This is a public forum to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on being a pastor in the CRC.
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Michael Kruger of Reformed Theological Seminary suggests that behind every issue is the question of: "What is your ultimate authority?" In today's anti-authority world, we are witnessing a "battle of authorities" between the authority of the self and that of the Bible and its Author.
Garrett broke the silence with a question that caught me off guard. “ Pastor Brian, do you think you could sing me a song—a hymn or something—that would help me settle into a place of peace?”
This text was rather difficult to preach in the wake of a week of violence. Yet as it turns out, this very text was precisely what a broken, hurting world and church just might need to hear.
The CRC is blessed with immigrant pastors and members who stand strong and speak up for more welcoming attitudes. Read sermons from the finalists of the Immigration Preaching Challenge!
Wounded healers are strong in their weakness. Working as a hospice chaplain showed me that scars and wounds are not a hindrance to the Gospel, but rather a source of connection.
Complainers. Honestly, every congregation seems to have at least one and it seems like every pastor gets caught in their cross hairs at one point or another. How do we deal with this?
How does Pastor and Ministry Appreciation Month look from the viewpoint of a PASTOR? To find out, listen in on this conversation with Rev. Ken Vander Horst from Smithers CRC in British Columbia.
None of the volunteers drew attention to themselves. So they didn’t get much attention. For this reason, churches need to be alerted. We agreed and gave it a name: Pastor and Ministry Appreciation.
Over the next few weeks, The Network wants to join with you in brainstorming simple and thoughtful ways to say “THANKS!” to the leaders in your church.
Pastors enter into ministry with the kingdom of God in their eyes. Yet sometimes along the way the joy in serving and a passion for the kingdom disappears. How do you get it back?
Great news - Google for Non-Profits is now available in Canada!
Having some defined hours allows a pastor to plan and also allows people to plan. It is respectful of everyone’s need to plan. But exactly how many hours? This requires discernment.
I’m a huge fan of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Lately I've seen a trend where sermons focus on the older brother instead of on the grace and forgiveness shown to the younger brother.
Acknowledging the contradiction between adultery and the values he espoused while part of the TV show 19 Kids and Counting, Mr. Duggar declared, “I have been the biggest hypocrite ever.” I’m not sure I entirely agree with his assessment...
A number of years ago a seminary professor made the observation that guilt is resolved on the cross, but shame is healed in relationship. Is your church willing to embrace veterans?
I’m ready to go. I’m refreshed and ready but it doesn’t seem the church is ready. Everyone is still on “summer” mode. What do I do with August?
The 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing churns up deep emotions within me. It also is a good illustration of one of the issues Johnny, our imaginary returning veteran, may well be dealing with.
Every good soccer or basketball team does drills to practice basic skills. What kinds of drills or scales would be most fitting for worship planners and leaders?
Veterans from America’s longest war have joined the veterans of earlier wars in our communities and churches. Their perspective has been shaped by their experience. Like everyone else, they have spiritual gifts. They also have needs...
I was recently asked to pray before the meal at my niece’s wedding. Afterwards one of my sons told me that I’d “prayed like a pastor.” It bugged me.
I expected CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) to be really difficult, and it is—but not for the reasons I expected. I anticipated emotional distress from being around critically ill people, but instead I found...
A few years ago I met a person who was preparing for ministry as a second career. I didn’t ask the question that crossed my mind, which was “Have you looked at the job market lately?”
At the CRC Synod, as usual, a raft of new candidates for the ministry was approved. This year there were 44 names on the list. I do pray they will all get a call someday soon...
My father was ordained as an evangelist. Though he served under a different title, the work he did is not that much different from what I do as a minister of the Word.
I often ask people what they were planning for the next event that could not be accomplished without God’s intervention.