Tim Postuma
I work for the CRC as 'web guy'. But that doesn't mean I'm a coder (others are way better at that than me). I'm first and foremost a communicator, so what I love to do is look for ways we can better communicate as a denomination using technology. I get to listen for ideas that are out there, come up with a few of my own, and help them become reality. Examples include the Network website and the Digital Library. I also connect with the web/communications people for each of the CRC ministries. So if you have ideas for how we can better communicate using technology you can feel free to route suggestions through me. We WANT those ideas. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba - go, Jets - but now live in Grand Rapids, MI (much to my surprise!). My wonderful wife is a CRC chaplain and we have three kids that keep us plenty busy.
Posted in: One Login, Many Sites
At this time it's just The Network and The Banner. And soon the main crcna.org site.
Some of the agency sites will also be hooked into this, but likely not Faith Alive because they use a more specialized, e-commerce system that would be more difficult to make part of this. Maybe down the road, but not likely in the foreseeable future.
FYI, you can also check out this news story posted yesterday to the CRC Newsroom.
Posted in: A Final Post...and an Excitement for What's to Come
Thanks, Paul. I hope you'll continue to share your wisdom in this section and across the site.
Posted in: So How Good are the Sermons in the CRC?
Our pastors are very open to feedback and, a few years ago, we decided to use Calvin Seminary's sermon evaluation form as the feedback tool. Our intention was to create an ongoing feedback loop, rather than an overall assessment of their preaching (that should be part of the annual evaluation). The biggest issue has been getting us elders to actually take the time and fill it out. But the tool itself, seems good. And I think doing it as some kind of ongoing feedback loop is healthier than just talking about it when there's a complaint.
Here's a link to the form.
Posted in: Dick Clark's Very Public Disability
Wow, some of that is hard to read but thanks for keeping it real, Mark. Great post.
Posted in: Webinar Voting = No More Guesswork
Great point. Yes, we definitely want to keep those "attendees" in mind as well.
In fact, just looking at stats of our first few webinars the number of people who watched the recording are higher than the number who attended live. And those numbers will continue to grow.
Another interesting aspect is to see how many people huddle around a computer to watch the webinars together. That's something we ask about in the followup survey and it's cool to see how many do. What a great way to learn and discuss together.
Posted in: Google Apps Free For Churches (Again)
Here's a story Christianity Today just posted about this.
Posted in: It's Your Page
That's a great topic, Jan. In my own church, we've often remarked on the same phenomenon. What are the similarities between those groups and what we more typically think of as a small group? And what are the important differences? And what can each type learn from the other?
Posted in: 'Til We Meet Again
Thank you, Mavis. Not only for your work as guide during the past year, but for your early and continued enthusiasm for The Network overall. I look forward to your continued participation!
Posted in: A Good Reason to Gather [Bruce's Blog]
I see from this Banner article that 18 pastors gathered for this conversation. Nice!
Those who attended - any reflections, or key take-aways for you?
You could even offer to write a blog post about it.
Posted in: Children and the Lord's Supper: One Church's Journey
This could be a perfect topic for a webinar (see the series we're putting together at www.crcna.org/webinars). Maybe we could see if Beth is willing to do her same presentation in a webinar format.
If there's some interest in that, we can check into it. Thoughts?
Posted in: Using the Psalms with Kids
We also use Psalms for Young Children with our three little ones and it's great. The kids browse through and each pick a Psalm to read (usually based on how the artwork fits their mood that day - which is itself illuminating). I've even used it for council meeting devotions - just for something less wordy and more visually rich. It's beautiful and helps the Psalms come alive in a new way.
Posted in: Children and the Lord's Supper: One Church's Journey
Update for anyone reading/following this thread...the webinar has now been scheduled for April 25. Visit www.crcna.org/webinars to register or to view the recording afterwards. Spread the word!