Robert Felton
I'm a member of the Ellsworth CRC in Ellsworth, MI. I'm the owner of Ministry-Tech, a business that provides presentation technologies and websites for churches, schools, and other ministries. I also work for Dynamic Internet Solutions/Faithwebsites as a client support specialist.
I lead the "media" track for the Worship Arts Technology Summit events across the country
My wife, Amy and I were recently approved for church planting work in the CRC.
Posted in: What Do You Think of Planting a New Community in a Declining Church?
John,
Great topic!
I actually proposed something very similar to this a few years ago. It was the result of a project I did in a church planting class at Calvin Seminary. I was inspired by Stedford Sims who was, at that time, planting a church within the (I believe it was) Sherman Street CRC, to minister to the African American community. To be effective at reaching people outside the "upper-middle-class white" culture, the new church plant needed to have African American leadership and be able to function in a way consistent with the culture of the folks they wanted to bring together.
My thought was that the "un-churched" and "de-churched" are also a different "culture" from the "traditional CRC church folk" culture; and that the only way to effectively reach out and enfold them would be to plant a new church. But, why not plant it within an existing CRC church, for the reasons you mentioned?
Unfortunately, my proposal never made it out of committee. I still think it's a great idea.
Posted in: What Do You Think of Planting a New Community in a Declining Church?
John,
I don't know the answer to that question for sure, but my impression is yes. My understanding was that the church plant was a fully separate plant, but maybe Stedford (if he's a member) or somone from Sherman St. can answer that.
Posted in: Study Software
I use Logos. I bought it when was taking classes at CTS, but at that time, I was a Windows-only user. Now I'm primarily a Mac user.
Logos 4 for Mac is officially still in Beta. They had a release version for Logos 3 (which I now use), but it was missing quite a bit of function. Since I have a working Logos 3 for Mac installation, I'll wait to upgrade to Logos 4 until the Mac Version is a full release.
I have way too much invested in Logos to consider switching to Accordance (or anything else).
Bob Felton
Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church
www.ministry-tech.net
Posted in: Technology - A Devotional Tool?
I'll second that!
I get the Today devotional in my inbox every day. It has absolutely made a difference in the consistency of my daily devotions. A book can be neglected on a busy morning, but with that quick devotional and a link to the bible passage right there on my i-phone, I actually do it every day!
It might not be the same for others who don't check their email every day (several times a day) but it certainly works for me.
Posted in: Technology - A Devotional Tool?
When you search, you will want to keep the words together. Youversion will get you there.
The NIV is free on YouVersion, as long as you are connected to the internet. You can only view it online. There are some translations you can download and use offline, but NIV is only available online.
Posted in: Loop System
We don't have a loop system, but we use a Sound Mate system (personal wireless receivers with ear-buds).
The receivers will also use a "loop" that hangs around your neck and connects to the pick-up in your hearing aide, if you have one that is so equipped.
In other words, we don't have a big "loop" that goes around the sanctuary, but small "loops" that hang around your neck.
This system works really well for us, because it works for both those whose hearing aides are equipped with receivers and those whose hearing aides are not.
Bob Felton
Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church
www.ministry-tech.net