https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Wed, 24 Apr 2024 02:26:52 +0000 Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:02:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/stewardship/taxes I decided in church yesterday that whatever money I saved from my taxes because of the recently passed tax law I will donate to the church. Any joiners? Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/stewardship/taxes Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:02:05 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/books-crc-rca-authors/mental-health-awareness My book on depression could serve as a resource for pastors and elders when looking for mental health resources. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/books-crc-rca-authors/mental-health-awareness Wed, 13 Sep 2017 19:21:06 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/calvin-seminary-professor-hits-it-out-park I was beginning to wonder when a Reformed theologian would simply lay out the Scriptures and a Reformed position on what it means to love our neighbor regarding health care legislation and the poor. I am no longer wondering. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/calvin-seminary-professor-hits-it-out-park Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:53:32 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/confusing-language-synod-it-generational Some of synod's language was beyond my interpretation. We need a study to reduce our "footprint." Footprint is bad? "Footprint" is worse than "hand print" or "finger print"? What do we mean by this strange talk. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/confusing-language-synod-it-generational Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:34:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/christian-scholars-who-support-government-help-poor There are Christian Scholars who Support the idea of Government Help of the Poor.   Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/lets-talk-about/christian-scholars-who-support-government-help-poor Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:32:55 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/question-governance-and-scripture-teaching Last week there was a healthy discussion about government's responsibility to care for the poor.  It was pointed out that nowhere in scripture can you find support for the idea of government being obligated to care for the poor. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/question-governance-and-scripture-teaching Sun, 21 Feb 2016 04:21:31 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/single-thematic-approach-reformed-worship Clearly, we in the CRC embrace public worship with profound respect. Our interim Banner editor has written an editorial on the subject entitled “Key Features of Reformed Worship.” H Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/single-thematic-approach-reformed-worship Tue, 15 Dec 2015 01:24:09 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/our-reformed-engagement-ethical-business-practices I was pleasantly surprised and thankful when I read in the July/August issue of Christianity Today that Evangelical groups are attacking (their word) loan sharks. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/our-reformed-engagement-ethical-business-practices Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:23:20 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/financial-shalom/caring-pastors/why-denominational-leaders-need-address Since I was forced to retire from ministry in the CRCNA in 2007, I have been thinking about what could be done to prevent this from happening. Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/financial-shalom/caring-pastors/why-denominational-leaders-need-address Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:57:57 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/should-world-renew-engage-community-development Since 2009 I have been working part-time as a donor relations person with World Renew.  I love what this organization does all over the world.  I love its approach to poverty reduction, an approach which seeks the input of the local community along with its resources, gifts, and talents Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/community-engagement/should-world-renew-engage-community-development Fri, 20 Feb 2015 18:24:47 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/crc-losing-young-adults-or-it-not I raise this question because on the one hand I read in places like the Banner that this is true. But I also read in places like Calvin's Institute of Worship that convergence worship is worship of choice of young adults. How can both of these be true? Larry Van Essen https://network.crcna.org/topic/worship/general-worship/crc-losing-young-adults-or-it-not Wed, 24 Sep 2014 03:19:42 +0000