Thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony of God's work through Johanna Veenstra, Mr. & Mrs. Ezepue and many others! The CRCNA Leadership Diversity ministry celebrates with you!
Thank you for your comment! I agree totally with your comment! I especially like "Because God has equipped people with different skills and opportunities, leadership can be exercised in many different ways...Leadership and expertise go together but it is when expertise is acknowledged and allowed to be exercised within the context of a community of servants of all kinds that a Christian community can flourish and demonstrate the sprinkling of God's gifts and grace to all people." My experience is sometimes when we don't even see what we have, someone comes alongside to help us use what God has given us for his glory. Yes, in a Christian or non-Christian community, we're called to be servant leaders. Thanks again!
It's sad that no one responded to this post. What does "no response" mean? Was there a better way to communicate our need to hear from individuals and churches on Supporting Women and Ethnic Minority Leaders in the Pastoral Call Process?
I saw a similar post from 2014 about racial discrimination in the calling process. Still, there were no comments about what do we need to do to support ethnic pastors seeking a call.
Thank you for your patience. I was on vacation when I saw your posts. I hope the following is helpful.
The Women’s Ministry exists to support all women in the CRC, both non-ordained and ordained women. My post intended to get first-hand information from churches and ministries to share with Calvin Theological Seminary's Student Advocacy Association.
At the invitation of this group, I spoke to young men and women about potential ministry opportunities in the future. I was grateful for a chance to listen and respond to their concerns. Later, I heard favorable responses to our conversation.
As stated in our quarterly report Living the Call, “We recognize that within the CRCNA there are two different perspectives and convictions on the issue of women in ecclesiastical office. Yet, in all of our churches there are women who provide leadership in some capacity.” At Women’s Ministry’s first synod gathering in 2017, about 35 women from Canadian and U.S. classes joined us for lunch. When asked about current leadership roles and positions they are serving in their churches and ministries, we received over 150 different ways of service. This was eye-opening for me!
Regarding your responses to my question, “What Ways Are You Supporting Women in Leadership?” I agree with Ken and Eric. I was looking for examples of the ways churches and ministries are supporting women leaders and ordained women clergy. Unfortunately, I did not receive any responses at that time; however, I am sure I will have another opportunity to share with the Student Advocacy Association. They will appreciate knowing about intentional ways we are supporting women.
Eric, I think to love the person, to pray, and to encourage the use of gifts are affirming practices in your church. I’ve heard many stories about feelings of disconnect and isolation.
Unfortunately, in situations like this, both sides hurt. We don't always do well in handling our differences and living in tension. Our office is here to support churches and ministries in building relationships and creating hospitality for all.
If you like, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thank you.
Linda, I want you to know how much I appreciate your thoughts about the Canadian national gatherings. Although I didn't attend, I can imagine the excitement of having 120 "family" members from across Canada together to express their love for the Lord and each other. May each person be blessed beyond anyone's imagination at the upcoming Canadian National Gathering. May we experience more gatherings with that same sense of "family" throughout the Christian Reformed church. Thank you.
Thanks for taking time to give comments. It was good to meet you last year at our first Women in Leadership gathering!
I appreciate the time and effort of First CRC of Toronto to develop resources to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ordination of women. I'm in the process of organizing a planning team to work on the 25th anniversary and these resources will be a good place to start. They will be helpful.
Also, we now have a Leadership Development Advisory Team that will meet for the first time next week. This eight member team will help shape our work (vision, mission, values and goals).
I agree with your suggestions for a good place to start.
Please join in praying for the advisory and planning teams, Synod 2018 and the work of this office. I desire more than anything the Spirit's wisdom, guidance and power. Again, thank you and blessings.
Thank you for your encouragement, suggestions via emails and phone calls. The planning team met on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Plans are underway for an exciting, encouraging and energizing Women in Leadership gathering at Synod.
Our office is also working on a document that communicates some powerful ways in which women leaders impact ministries of the CRCNA and universal Church historically and today!
Posted in: Witness for Women Gathering in Edmonton, AB
Hi Jill,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. It's good to hear from you. Blessings,
Denise
Posted in: The Future of Nigeria’s Women in Ministry
Thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony of God's work through Johanna Veenstra, Mr. & Mrs. Ezepue and many others! The CRCNA Leadership Diversity ministry celebrates with you!
