January 4, 2021
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Signposts, Hope, and Endurance
As we close out 2020, the most unusual year of my lifetime, I’m reflecting on the fact that we as humans, though fearfully and wonderfully made, are still only, well—human.
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November 2, 2020
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Human Sexuality Report: Challenging Conversations Toolkit
I have strong beliefs about many of the issues addressed in the study report. I assume you do, too. What can it look like, practically, to live into Paul’s instructions to a church divided this way?
June 24, 2020
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COVID-19: What Are We Learning From Churches?
Many of you have been having conversations with pastors and church staff about COVID this Spring. Through these calls we’re learning a lot.
June 24, 2020
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The Soul-Challenges of “Throughness”
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.
June 24, 2020
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The 6 Year Pivot to Bless Congregations
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.
July 23, 2019
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Way More Than Twice
If we leave a worship service on any given Sunday, even the second service, with the attitude that we can now check “worship” off our to-do list, then the Church Order mandating 10 services per Sunday won’t help us!
June 20, 2019
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Synod 2019 Top Tweet(s) - Wednesday, June 19
For the duration of Synod 2019, The Network will be selecting a “Tweet of the Day” (as well as two honorable mentions) to be featured on the site. Here are the top tweets from Wednesday, June 19.
June 19, 2019
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Synod 2019 Top Tweet(s) - Tuesday, June 18
For the duration of Synod 2019, The Network will be selecting a “Tweet of the Day” (as well as two honorable mentions) to be featured on the site. Here are the top tweets from Tuesday, June 18.
June 18, 2019
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Communication Regarding Overture 8 to Synod 2019
Overture 8 asks Synod 2019 to withdraw two assertions made by Synod 2012 in accepting the Creation Stewardship Task Force. This commentary addresses Overture 8 and concludes that they fail to support the requested actions.
June 18, 2019
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Synod 2019 Top Tweet(s) - Monday, June 17
For the duration of Synod 2019, The Network will be selecting a “Tweet of the Day” (as well as two honorable mentions) to be featured on the site. Here are the top tweets from Monday, June 17.
June 15, 2019
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Synod 2019 Top Tweet(s) - Friday, June 14
For the duration of Synod 2019, The Network will be selecting a “Tweet of the Day” (as well as two honorable mentions) to be featured on the site. So without further ado, here are the top tweets from Friday, June 14.
June 12, 2019
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Back By Popular Demand! Top Tweets Return for Synod 2019
For the duration of Synod 2019, The Network will be selecting a “Tweet of the Day” (as well as two honorable mentions) to be featured on the site.
June 5, 2019
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Inspire 2019: Is Your Church Going?
As of June 4, 2019 there are 192 congregations from 41 classes who will be represented at Inspire 2019. Is your church one of them?
June 4, 2019
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The CRC and LGBTQ - Part 2
Could the CRC be maneuvered, via our church order and procedural mechanisms, into affirming the LGBTQ agenda?
May 28, 2019
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Ecclesiastic Marriage
Overture 14 to Synod 2019 proposes a study committee regarding Ecclesiastic marriages not to be registered with governments. I urge all delegates to Synod 2019 to defeat this overture.
May 8, 2019
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Immigration is Our Story: Series
This is one part of my family’s story, my immigration story - a story that intersects with those of many others and is filled with both hope and hardship.
May 1, 2019
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The Sin of Process?
Using a process to handle disputes in an orderly manner is a good thing, but it can not be elevated above faithfulness to God's Word.
March 19, 2019
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Living in the Land of Ambiguous Fruitfulness
I’m very curious to hear how synod will discern what fruitfulness looks like, especially because I struggle with it so much myself.
November 13, 2018
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Turning the CRC Into an Lgbtq+ Ally
Last Thursday I attended an event at Sherman Street CRC hosted by All One Body. Their goal is to transform the CRC into a denomination that fully accepts and celebrates all aspects of the LGBTQ+ ideology. Here is their strategy.
June 19, 2018
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Deacons at Classis & Synod: Why It’s Not Just “Another” Meeting
Our greatest hope for deacons (and all council members really) is that they will see these larger gatherings as much more than just ‘another meeting.’
June 6, 2018
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Second Women in Leadership Annual Gathering at Synod 2018
The Second Women in Leadership Annual Gathering at Synod is less than a week away! There are so many reasons you should come. One is, "We are encouraged so much when we come together as sisters in Christ!"
May 15, 2018
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Overtures, Politics, & Justice
The best way to do justice is to follow Scripture and pursue actual justice. The CRC can and should get involved in politics, but only within the context of the following three criteria.
May 3, 2018
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Alfie Who?
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?
September 5, 2017
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The CRC Needs to Have a Conversation About the Gospel and Social Justice
One of the frustrations expressed at Synod 2017 was that calls for the church to serve the poor and the oppressed and to advocate for justice are too often expressed without reference to the church’s gospel mission.
October 31, 2016
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Reformation Reflections
As we prepare to commemorate the 500th anniversary next year, I suggest that this year and every year we remember with a bit of sadness that while the Reformation was necessary, it was also unfortunate.