https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:42:18 +0000 Thu, 28 May 2020 23:46:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/evangelical-fellowship-canada-webinar-re-opening-public-worship-june On May 26, 2020 the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), to which the CRC belongs, offered this upcoming webinar. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/evangelical-fellowship-canada-webinar-re-opening-public-worship-june Thu, 28 May 2020 23:46:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/see-change How many pastors does it take to change a Christian Reformed church? The best and right answer is probably “None.” But that hasn’t kept many of my ilk from trying. Some try wisely, some foolishly. We all pray we’re faithful to God in building up the church and serving in God’s world. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/see-change Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:46:51 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/all-i-want-christmas My kids and wife hardly give me stuff anymore, regardless of the occasion. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/all-i-want-christmas Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:51:28 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/engaging-gods-mysteries-preaching-book-review Preaching: Many people hear it every Sunday, whether it's called a sermon, message or homily. Trouble is, not nearly enough actually absorb preaching or act on it. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/engaging-gods-mysteries-preaching-book-review Sat, 13 Nov 2010 02:45:18 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/longing-what-memorial-message I’m not going to get into the habit of posting sermons on the Pastors Network, but I believe certain pastoral moments call for exceptions. Recent events in our community have provided deep challenges for families and friends of persons who have died. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/longing-what-memorial-message Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:23:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/special-topics/funerals/we-are-not-forsaken-funeral-sermon The following is a sermon given at a funeral for a 19-year-old who took his own life (see blog post). All names are changed, but all the sad facts are true. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/special-topics/funerals/we-are-not-forsaken-funeral-sermon Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:41:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/final-question-about-leadership-are-we-looking-and-developing-leaders Review and Background James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/final-question-about-leadership-are-we-looking-and-developing-leaders Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:43:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/risks-resurrection-or-almost-rest-story Limitations of Leadership In this extended series of articles, we have explored character, competence, conviction and confluence as crucial traits for church leaders and leadership. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/risks-resurrection-or-almost-rest-story Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:48:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/confluence-congregational-leadership-or-river-runs-through-it In “Leadership: A Working Definition,” the Christian Reformed Church’s Leadership Development Team calls its fourth leadership principle “confluence” (pp. 16-17). James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/confluence-congregational-leadership-or-river-runs-through-it Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:33:17 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/competency-communal-leadership In a provocative discussion on “competencies,” the CRCNA’s Leadership Development Team claims we “should not overstate the distinction between character and competence” (“Leadership: A Working Definition,” pp. 15-16). James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/competency-communal-leadership Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:03:53 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/conviction-hope-and-thrive-again-or-first-time Looking Back James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/conviction-hope-and-thrive-again-or-first-time Wed, 26 May 2010 19:41:15 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/character-near-disaster Birth of a Project James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/character-near-disaster Wed, 12 May 2010 01:28:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/healthy-congregations-head-outwards After a lively debate in June, 2004 the Christian Reformed Church Synod approved a denominational priority for the next years: to maintain or develop healthy local congregations. What’s to debate? Isn’t it a given that congregations be healthy? The issues are complex and crucial. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/healthy-congregations-head-outwards Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:26:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/eugene-peterson-marva-dawn-unnecessary-pastors The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call by Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson, edited by Peter Santucci. William B. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/eugene-peterson-marva-dawn-unnecessary-pastors Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:45:12 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/hints-visiting OK, you're going to do those visits, because that's what you are called to do. But you are uneasy, scared. This brief guide is intended to be an introductory checklist for pastors, pastoral care workers, elders or deacons when you visit families or individuals. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/hints-visiting Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:55:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/filling-cavities-formed-post-modernism Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism by Douglas Groothuis. Downers Grove, Illinois & Leicester, England, InterVarsity Press, 2000. 303 pages.  James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/filling-cavities-formed-post-modernism Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:36:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/donald-millers-search-jazzy-spiritual-diet I don't know about anyone else, but as I try to read a book by someone about whom I know nothing, I constantly ask, "Who is this person?” and, "What does s/he REALLY do?"   As I approach cynical dotage, ever fewer writers of "religion/spirit James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/donald-millers-search-jazzy-spiritual-diet Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:23:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/imagining-early-worship-war "Worship Wars" have flared in many North America churches for fifteen years or so. Worship committees, council members, pastors and musicians have tangled about what fits in worship and what doesn't. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/imagining-early-worship-war Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:12:21 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/begging-borrowing-not-stealing It’s coffee time, Friday morning but Sunday’s comin’—though not like Tony Campolo exultantly preached. Friday is sermon crunch day. James Dekker https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/begging-borrowing-not-stealing Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:59:14 +0000