https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:36:23 +0000 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/books-crc-rca-authors/revelation-comfort-believers The book of Revelation stirs up mixed emotions in most believers—a bit of curiosity, a little fear, and maybe some excitement. It talks about spiritual things we long to understand, like: Is there life after death? What is heaven like? How will we know when Jesus comes again? Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/books-crc-rca-authors/revelation-comfort-believers Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/christmas-hope-and-women-jesus-family-tree Sometimes it’s hard to get into the Christmas spirit. Our culture tends to idealize the idea of Christmas. We imagine perfectly delightful, conflict-free gatherings of extended family. We visualize giving thoughtful gifts, while receiving just what we wanted. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/christmas-hope-and-women-jesus-family-tree Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/advent-waiting-expectation When I was a kid the closest my family came to observing Advent was to use an Advent calendar one year. Made of printed cardboard in the shape of the classic “Night Before Christmas” house, it had little pull-out tabs for each day that revealed a picture underneath. Christopher Hunt https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/advent-waiting-expectation Sun, 27 Nov 2022 18:55:19 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/new-ebook-praying-times-grief The most difficult days in my life came in the weeks after 9/11. The woman I had been married to for seven years told me she wanted a divorce, leaving our two small children with me. Christopher Hunt https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/new-ebook-praying-times-grief Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:15:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/family-ministry/stoking-spirit-your-marriage-video-series Family Fire is proud to share a series of videos on improving your marriage called, “Stoking the Spirit in Your Marriage.” Based on a long-running series of in-person marriage seminars by our producers, Pastors Deb and Steven Koster, these videos discuss skills and fundamentals ever Christopher Hunt https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/family-ministry/stoking-spirit-your-marriage-video-series Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:21:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/seeking-gods-face-our-new-reality After nearly two year of unpredictability and change, many of us are bone tired. Robin Basselin https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/seeking-gods-face-our-new-reality Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:10:01 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/facebook-churches-ebook Technology continues to change at an increasingly fast pace and the needs of your church have evolved. The way we communicate is not the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago (or even pre-pandemic in many cases). Bryan Haley https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/facebook-churches-ebook Sun, 10 Oct 2021 23:50:31 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/other/news/groundwork-welcomes-new-co-host When Groundwork’s founding co-host, Dave Bast, announced in 2020 that he would retire in Spring 2021, our team began a careful and prayerful search for someone to step into his shoes. After a year-long process, we’re excited to introduce you to Rev. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/other/news/groundwork-welcomes-new-co-host Mon, 03 May 2021 19:33:11 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/kids-corners-gods-big-story-bible-study At Kids Corner, our mission is to present the Christian message to kids and their families in a way that entertains, promotes biblical literacy and understanding of the gospel, and calls for a response of faith and obedience. Ron VandenBurg https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/kids-corners-gods-big-story-bible-study Mon, 26 Apr 2021 20:34:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/groundworks-founding-co-host-retires Since Groundwork began in 2010, Dave Bast has faithfully dug into scripture and shared God’s Word weekly through the radio show and podcast. For the past eleven years, his voice has comforted and encouraged listeners with biblical insights and thoughtful reflections. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/groundworks-founding-co-host-retires Mon, 19 Apr 2021 15:12:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/church-communication-strategy-guidebook-church Is creating a well-defined, carefully-crafted communication strategy a high priority for your church? The problem is knowing where to start. Bryan Haley https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-administration/church-communications/church-communication-strategy-guidebook-church Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:27:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/ways-pray-ebook-reframes-prayer-ministry “I know why I should pray, but sometimes I just don’t know how to pray.”  Emily Vanden Heuvel https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/prayer/ways-pray-ebook-reframes-prayer-ministry Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:01:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/devotional-encouragement-blue-christmas “Have a holly jolly Christmas,” Burl Ives sings, “It’s the best time of the year.” But sometimes it doesn’t feel like the best time of the year. For many of us, the time around Christmas is actually the worst time of the year. Jeff Bulthuis https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/devotional-encouragement-blue-christmas Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:53:28 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/pop-psalms-pop-prayers In the introduction to his study guide, Psalms: Prayers of the Heart, Eugene Peterson wrote, “People look into mirrors to see how they look; they look into the psalms to find out who they are.” Josh Larsen https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/pop-psalms-pop-prayers Thu, 08 Oct 2020 13:37:52 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/finding-strength-and-support-scripture God created you and I as complex, multifaceted individuals. We’re tempted to act as though our physical and spiritual natures are separate and autonomous. But in reality, God created us as whole beings, body and spirit united as one whole. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/finding-strength-and-support-scripture Thu, 09 Jul 2020 12:56:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/easter-blessings-family-fire Hallelujah, he is risen! Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that he brings to our hurting world. Deb Koster https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/easter-blessings-family-fire Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:09:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/finding-comfort-gods-word-when-life-anything-normal In the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people around the globe are experiencing an unprecedented loss: the loss of control, freedom of movement, sense of security, and even the understanding of what is normal. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/finding-comfort-gods-word-when-life-anything-normal Wed, 08 Apr 2020 16:34:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/tool-pastors-ministry-between-sundays Every church is navigating uncharted waters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastors are learning to stream their sermons online. Worship leaders are figuring out how to help people worship well virtually. Jeff Bulthuis https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/tool-pastors-ministry-between-sundays Mon, 30 Mar 2020 19:34:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/words-cross-bible-study-podcast-series-lent Just as Jesus spent forty days in the desert preparing for his ministry, Christians around the world embark on the forty-day journey of Lent to pause and reflect on our profound need for a Savior. Courtney Jacob https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/words-cross-bible-study-podcast-series-lent Tue, 25 Feb 2020 02:06:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/taking-stand-against-bullying On the first day of school, most children are excited to see their friends and meet new teachers. Unfortunately, many children must once again face bullying from other kids in or around the school. Christopher Hunt https://network.crcna.org/topic/children-youth/childrens-ministry/taking-stand-against-bullying Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:07:50 +0000