June 17, 2014
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Ministry to the Sorrowing
Ministry to the sorrowing is a worthy part of an elder's calling. But you may well think of it as a difficult task. Here are some thoughts you may consider helpful.
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June 12, 2014
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What is Your Biblical Framework for Leadership Competencies?
A framework of scriptural leadership competencies and their contemporary equivalents based on an exegesis of 1 Timothy 3 by Matthew Kutz, the Administrative Director for the Foundation Stone Christian Center, Northwood, OH.
June 3, 2014
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Synod 1910 Had it Just Right!
Synod 1910 made some imaginative recommendations to the local church regarding missions. And today, more than a century later, we may take a lesson.
June 2, 2014
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Elders, How Well do You Know Your Members?
Personally knowing our members gives us insight into the most important question.
May 27, 2014
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Storytelling as Relationship Building
Stories have a strange fascination for most of us. A story well-told is a bit of an extension of our individual lives. We can relate to the story teller as well as to the people in the story. The reverse is also true. The story-teller feels affirmed in our attentive ear.
May 21, 2014
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Enthusiasm
I wish I had more of it: enthusiasm. It's an interesting word. The '-thu' part is derived from the Greek 'theos' -- God. And “en” is the simple 'in'. So, more of God in us. En-Theos! Enthusiasm!
May 13, 2014
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"Five Streams" Revisited
How will the CRC's new Five Streams vision impact your congregation?
April 23, 2014
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Tending Our Friendships
Friendships never stand alone. Friendship is a special room in the bigger house of relationships.
April 14, 2014
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The Voice of The Church in Society
What is the role of the church to excercise influence and power in society?
March 31, 2014
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Lent and Lonely People
Of all the hardships people suffer, loneliness presses hardest. How will you care for lonely people during this season of Lent?
March 17, 2014
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But What Will I Say?
When bad news comes, those title words still immediately race across my mind. Perhaps there are those who always know exactly what to say, and that I guess would be nice...
March 10, 2014
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Creating A Healthy Atmosphere in Your Church
No two churches are alike. One important reason is that churches have their own personality. And that is mostly determined by the unique atmosphere that prevails in churches.
March 3, 2014
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A Pretty Good Council Meeting
When thinking back of your last Council meeting, could you say, “Yes, that was a pretty good meeting” …?
February 19, 2014
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Why Every Elder Needs a Deacon
"... no office-bearer shall lord it over another office-bearer." -- Article 85 of the CRC Church Order. Elders and Deacons belong together, their offices complement each other, their tasks, though distinct, have the same purpose: building the Church of Christ.
February 17, 2014
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Elders are Discreet People
When you become an elder (or a deacon or a minister) you will experience a change at least in one respect: you will become more aware of the need to be discreet.
February 11, 2014
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Making a Sick Visit
Yes, you knew that you should make that sick-visit but you postponed it. But think about this... it could be your best half hour.
February 4, 2014
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The Lonely Among You
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invited you in ...? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you …?” (Matthew 25)
January 28, 2014
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Elders Keeping Close Contact with Their Pastor(s)
Here is a truism...: Pastors and elders must regularly discuss both the quality of the worship services and the pastors' sermons.
January 21, 2014
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So, You Have Been Nominated to Be an Elder…
As elders, all of us remember the very early stages of being an elder. Even experienced elders will not always feel comfortable with the office and even fewer would think of themselves as 'veterans'...
January 13, 2014
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Elders and Members Keeping in Contact
One reason for leaving mentioned more than once was: so many members don't feel warmly part of the fellowship of the congregation. You as elders can play a helpful role in that respect.
December 23, 2013
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When Churches Lose Members
The CRC is losing members. Last summer's synod has talked about it. We have tried to find the causes. We wondered what to do about it. Church-growth creates its own momentum. Growth creates an atmosphere of growth. Is the opposite also true?
December 23, 2013
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Glad to Meet You ...
For the next several months I will participate with you as readers/writers in talking about the work of elders. We will consider questions and observations around situations you may face.
November 26, 2013
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A Few Pictures From the Road
One of the blessings of being President of Calvin Theological Seminary is the privilege of connecting with a number of people and places. I'd like to highlight one stop. It was at Third CRC in Denver that I saw a number of baby pictures hanging on the walls.
November 19, 2013
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The Church and the Exercise of Non-Ecclesiastical Power
When the CRCNA wants to speak on “issues” such as race relations, justice, etc., voices of caution and concern are always raised about whether the church may speak on issues such as these which are not within the church’s realm of expertise or responsibility.
November 12, 2013
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Angst
I believe the mood of the CRCNA today is anxious ... the presence of the entire framework through which we’ve interpreted the value of the gospel has changed and in many ways we need to work to understand the gospel anew within our present cultural-values framework.