This is a public forum to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect on being a pastor in the CRC.
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MavisWrite your own blog post to share your ministry experience with others.
In this season where many churches are adapting in one way or another, perhaps this is an opportunity to take stock: Does your church have more than enough? Or do you need help?
The gap between mission-talk and mission-reality is often wider than we care to admit. As evidence, I submit to you Exhibit A: the church budget.
Abraham and Sarah weren’t superheroes—and neither are we. We’re just ordinary folks following God’s direction, trusting His provision and surrendering to His superpower.
Phil Leo offers a few historically humorous ideas churches have used to help bridge the budget gap and then shares some provocative insight concerning budget shortfalls.
Pease CRC in Pease, MN will celebrate 125 years soon and the obvious question is: What's next? Their answer proved church members’ heart for the next 125 years of ministry.
Thanks to generous supporters, Barnabas Foundation celebrates a record-breaking 9,890 grants (totaling $67 million) to churches, nonprofit ministries and other charitable organizations in 2019.
What would happen if, instead of talking about how giving changes others, you framed it in terms of how it changes them personally?
When the daughters of Hal and Jane Rodenhouse began to lend a hand with their parents’ finances, they were astounded by what they discovered.
A young pastor recently said to me, “Two-thirds of our church’s members are 65 years and older. What I want to know is this: Once they’re gone, where is all their wealth going?”
Even in their will, Rich and Ann Meyer were careful to reflect giving as a priority.
“Come again, Jesus? You’re pushing swag? To influence people? A bit unseemly, wouldn’t you say?”
What if we could change the narrative from "gotta" give to "get to" give?
I never wanted to know how much church members were giving; I didn't think it was any of my business. That assumption was a mistake.
Let’s be clear, the point Jesus is making is not to live in abject poverty. Instead, it’s to trust God for your security and future, more than anything or anyone else.
My budget app snobbery provided fresh perspective on the simplicity of a personal budget.
On Ash Wednesday I decided to give up my afternoon cup of coffee and thus began the longest Lenten season of my life.
Faith Community CRC in Beaver Dam, WI has always found meaningful and creative ways to connect to their community in mission. Recently this required the church to decide whether their next pastor would be full-time.
It may already be too late. This creep is sneaky. Everyone is vulnerable, regardless of age, class, gender or race. I’m talking about “lifestyle creep.” It’s a thing—a very real thing.
No, my actual thoughts aren’t on fire. Instead, here are my thoughts on the FIRE (Financial Independence Retiring Early) movement that’s picking up steam and making headlines.
For better or for worse, what’s done now will tell your story later. Will your legacy reflect your Kingdom calling. . . or will it be fit for the dogs?
“Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” You know these words because you've felt them. Overwhelmed and without recourse, you've remained open to the possibilities of what only God can do.
When it comes to generous giving, it's not "either-or" but "both-and." It's not just "my family" but "my family" and "my neighbor."
Connect the dots is magical—at least for someone like me, who barely managed a passing grade in high school art class! In my work this past year, I've been connecting the dots between churches and Barnabas Foundation.
Lottery records will keep shattering. Dreams about how to spend untold millions will continue to be spun by throngs. Does that mean the Church can’t grow believers who know better?
In the past year since becoming Barnabas Foundation’s church communications director, I’ve realized many churches miss something critical that other Christian not-for-profits get. Let me share the secret.