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?
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?
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.
After 5 minutes of reading, my ministry paradigm was shattered. Transformation flows from long term relationships and processes.
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.
Many of you have been having conversations with pastors and church staff about COVID this Spring. Through these calls we’re learning a lot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I’m very curious to hear how synod will discern what fruitfulness looks like, especially because I struggle with it so much myself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like all Christians, ministry leaders face daily challenges and difficulties. Spiritual direction can help us meet those challenges in the spirit of Psalm 139.
Grandparents can have a huge impact on the faith of their grandchildren. Here are some ideas for strengthening those important discipling relationships.
Faith formation cohorts promote faith nurture and help “shrink” the denomination in important ways. Find out more below!
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.
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.
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.
My Reformed roots have blessed me, and continue to bless me, in too many ways to count. I’ll name just three.
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.
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?
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.
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.