I think this is a really good point! Particularly in terms of the transparency. AI does have a lot of value to help us do ministry better; in my experience, it can help us manage everything from summarizing different perspectives, helping speed up an internet search, troubleshoot a technical issue, or support in writing the code needed for next Sunday's powerpoint or sound system. It has huge potential is helping us translate our material into other languages (imperfect, yes, but still enormously helpful). But it's so important to say when we use it, and give it proper credit.
Generative AI is a huge and complex topic, and I look forward to seeing how we learn and adapt to using it over the next few years.
We received this response from the CRC Pension fund:
The Ministers' Pension Plan provides that a participant vests in their retirement benefits after completing two years of service. Once a participant is vested, they cannot lose their benefit. If a CRCNA minister leaves the denomination and gives up their ordination, regardless of the circumstances surrounding this event, they cannot lose their vested benefit.
Hopefully this helps clarify any confusion! Specific questions can be answered by emailing: [email protected]
Bev, thank you so much for sharing your story! Sometimes it's so hard to understand how to live, and especially how to live in the light of Christ when life throws so much tragedy our way, but learning how to find the less brainy and more heart-felt and heart-ful ways to live can be such a foundational aspect of learning and growing alongside God.
Thanks for sharing this resouce! It's great to see all the wonderful ways that CRC ministries are positively impacting people throughout North America and around the world.
Ryan, thank you so much for sharing this! It's so encouraging to see the very practices that you engage in, and how it supports both your beloved child and your own walk as God's beloved child. Your story and wisdom is such a blessing for all of us.
One thing I've found helpful in navigating differences of thought of political ideology with others is to build trust. We always of something in common with others — similar concerns about our families, places we've both travelled too, similar things we've studied or experienced. I find this always helps me recognize that people's ideas and beliefs are complex, and that we always have a some point of similarity and trust that we can work from.
Does anyone else have specific examples of how you've built connections with people who think differently than you?
Susan, thank you so much for sharing this. It's such a great reminder for all of us to take time to reflect on the wisdom of God, and to attune our own ears to listen for it.
Thank you for submitting this thoughtful post, Ron! It's so wonderful to see how Jesus has been walking alongside you throughout your life. And it's also a great reminder and encouragement to stand up and walk alongside Jesus, too.
One area of larger "Christian" culture I'm thankful for is summer camp! I remember, as a kid, going to a week of overnight camp in Wisconsin. I had such a great time; I met new friends, got super sunburnt, was able to go on horse rides, and learned about God in a fun and age-appropriate way.
Posted in: How Should CRCNA Members Use AI in Ministry Settings?
I think this is a really good point! Particularly in terms of the transparency. AI does have a lot of value to help us do ministry better; in my experience, it can help us manage everything from summarizing different perspectives, helping speed up an internet search, troubleshoot a technical issue, or support in writing the code needed for next Sunday's powerpoint or sound system. It has huge potential is helping us translate our material into other languages (imperfect, yes, but still enormously helpful). But it's so important to say when we use it, and give it proper credit.
Generative AI is a huge and complex topic, and I look forward to seeing how we learn and adapt to using it over the next few years.
Posted in: Church Order and Ministers Leaving the CRC
We received this response from the CRC Pension fund:
The Ministers' Pension Plan provides that a participant vests in their retirement benefits after completing two years of service. Once a participant is vested, they cannot lose their benefit. If a CRCNA minister leaves the denomination and gives up their ordination, regardless of the circumstances surrounding this event, they cannot lose their vested benefit.
Hopefully this helps clarify any confusion! Specific questions can be answered by emailing: [email protected]
Posted in: Are We Out of Our Minds?
Bev, thank you so much for sharing your story! Sometimes it's so hard to understand how to live, and especially how to live in the light of Christ when life throws so much tragedy our way, but learning how to find the less brainy and more heart-felt and heart-ful ways to live can be such a foundational aspect of learning and growing alongside God.
Posted in: Ten Ways to Practice Safe Mentoring
Thank you for sharing! This is a great resource, especially as churches and congregations explore new ways to connect with younger people.
Posted in: Deacon's Story Decks
Thanks for sharing this resouce! It's great to see all the wonderful ways that CRC ministries are positively impacting people throughout North America and around the world.
Posted in: Church on a Weekday: Real Ministry Through Everyday Community Needs
These are such great ideas -- thank you so much for sharing!
Posted in: A Project for Parents with Prodigal Children
Ryan, thank you so much for sharing this! It's so encouraging to see the very practices that you engage in, and how it supports both your beloved child and your own walk as God's beloved child. Your story and wisdom is such a blessing for all of us.
Posted in: How Can We "Find Our Center" in Today's Divided World?
One thing I've found helpful in navigating differences of thought of political ideology with others is to build trust. We always of something in common with others — similar concerns about our families, places we've both travelled too, similar things we've studied or experienced. I find this always helps me recognize that people's ideas and beliefs are complex, and that we always have a some point of similarity and trust that we can work from.
Does anyone else have specific examples of how you've built connections with people who think differently than you?
Posted in: Gaslight Village
Susan, thank you so much for sharing this. It's such a great reminder for all of us to take time to reflect on the wisdom of God, and to attune our own ears to listen for it.
Posted in: Disability Awareness Sunday Resources
Thanks for sharing these great resources!
Posted in: On the Move with Jesus
Thank you for submitting this thoughtful post, Ron! It's so wonderful to see how Jesus has been walking alongside you throughout your life. And it's also a great reminder and encouragement to stand up and walk alongside Jesus, too.
Posted in: Are We Expecting Too Much of Church?
One area of larger "Christian" culture I'm thankful for is summer camp! I remember, as a kid, going to a week of overnight camp in Wisconsin. I had such a great time; I met new friends, got super sunburnt, was able to go on horse rides, and learned about God in a fun and age-appropriate way.