January 23, 2020
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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.
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April 11, 2019
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Shrinking the Denomination
Faith formation cohorts promote faith nurture and help “shrink” the denomination in important ways. Find out more below!
March 14, 2018
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
March 2, 2017
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Worship Reality Check
Two days after this January’s presidential inauguration, our liturgy included singing this sentence: “I see a generation rising up to take its place with selfless faith.” I suddenly heard my voice go silent.
December 5, 2016
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Where Does Jesus Live in Your Church - Part 4
“Niceness” is not a Christian value. Friendliness is a Christian value when it goes beyond niceness and leads to something deeper. In being hospitable, I welcome the guest in such a way that I am changed, too.
November 16, 2016
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The Trouble With "Authenticity" as a Faith Formation Goal
We are living in a cultural season in which a kind of “stand alone authenticity” is celebrated and encouraged everywhere. It’s a false idol that needs to be discerned, named and rejected.
November 8, 2016
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Where Does Jesus Live in Your Church? - Part 3
In my 62 years as a member of the CRC, I’ve noticed that we tend to describe people either in terms of the opinions they hold or the stories they share. And these two are very different.
October 28, 2016
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Where Do You See Jesus in your Church - Part 2
When a congregation repents well, its culture will lean towards humility, teachability, hospitality, and a healthy vulnerability that shares how the Lord’s power is made perfect in its weakness.
October 25, 2016
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Where Do You See Jesus in your Church - Part 1
When is the last time you and other leaders in your church formally reflected on this question, “Where does Jesus live in our church?”
October 12, 2016
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Confessing My Sin in Trumpland
At this fork, I find myself praying prayers like these: “Lord, the news cycle has helped me to see the great pit of fear that lives inside me. I feel paralyzed and confused. Pierce my fear with the power of your Spirit...”