36:20 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/strengthening-ministry-relationships It’s no big secret that some congregational and classis leaders feel a sense of disconnection with the denominational ministries and agencies. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/strengthening-ministry-relationships Wed, 13 Sep 2017 18:31:28 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-near-and-far This past August, I had the privilege of joining denominational ministry in a position called "Classis Renewal Coordinator." While this specific position is technically new, it's pretty clear that I'm picking up where others have left off. Albert Postma https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/classis/classis-near-and-far Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:15:05 +0000