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!
Thanks for reminding me of the musician's perspective Diane! Yes, I too think there is potential for greater ownership and involvement and love the song request box idea. There could also be a digital option, i.e. on the church FB page.
Great suggestion. I think it can be incredibly discouraging for new people to hear that the small groups are "full." I would add that it can be helpful to have regular announcements (from church leaders, on the church website/Facebook page, or in the bulletin) that invite people to join small groups.
Thanks for this! Lots of good thoughts here. Important note about some people not being comfortable praying aloud. I think your suggestion for structure helps. It can also be a good idea to ask for volunteers to lead in prayer. After a few weeks or months, other may feel more comfortable stepping up.
Thanks for writing this! There is so much wisdom in your advice to come along side people who are facing circumstances that can shake even the strongest faith to the core. Love this question: "Are our friendships, our churches, our Christian communities, safe spaces for people to ask the hard questions without being thrown easy answers, or worse, being ridiculed and dismissed?"
I love this idea, Esther. I've always had a soft spot for this style of worship as well as the occasional acoustic (or vocals only) sing along. For me, it sometimes quiets my heart and mind so I can focus.
Posted in: Does Your Worship Team Take Song Requests?
Thanks for reminding me of the musician's perspective Diane! Yes, I too think there is potential for greater ownership and involvement and love the song request box idea. There could also be a digital option, i.e. on the church FB page.
Posted in: Tips for Small Group Success?
Great suggestion. I think it can be incredibly discouraging for new people to hear that the small groups are "full." I would add that it can be helpful to have regular announcements (from church leaders, on the church website/Facebook page, or in the bulletin) that invite people to join small groups.
Posted in: Tips for Small Group Success?
Thanks for this! Lots of good thoughts here. Important note about some people not being comfortable praying aloud. I think your suggestion for structure helps. It can also be a good idea to ask for volunteers to lead in prayer. After a few weeks or months, other may feel more comfortable stepping up.
Posted in: Black Holes in the Bible and Childlike Faith
I LOVE this. What a great reminder to reclaim our childlike faith.
Posted in: Let’s Play “Banner Editor for a Day”
Practicing Hospitality and Why I Think More CRC Churches Should Serve Breakfast on Sunday Morning
Posted in: Introducing a New Ministry Topic! Books by CRC & RCA Authors
Hi Larry! We will gladly take any posts (including self-published). Thanks!
Posted in: When Someone's Faith is Drowning
Thanks for writing this! There is so much wisdom in your advice to come along side people who are facing circumstances that can shake even the strongest faith to the core. Love this question: "Are our friendships, our churches, our Christian communities, safe spaces for people to ask the hard questions without being thrown easy answers, or worse, being ridiculed and dismissed?"
Posted in: Let’s Play “Banner Editor for a Day”
Would love this!
Posted in: Jane Austen, Balance, and Worship
I love this idea, Esther. I've always had a soft spot for this style of worship as well as the occasional acoustic (or vocals only) sing along. For me, it sometimes quiets my heart and mind so I can focus.
Posted in: Missions Tourism
The links are fixed now! Thanks, Anthony.
Posted in: Missions Tourism
Hi Rick,
Thanks for feedback! The video download has been fixed and the other materials should be easily viewable.
Thanks again!
Staci
Posted in: Homosexuality and Holy Uncertainty
Great post, Syd. Thanks for challenging us to think in new ways and make peace with unknowns, confident that God is faithful.