Posted in: Inspire 2019 in Three Words
Worshipful, Empowering, Convicting
Posted in: Rediscovering Servant Leadership at Inspire 2019
Hi John,
Thank you for your comment! I agree totally with your comment! I especially like "Because God has equipped people with different skills and opportunities, leadership can be exercised in many different ways...Leadership and expertise go together but it is when expertise is acknowledged and allowed to be exercised within the context of a community of servants of all kinds that a Christian community can flourish and demonstrate the sprinkling of God's gifts and grace to all people." My experience is sometimes when we don't even see what we have, someone comes alongside to help us use what God has given us for his glory. Yes, in a Christian or non-Christian community, we're called to be servant leaders. Thanks again!
Posted in: Supporting Women and Ethnic Minority Leaders in the Pastoral Call Process
It's sad that no one responded to this post. What does "no response" mean? Was there a better way to communicate our need to hear from individuals and churches on Supporting Women and Ethnic Minority Leaders in the Pastoral Call Process?
I saw a similar post from 2014 about racial discrimination in the calling process. Still, there were no comments about what do we need to do to support ethnic pastors seeking a call.
Posted in: Supporting Women and Ethnic Minority Leaders in the Pastoral Call Process
Hi Ken, thanks for your post. I look forward to seeing what we discover in 2020! Happy New Year to you!
Posted in: What Ways Are You Supporting Women in Leadership?
Thank you for your patience. I was on vacation when I saw your posts. I hope the following is helpful.
The Women’s Ministry exists to support all women in the CRC, both non-ordained and ordained women. My post intended to get first-hand information from churches and ministries to share with Calvin Theological Seminary's Student Advocacy Association.
At the invitation of this group, I spoke to young men and women about potential ministry opportunities in the future. I was grateful for a chance to listen and respond to their concerns. Later, I heard favorable responses to our conversation.
As stated in our quarterly report Living the Call, “We recognize that within the CRCNA there are two different perspectives and convictions on the issue of women in ecclesiastical office. Yet, in all of our churches there are women who provide leadership in some capacity.” At Women’s Ministry’s first synod gathering in 2017, about 35 women from Canadian and U.S. classes joined us for lunch. When asked about current leadership roles and positions they are serving in their churches and ministries, we received over 150 different ways of service. This was eye-opening for me!
Regarding your responses to my question, “What Ways Are You Supporting Women in Leadership?” I agree with Ken and Eric. I was looking for examples of the ways churches and ministries are supporting women leaders and ordained women clergy. Unfortunately, I did not receive any responses at that time; however, I am sure I will have another opportunity to share with the Student Advocacy Association. They will appreciate knowing about intentional ways we are supporting women.
Eric, I think to love the person, to pray, and to encourage the use of gifts are affirming practices in your church. I’ve heard many stories about feelings of disconnect and isolation.
Unfortunately, in situations like this, both sides hurt. We don't always do well in handling our differences and living in tension. Our office is here to support churches and ministries in building relationships and creating hospitality for all.
If you like, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thank you.
Posted in: Looking Forward to the Next Canadian National Gathering
Linda, I want you to know how much I appreciate your thoughts about the Canadian national gatherings. Although I didn't attend, I can imagine the excitement of having 120 "family" members from across Canada together to express their love for the Lord and each other. May each person be blessed beyond anyone's imagination at the upcoming Canadian National Gathering. May we experience more gatherings with that same sense of "family" throughout the Christian Reformed church. Thank you.
Posted in: The Circle is Being Completed
Diane,
Thank you for your personal and beautiful expression of that evening on the grounds of Calvin College. You captured the event well!
Posted in: Second Women in Leadership Annual Gathering at Synod 2018
This event is open to all women even if you have not attended synod.
Posted in: Women in Leadership at Synod 2018
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks for taking time to give comments. It was good to meet you last year at our first Women in Leadership gathering!
I appreciate the time and effort of First CRC of Toronto to develop resources to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ordination of women. I'm in the process of organizing a planning team to work on the 25th anniversary and these resources will be a good place to start. They will be helpful.
Also, we now have a Leadership Development Advisory Team that will meet for the first time next week. This eight member team will help shape our work (vision, mission, values and goals).
I agree with your suggestions for a good place to start.
Please join in praying for the advisory and planning teams, Synod 2018 and the work of this office. I desire more than anything the Spirit's wisdom, guidance and power. Again, thank you and blessings.
Posted in: Women in Leadership at Synod 2018
Thank you for your encouragement, suggestions via emails and phone calls. The planning team met on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Plans are underway for an exciting, encouraging and energizing Women in Leadership gathering at Synod.
Our office is also working on a document that communicates some powerful ways in which women leaders impact ministries of the CRCNA and universal Church historically and today!