https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:49:28 +0000 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 14:20:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/when-are-desires-healthy-or-twisted-brief-look-word-epithymia A study of the HSR (Human Sexuality Report) reveals that the word desire is used multiple times in both positive and negative senses. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/when-are-desires-healthy-or-twisted-brief-look-word-epithymia Thu, 24 Mar 2022 14:20:59 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/hermeneutics-101 It's all a matter of interpretation, dear Watson, said Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective. Our Biblical Interpretation class looked at 20 statements that are part of popular discourse, and were asked to detect if anything was wrong with them. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/hermeneutics-101 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:16:06 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/social-justice-uncompromising-gospel In a world which seems to be getting increasingly polarized with short, pithy and charged statements, such as "you are exhibiting ____ fragility"; "all injustices in this world are due to____________"; "everything is a Gospel issue, so if you are a good Christian then____________"; "you must do m John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/social-justice-uncompromising-gospel Mon, 10 May 2021 11:27:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/challenge-discipling-converts-islam         In the period of the 1970s to about 2000, there were many discussions about presenting the Gospel to Muslims. Since then, a new challenge has arisen, namely, how does one disciple new converts? This article looks at a resource from Duane A. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/challenge-discipling-converts-islam Mon, 10 May 2021 09:47:22 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/dozen-bad-ideas-21st-century In his blog, "A Dozen Bad Ideas for the 21st Century", written almost 8 years ago, Dr. Mark Durie sketches out 12 ideas that make it nearly impossible to conduct a careful analysis of Islam. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/dozen-bad-ideas-21st-century Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:11:19 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/mercy-ministry-mission-strategy The title of this piece comes from Phil D's blog "Mercy Ministry in Mission Strategy" where he shows the allure and pitfalls of mercy ministry, especially for those captivated by "issues of mercy and justice." He argues that John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/justice-inclusion/biblical-justice/mercy-ministry-mission-strategy Tue, 07 Jan 2020 19:29:28 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/three-words-affecting-church-new-decade As we enter the decade of the new “roaring 20’s” many new words will find currency in our society. This piece looks at wokeness, virtue signalling, and intersectionality. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/three-words-affecting-church-new-decade Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:51:50 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/christmas-and-real-night-power-lessness In Islam, there is a special night called the Night of Power/Destiny (or in Arabic, laylat al-Qadr). In this short piece, I would like to compare and contrast that night with the Christmas Eve. What is laylat al-Qadr? John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/christmas-and-real-night-power-lessness Mon, 23 Dec 2019 15:04:29 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/decoding-missionary-newsletters Before moving overseas, I read newsletters of cross cultural workers and thought something along the lines of Well, that’s interesting. Now that I live overseas, I realize newsletters are filled with code words. Anisha Hopkinson https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/decoding-missionary-newsletters Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:26:55 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/90-retention-rate-or-90-attrition-rate-doctrine-matters In this survey, lessons from the lives of Ray Comfort, Charles Finney, and Asahel Nettleton will be examined. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/90-retention-rate-or-90-attrition-rate-doctrine-matters Wed, 24 Jul 2019 16:33:41 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/resources-preaching-miracles-jesus In this short piece, I will highlight four books that have been helpful in sermon preparation on the miracles of Jesus, a subject which occupies about twenty percent of the contents of the Gospels. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/resources-preaching-miracles-jesus Tue, 09 Jul 2019 12:42:38 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/palestine-and-overture-6-ten-questions-consider Synod 2019 will be asked to deliberate Overture #6 from the Council of East Hill Community CRC, Vernon, British Columbia entitled “Follow Christ in the Way of Peace, Doing Justice, and Bringing Reconciliation to the Peoples of Israel and Palestine.” (see the  John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/palestine-and-overture-6-ten-questions-consider Tue, 14 May 2019 13:26:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/avoiding-ministry-burnout-establishing-personal In a family, decisions are made with how we use our time, how we spend our money, and how we rank our priorities. Do we buy braces today and defer the purchase of a second car, or do we take a much-needed vacation and defer an accelerated mortgage payment? John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/avoiding-ministry-burnout-establishing-personal Tue, 07 May 2019 14:36:13 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/convince-exhort-proclaim-and-speak-boldly There is a statement floating around in mission circles that has been attributed to St. Francis. Likely he never said it, but lots of people like to repeat it. It goes: "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/ecumenical-interfaith/convince-exhort-proclaim-and-speak-boldly Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:41:04 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/thinking-theologically-are-people-all-around-world I recently attended a church service and one of its elements communicated the following message: “People all over the world are hungry to hear about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.” Is that statement true, false, or something else? John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/thinking-theologically-are-people-all-around-world Wed, 27 Feb 2019 20:21:36 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/how-definite-atonement-secures-purpose-mode-and-outcome "Who did Christ die for?" is an important question. Today it is common to hear the response that "Jesus died for everyone." In his January 21, 2019 article, Alex Kocman looks at that assertion and concludes that the "L" of TULIP which he renders as 'definite atonement' instead of its mo John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/how-definite-atonement-secures-purpose-mode-and-outcome Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:34:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/sending-missionaries-ways-worthy-god "You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God" (3 John 1:6). John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/sending-missionaries-ways-worthy-god Tue, 19 Jun 2018 12:54:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/are-bible-translators-trying-bring-christianity-and The hows and whats: John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/global-mission/are-bible-translators-trying-bring-christianity-and Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:41:48 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/matter-life-or-death-theological-precision At what might be one of the most ornate churches in London, England, with the tombs of many famous people including Isaac Newton, Queen Elizabeth the first, and William Wilberforce, there is a special memorial for the “Unknown Soldier.” It is surrounded by poppies and unlike any of the other John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/church-strategy-mission/evangelism/matter-life-or-death-theological-precision Mon, 06 Feb 2017 16:26:26 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/preaching/new-resource-preaching-and-teaching-jesus-miracles Vern Poythress, professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Seminary recently published his book The Miracles of Jesus: How the Savior's Mighty Acts Serve as Signs of Redemption. John Span https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/pastors/preaching/new-resource-preaching-and-teaching-jesus-miracles Sat, 27 Feb 2016 22:32:18 +0000