Jessica Oosterhouse
I attended Dordt College for Journalism and Theology and went on to gain my M. Div from Western Theological Seminary and Calvin Theological Seminary. I am an ordained minister of the CRC as of Novemeber of 2012, and I am enjoying serving the CRC through my work as a chaplain and providing pastoral care in my home church. I have a mutual love and wrestling with the fact that I do not "look like" a "typical" (male, older) pastor that you normally find within our denomination, especially within my conservative classis. When I get asked if I will be providing the special music for people's church, it is with humor and delicacy that I can say, "Well, hopefully I will provide a special message." But don't let my 5"0 frame and rather funky hair fool you: I love the Church, I love Reformed Doctrine, and I love how God calls the most unlikely people to stand up in the pulpit. Thus, I continue to love the CRC with all her challenges, nuances, and overall dedication to hear and commit to living out God's calling.
Posted in: Defining 'preaching of the Word'?
Can you tell me what part of the Institutes you quoted from? Great reminder!
Posted in: You – and You – and You
Very much appreciated this reminder. I also note that it can be difficult to present "new information" to a congregation that is rooted in the translation they use and the way they've memorized the verses since a young age. However, the Bible is very much alive and continues to speak anew, and the sermon series you presented seems to have been a great way to weave in the Greek and Hebrew knowledge in a way that's teachable and relatable to people not as familiar with the original languages. That was always a challenge we were given by our language profs at Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI) - "How are you sharing your language knowledge with the congregation?" Amen! It's a shame not to put all those long (and I dare say grueling) hours of memorization and study to use. Also, whenever I have shared a Greek word or Hebrew nuance in my sermons, it never fails that at least one person thanks me for sharing it and lending some richer information.