November 30, 2020
63
1
0 comments
A Connections Mindset Kind of Love
Loving our colleagues that we work with each day can happen with little effort. But what about those we’ve never actually met? How do we love them?
Results 1-25 of 46
Sort by
August 31, 2020
159
1
2
The Need for Creative Experimentation in All Congregations
How does the church flourish in the context of a creator economy? It engages in creative experimentation, listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading while launching trial and error initiatives.
July 27, 2020
68
0
0
The Simple Distinction That Changed Everything for My Ministry
After 5 minutes of reading, my ministry paradigm was shattered. Transformation flows from long term relationships and processes.
July 27, 2020
60
0
0
US East Coast Anti-Racism Conversations
Rev. Sheila Holmes and Rev. Marco Avila recognized the need for a corporate response to racism, and convened seven one-hour conversations in June and July for the four East Coast classes.
June 24, 2020
73
0
0
COVID-19: What Are We Learning From Churches?
Many of you have been having conversations with pastors and church staff about COVID this Spring. Through these calls we’re learning a lot.
June 24, 2020
52
0
0
The Soul-Challenges of “Throughness”
Often times blessings flow through us to others in invisible ways. This invisibility can wear down our souls. Here are some ways our colleagues have addressed these challenges.
June 24, 2020
90
0
0
The 6 Year Pivot to Bless Congregations
This list tells the story of an increasingly congregation-centric CRC that recognizes the beautiful challenge of thriving as faithful congregations led by well-supported pastors and leaders.
January 23, 2020
35
0
0
A Biblical Vision for the Third Third of Life
This article by Syd Hielema is part of The Third Third of Life Toolkit—a collection of resources for ministry to and with people ages 55 and over.
April 11, 2019
23
3
4
Fragile Beauty and Racism
A few days ago my daughter sent me an essay written by Kyle Korver, Utah Jazz player and son of an RCA pastor. As I read it, I realized Korver was not asking me to engage in a debate with him. I realized he was inviting readers to glimpse his own heart.
March 19, 2019
12
1
3
Living in the Land of Ambiguous Fruitfulness
I’m very curious to hear how synod will discern what fruitfulness looks like, especially because I struggle with it so much myself.
February 24, 2019
9
0
0
Coaching Corner: When Was Your Team’s Last Sabbath Prayer Retreat?
During the past four weeks I’ve led four Sabbath prayer retreats: two for church councils on different ends of the continent, one for a CRC Classis, and one for the staff of a Christian High School.
December 4, 2018
18
2
1
Jesus at the Sleazy Diner
To my great surprise, the musical food was more nourishing than the physical food. And I wondered if that Flint diner had some things in common with that stable in Bethlehem.
November 27, 2018
538
5
5
The Pastor's Marriage and the Satanist's Prayer
I’ve seen the challenges that ministry places on marriages, and also witnessed the deep damage done to the gospel when a marriage is hurt by infidelity. Here are some ways to combat the evil one.
August 3, 2018
20
0
0
The “Heart Songs” Project
Imagine three years from now: as the project continues, more than 100 heart songs will have been shared. Worshipers will see the heart of Jesus beating in one another through fresh eyes.
June 14, 2018
42
2
1
And Then He Said, 'When Will You See a Spiritual Director?'
Like all Christians, ministry leaders face daily challenges and difficulties. Spiritual direction can help us meet those challenges in the spirit of Psalm 139.
June 6, 2018
117
0
2
Grandparents Discipling Grandchildren
Grandparents can have a huge impact on the faith of their grandchildren. Here are some ideas for strengthening those important discipling relationships.
April 17, 2018
11
3
2
Shrinking the Denomination
Faith formation cohorts promote faith nurture and help “shrink” the denomination in important ways. Find out more below!
March 14, 2018
174
1
0
Coaching Your Church Toward Holy Complaint
As pastors and church councils know, obstructionists can do great damage in a church. Here's how to work toward the discipline of holy complaint.
February 21, 2018
27
3
0
Is It Well With Your Soul, Spiritual Leader?
I find that serving as a spiritual leader is an indescribable privilege. But I also find exercising this privilege frequently beats up my soul. Check out the "Pastors’ Spiritual Vitality Toolkit" for ideas on restoring your soul.
November 3, 2017
9
4
1
Alejandro's Driving Lessons: Reflections on Refugees and my Faith Formation
About a year ago, as Venezuela was beginning to deteriorate into violent chaos, I prayed for God to expand my borders. A short time later, he brought refugees Alejandro and Sandra into my life.
October 23, 2017
9
4
1
I’m Reformed — Who Cares?
My Reformed roots have blessed me, and continue to bless me, in too many ways to count. I’ll name just three.
October 15, 2017
799
3
3
I'm Embarrassed to Be a Christian
We often end our youth group year by inviting the teens to write down questions they’re struggling with. This past spring I was shocked by the composite question that topped the list.
August 22, 2017
7
0
8
Offering the Gifts of Sturdy, Gentle Graces: Reflections After Charlottesville
After a week which included a public display of racial hatred, the murder of a young woman, and the shameful failure of a president to name evil for what it is, how do we respond?
May 24, 2017
33
0
1
Blessed by the Blessings of Others
I’ll never forget the professor who read Psalm 13 and tied it to his lifelong struggle with depression. The sanctuary was so quiet as he spoke that it seemed like everyone was blessed in glimpsing the blessings he received from this short but powerful Psalm.
March 8, 2017
6
0
0
Being a Committed Community
Strengthening our commitment practices, including the practice of profession of faith, calls us to name the idolatries that tempt us and intentionally embody a different way of being.