https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:25:14 +0000 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:38:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/what-are-you-waiting The trip odometer read 2,686 miles. These are the miles my rental car accumulated as I traveled to five of the ten spring Classis meetings within the US Central region (if I was not at your meeting, beware, I hope to come in the Fall). Brad Meinders https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/what-are-you-waiting Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:38:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/joining-god-neighborhood-virtual-workshop How can we be witnesses for Christ right where God has placed us? Karen Wilk https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/joining-god-neighborhood-virtual-workshop Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/take-two-partnership-meets-tangible-need In 2019, Seymour Christian Reformed Church of Grand Rapids sent our youth group on a mission trip to Detroit. I joined as a leader. While on this trip, we spent time at Hesed Community Church, a Resonate Global Mission partner in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood. Mel Solle https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/take-two-partnership-meets-tangible-need Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/importance-listening-and-5-tips-practice Listening is a foundational and core practice of joining the Holy Spirit on God’s mission in our neighborhoods, but listening can be difficult in today’s day and age. Karen Wilk https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/importance-listening-and-5-tips-practice Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/fundraising-tips-group-mission-trips Gearing up for a group mission trip? You’re probably busy planning transportation, an itinerary, a packing list, and more—but you also probably have to raise funds to get there too. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/fundraising-tips-group-mission-trips Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/4-prayers-christmas God calls us to pray continuously. Find time to take a minute away from the chaos of the holidays and pray for God’s mission this Christmas season. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/4-prayers-christmas Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/christmas-appetizer I've been struggling with my Christmas spirit, or lack thereof, so far this season.  Renita Reed-Thomson https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/christmas-appetizer Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/10-ways-connect-your-neighbors-fall Many people might think of missions as going overseas, but what if God has placed you right in your neighborhood? We all have unique opportunities to share the love of Christ with those who are living right next door or down the street. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/10-ways-connect-your-neighbors-fall Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:41:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/how-engage-your-church-mission How can your church get involved in mission? Every church and believer is called to share the gospel in their neighborhoods and throughout the world. But while many churches want to respond to God’s call to spread the gospel, they’re often not sure where to start or what to do. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/how-engage-your-church-mission Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/best-practices-support-your-missionaries-and-build How does your church support missionaries and build a vision for mission in your church? Earlier this spring, twelve church mission committee leaders gathered at Calvin Theological Seminary to share their best practices. Carla Bieber https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/best-practices-support-your-missionaries-and-build Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:08:40 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/3-ways-cheer-lonely-and-share-love-christ July 11 is #CheerUpTheLonelyDay. There are so many ways to make those in your community feel seen and valued. Everyone experiences a sense of loneliness or isolation in different seasons of life. We don’t always know what the people around us are going through. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/3-ways-cheer-lonely-and-share-love-christ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:19:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/3-books-about-loving-your-neighbor-your-summer-reading What’s on your summer reading list? Karen Wilk https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/3-books-about-loving-your-neighbor-your-summer-reading Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:30:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/sent-you-are In the first verse of Luke 10 (our foundational Go Local text), those who follow Jesus are sent—but they don’t appear to be especially well-prepared for their mission. Karen Wilk https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/sent-you-are Mon, 08 May 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/lets-put-greater-emphasis-jesus-resurrection-year The long 40 days of Lent are marked with somber fasting, awareness of the brokenness in today’s world, and reflection on the sin in our own lives. Often churches create variations on the Stations of the Cross to help us on this almost seven-week journey. Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/lets-put-greater-emphasis-jesus-resurrection-year Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/when-jesus-said-take-nothing "Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals." —Luke 10:4a  Karen Wilk https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/when-jesus-said-take-nothing Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:39:42 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/what-do-you-say-responding-stories-war-and A student asked me to walk with her and as we walked, she told me her story. At the end she asked if we could do it again next week. These days, it's hard to find the words to say when we hear the stories of so many of our students. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/what-do-you-say-responding-stories-war-and Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/church-planting/what-church "What is the church?"  You might be asking yourself this question, or maybe you’re hearing people in your church or ministry ask it. We’ve been asking this question, too, as we’ve explored different expressions of church alongside the Church Planting Institute. Samantha Brinkman and Jessie Zantingh https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/church-planting/what-church Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:34:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/church-renewal/where-does-church-go-now On a late May morning, my son was exploring Liverpool, England, and sent us a short video of the inside of a cathedral. The immense arches draw one's eyes upward to heaven, where the colored light of stained glass windows dances on the ceiling. Amy Schenkel https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/church-renewal/where-does-church-go-now Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:38:34 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/5-things-do-after-your-missions-experience Serving as a volunteer on a short-term mission trip can be a powerful experience. You experience a new culture, make new friends, and see God work in new and incredible ways. Resonate Global Mission https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/5-things-do-after-your-missions-experience Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:58:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/words-encouragement-uncertain-future In June 2020, my wife Sharon and I made a monumental decision. We decided to leave The River, the church we planted in Edmonton, Alberta, some 20 years ago. Make no mistake, our years in Edmonton were incredibly blessed. Bruce Gritter https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/words-encouragement-uncertain-future Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:59:10 +0000