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Diaconal Ministries
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Gary
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Some churches have begun restructuring their Church Council to allow for better communication, more collaboration, and increased effectiveness. Has your church done this recently? We'd love to hear about it!
Network readers! I'd love to know: What books have you been reading recently? What books are you hoping to read? Leave a comment and be entered in a fun giveaway.
No matter what ministry team you lead in the church, recruitment is likely your least favourite task; aka a necessary evil. Take heart—we're here to help!
Are you going to the Canadian National Gathering in May 2019? This 'bulletin board' is a place for you to share your thoughts and ask questions as you prepare for the Gathering.
I’m curious, what areas of ministry would you like to talk about this year?
I'm curious, what is one thing you are longing for this Advent?
The season of Advent is often associated with giving. We give each other gifts at Christmas and often consider ways that we can give back to our communities. How do you choose to give back?
Curious, do you listen to podcasts? What are you favorites and which would you recommend?
While the adjective "reckless" is difficult for some of us to sing, there is some Truth in this song. There is also a conflicting message: are we hiding from God? Or are we seeking Him? Is our God omniscient? Is our God omnipresent? Who can sing this song truthfully?
Reflections on the documentary, "Over 18", and information on upcoming screenings and events with director Jared Brock.
How does your church approach volunteer recruitment?
Now that we are over halfway through the year, I wanted to check in and see which books you've read (any must reads? unexpected finds?) and which books are still on your list.
This month on our e-Quip Diaconal Blog, we’ll be looking at Deacons at Classis & Synod, as well as Community Engagement. At first glance, you may wonder what these two things have in common. Well, both require TEAMWORK a.k.a. Collaboration!
When the Canadian Prime Minister arranged for the Pride Flag to be flown from the parliament buildings in Ottawa, I thought some balancing of emphases to be appropriate. Hence a Humility Flag.
A number of years ago, Peter’s son passed away and he clung to God’s mercies to be new every morning. In his deep grief, he told his family and himself that “The birds will sing in the morning.”
If Graham is the model of political correctness, then I say to CRC clergy and members, "Say whatever you want. It is ok." Right?
This past week (May 29) Franklin Graham was in Fresno, CA, conducting a so-called prayer rally. He urged Christians to pray for politicians. But he became political when he said California was in trouble.
Bedtime prayers with my 6 and 3-year-old sons had led to a discussion about Alfie Evans, hope, the value of life, and freedom. Afterward, I reflected on the question: What should the CRC as a denomination be speaking out about?
I'm curious, what sights, smells, sounds, and tastes are you praising God for this spring?
This past Sunday, Easter Sunday, was the most dressed up that I've gotten for church in a long time. As I thought about this, I began to wonder: Am I missing out by becoming more and more casual in what I wear to church?
We are so quick to say “I’m blessed” when thing are working out the way we want them to, but what we often fail to recognize is that we are no less blessed when things are difficult than when they are easy.
This past Saturday I noticed that thousands of young “March for our Lives” demonstrators marched on the streets of our cities but none in front of my church or other churches in the community. Why?
Does the Bible contain the 2nd Amendment principle, "The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed?"
What if the values of equality, freedom, diversity, and human dignity are not really the core values of America? What if Trump really is representing the highest values on which America was established?
The new year gives me a fresh opportunity to ask one of my favorite questions: What books are you hoping to read this year?