Staci Devries
I serve as the Content and Community Manager for The Network, a role that I truly love. I have a passion for connecting people and am grateful to see how God is at work in the CRC and beyond. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!
Posted in: A Dance of Assumptions
This is incredibly powerful and help. Thanks for sharing!
Posted in: Let's Discuss "Reimagining Ministry Shares"
Thanks for starting this discussion! I found the report incredibly helpful with keen observations (especially as it pertains to local churches wanting to see the impact of their ministry share contributions). I'm wondering if I understand your notation on the ministry shares correctly. When I read the report, I see that in 2017 the requested contribution was $37,937,501 and the actual contribution was $22,788,222. The numbers you mentioned are the effective vs actual ministry share rates ($339.48 vs $282.83). The effective ministry share rate as I understand is the rate adjusted for smaller churches as well as the Canadian/US exchange rate. Is that your understanding as well?
Posted in: What Books Are You Reading in 2019?
Thanks to everyone who shared which books they are reading this year! These are truly my favorite kinds of posts.
The winner of the giveaway is Lyn Van Tol from Covenant Life Church of Grand Haven. Congrats Lyn! I'll be in touch tomorrow.
Posted in: What Books Are You Reading in 2019?
I read Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner back in February and it has really stuck with me. Erin is a great storyteller and I learned so much from her humble real life stories of pursuing success and validation in ways the world values (she even had an HGTV show) to being intentionally slow and purposeful in all her decisions.
Her metaphor of quieting the lion (the lion being things we chase such as beauty, success, reputation) was fascinating.
I also read Brave Love by Lisa Leonard and would highly recommend for her honest story-telling.
I hope to read Max Lucado's Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World and The Gospel Comes with a House Key sometime this spring/summer.
Posted in: What's in an Email Address?
Thank you for this excellent reminder! Setting up our church contact emails to start with 'hello' or 'welcome' may be more impactful than we realize. I've appreciated when companies create this "Yes, please contact us" impression as well.
Posted in: When Members Face Employment Uncertainty
These tips are wonderful. Being aware and checking in are huge. Thanks for sharing.
Posted in: If Ever There Was a Need for Integrity, It Is Now
Yes, it should. Fixed now. Thanks Hetty!
Posted in: A Fresh Old Understanding of Evangelism and Witnessing
thanks for updating this!
Posted in: What Do You Call Your Benevolence Ministry?
I love this question. Not sure my church has a designated name but will check into further and also discuss with others.
Posted in: What Ministry Topics Would You Like to Talk About This Year?
Great suggestion, Cindy. I'll put some thought into this and try to generate some discussion and feedback around what churches are doing related to creation care.
Posted in: What Ministry Topics Would You Like to Talk About This Year?
Thanks for this, Keith. I'd love to get some discussion going around the cost of our buildings.
Posted in: Since When Does Winning $1.6 Billion Mean You’ve Made It?
This is powerful and counter-cultural. Thank you for sharing.