Whether you're a new or experienced elder, let's use this place to compare notes, share experiences, and ask questions about being an elder in the CRC.
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KeithWrite your own blog post to share your ministry experience with others.
The stress of ministry during COVID is leading good pastors to consider leaving ministry altogether. They're burned out and exhausted. Here's how your council could help.
Pastors often lack regular and reliable feedback.
A conversation with an active Christian Reformed minister about addiction, grace, and how the pressure of life and leadership in COVID makes this the "perfect" time for a problem to come up.
Dear Pastor, in this moment of widespread loss and grief, could an hour of you talking honestly with your therapist help your congregation more than an hour of you refining your sermon on lament?
Wise leaders understand that complaints are often values statements in disguise.
A pastor and a professor encourage ministry leaders to embrace the grief work they may be tempted to neglect. They explain why good grief will help you, your congregation and your theology.
Here are some things church leaders may want to consider in the new season of partially-gathered church.
On May 20, Pastor Church Resources convened a panel not about the logistics of reopening but about the practices and postures that help congregations engage challenging conversations in hopeful ways.
Here are ten of the many workshops offered that elders will find helpful in their ministry.
Someone recently asked me the question: How did I know it is God’s will for me to be an elder? The answer is intertwined with my story as an elder and the story of Hillside CRC.
My deepest regret during my service as an Elder is that I did not advocate more for, nor amplify the voices of, marginalized and ostracized minorities while in office.
In discussing and teaching about the Lord’s Supper, we commonly give most attention to the bread and the cup. But let's notice something else about the Lord's Super from I Corinthians.
"Do not judge, in order that you are not judged." Scott Clark examines Matthew 7:1 as it is the "go to" verse for many people, Christians and non-Christians alike.
These models and word pictures have been proposed as ideas as how to strike a healthy balance in the church of being welcoming, being discerning, being a place of embracing brokenness and being a place of deep transformation both individually and corporately.
It is possible that you might have forgotten the three marks of a true church according to the Belgic Confession?
In the book of Numbers, unintentional and intentional sins were treated differently. But with the flaunting deliberate "high-handed" sin, the most severe punishment was meted out. This is why.
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.
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?
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.
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...
Are you seeking to be a leader (e.g. elder, deacon, etc.) in your church? Being a spiritual leader is like being a slave. Here's why.
The following are remembrances of being an elder. I started at age 35 and a large responsibility was family visits.
For many people, the last three places they would want to be is a funeral, a hospital or a hospice care center. I think these are the best places you could go if you want to grow in faith.
My church is embarking on a journey of pastoral transition. Transitions are hard. My greatest dream for this process is that we take every opportunity to model grace and patience.
There are many people who have no one. Therefore, we need Attention Givers that dare ask the difficult questions and speak words of encouragement.