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: The Church Directory: A Thing of the Past?
Thanks for sharing! It's very important to consider what makes sense and is most helpful in your particular context. It's a nice bonus that your half of classis also puts out a directory.
Posted in: Does Your Church Instagram?
What a cool idea, Rod! It's really amazing to look back on a church year and just see a small glimpse of the many ways in which God has worked. Thanks for sharing!
Posted in: The Joy of the Lord Was Paul’s Strength
Paul was the best friend you could imagine and his caring spirit, sense of humor, and love of God will stick with me for a long, long time. I will miss him so much! Thanks for sharing these reflections on a life well lived, Mark.
Posted in: Copyright Confusion? Basic Tips for Churches
Hi Diane,
Thank you so much for sharing those additional resources! Very helpful.
Posted in: Can We Learn From Justin Bieber's Philosophy on Christians and Church?
Hi Michael! Thanks so much for your thoughts -- you raise some interesting points. Understanding sin as TOTAL depravity and need of God is indeed different than just realizing we are imperfect. I completely agree that our understanding of sin influences our need of Jesus (and a savior in general).
Re: your last question "Is being liked really the obstacle for the gospel...", I might be missing part of your explanation. What I more wonder is "what is it about Christians/the church that are turning people away?" I'm not sure it's the gospel but instead I wonder if it has more to do with the behavior of the followers.
Thanks again for your thoughts! Really appreciate the additional questions to consider.
Posted in: Prayers of Indifference
Hi Josh,
After reading this post I became acutely aware of how often I say "God, if it is your will..." when praying. I began to question why this is my default after every "request" to God. Do I feel guilty asking God for the desires of my heart? Am I afraid of God answering with a "no"? I'm not always sure.
Thanks for sharing this! I am trying to pray more boldly, knowing God is powerful and responds to our prayers.
Posted in: Copyright Confusion? Basic Tips for Churches
Thanks for providing an email for specific questions, Rachel! It's nice to have another resource for wading through these sometimes complicated questions!
Posted in: Can We Learn From Justin Bieber's Philosophy on Christians and Church?
Thanks so much, Shannon! This interview was so interesting to me because it seems like a HUGE opportunity to start conversations with people in our lives (and social circles) on the misconceptions about Christians and church. So cool that you are talking about this with your kids!
Posted in: Can We Learn From Justin Bieber's Philosophy on Christians and Church?
Hi Roger:
Thanks for sharing! Really good point about how Christians can come across as offensive when we proclaim that there is no other name/no other way to get to God than through Jesus. For a tolerant "live and let live" society, this is problematic. I think part of the challenge is finding ways to build relationships first (hopefully removing some of the collective stigma of Christians) and through these relationships, share the gospel and pray for the message to be received (with the help of the Holy Spirit). Thanks for also mentioning the parables. Important to look at how Jesus responds!
Thanks again!
Staci
Posted in: 8 Ways To Be Like Jesus This Halloween
Hi Shannon! Thank you so much for sharing this. I completely agree that Halloween, though a secular holiday, is a GREAT opportunity to engage with our neighbors and share the love of Jesus (and have fun =)). Loved the practical ideas. Thanks again!
Posted in: Please Stop It with the Older Brother
Thanks for sharing this! I have not yet heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son be preached where the focus is more on the older brother. But, I think you hit the nail on the head with many of your points. Despite growing up in the church and Christian schools, I still relate more to the younger brother (as you said, "All of us were once dead in our sins. All of us were at one time lost. All of us were at one time made alive in Christ"). Thanks again!
Posted in: I Dedicate This Blog to You Who Are Unemployed
Thanks for sharing this blog! Job changes and unemployment can be very unexpected and we need to offer encouragement and resources to those who are looking for jobs. I'm also so grateful for companies that hire people with disabilities. They are an incredible asset!