You have expressed my sentiments exactly. We should not define ecclessiastical so that it excludes "political" expreession on clearly stated Scriptural or confessional topics. I pray that synod will keep the wisdom of your comment s in mind.
Very Good Matthew. While it may not be appropriate or wise to allow immigration and refugee conversation in the pulpit we need to also affirm that it is not illegal nor should other evangelical Christians have to carry the water while CRC clergy play it cool. Many evangelical pastors have spoken against the present ban on certain immigrants and refugees. Imagine how the story of Ruth in the bible would be changed if Israel had a ban on refugees and immigrants especially the Moabites.
Posted in: 'Guide for a Clergy Leave of Absence for Mental Health Reasons' Toolkit
Kudos to Mark Stephenson and the entire team who assembled the guidelines for requesting a leave of absence for pastors with mental health issues.
This document/toolkit will serve Pastors, councils, and churches well.
Thank you immensely,
Larry Van Essen
Posted in: BOT Highlights - February 2015
I do not understand the wordig in number 4, Has Dr. Timmermans been ordained?
Posted in: Communities of Care: The Church and Mental Illness
Thanks Steve
Larry Van Essen
Posted in: Mental Health and the Church - Recordings of Saddleback Conference
Thanks for placing these on the network.
Posted in: Giving Support in Times of Depression
This is a very thoughtful article on depression and how the church can help.
Larry
Posted in: Why Clergy Should Get Some Kind of Special Entitlement for Housing?
I think it is the same reason farmers and dairymen get subsidies as well as large oil companies. They simply could not make a profit without it.
Larry
Posted in: Overtures, Politics, & Justice
Dan
You have expressed my sentiments exactly. We should not define ecclessiastical so that it excludes "political" expreession on clearly stated Scriptural or confessional topics. I pray that synod will keep the wisdom of your comment s in mind.
Posted in: Social Justice Overtures #12; #13; #14
Amen Nick! Preach it loud and clear. Hopefully synod will find its way to incorporate your wisdom in their guidelines.
Larry
Posted in: Do Trump’s "S---hole" Remarks Represent American Values?
Resoundidly No
Posted in: Recent Racism in Our Country
Thanks Jack for commenting. I fully agree with you
Posted in: The High Impact of Relational-Based Evangelism
Thank you for this encouraging blog. I need it and want to learn more.
Posted in: How Should the Church Respond to Trump’s Travel Ban?
Very Good Matthew. While it may not be appropriate or wise to allow immigration and refugee conversation in the pulpit we need to also affirm that it is not illegal nor should other evangelical Christians have to carry the water while CRC clergy play it cool. Many evangelical pastors have spoken against the present ban on certain immigrants and refugees. Imagine how the story of Ruth in the bible would be changed if Israel had a ban on refugees and immigrants especially the Moabites.