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!
Thank you so much for this. Praying for each and every person at Benjamin's Hope. Praying God draws near in the unknowns, providing comfort and peace and joy. Thanks again for sharing!
Figured I could start :) One thing that God has been showing me recently is how his power is not hindered by my weakness. God uses us me in spite of myself, much like he used Jonah (a story I recently read again).
Thank you so much for this comment, Bob. Your insights and references help give a much more accurate and complete picture (and show the trouble with picking and choosing statistics to share). One thing I did appreciate about Hatmaker's article was how she used the lens of a consumer culture to highlight the need for pastors and churches to be equippers, so that each and every person can become a disciple.
When Hatmaker gave statistics on pastors' job satisfaction (or lack thereof), I saw it as a way to highlight the pressure on pastors, not the fact that pastors have problems (as we all do). I saw it as a challenge to narrow the role of pastors so that they can EQUIP disciples instead of bearing the responsibility for the spiritual development of each member of the congregation (which is the Holy Spirit's work anyway).
I really appreciate your point on God working through our weakness. I completely agree and am reminded of this every single day (thanks be to God!).
I absolutely love this post. It almost brought tears to my eyes as our interactions would look so different if we remembered the hopes and dreams that each and every person around us has. Eternal perspective!
Posted in: Lead Pastor at Bunde CRC (Clara City, MN)
Thanks for the heads up! I have published as new.
Posted in: Spiritual Protection
Lifted you up right now. Praying you keep drawing near to God.
Posted in: Like Swimming in a Petri Dish
Thank you so much for this. Praying for each and every person at Benjamin's Hope. Praying God draws near in the unknowns, providing comfort and peace and joy. Thanks again for sharing!
Posted in: Like Swimming in a Petri Dish
Kind words, Ken. Appreciate your voice of encouragement as well!
Posted in: What Bible Verse or Story Has God Used In Your Life This Fall?
Figured I could start :) One thing that God has been showing me recently is how his power is not hindered by my weakness. God uses us me in spite of myself, much like he used Jonah (a story I recently read again).
Posted in: Every Act of the Will
Your words have a way of really connecting with me, Michele! "When an individual’s will becomes an end in itself, it becomes an idol." Amen!
Posted in: Hidden Preservative Revealed
Beautiful story with a whole lot of truth. Thank you for giving ME fresh footing on the path today!
Posted in: How a Consumer Culture Threatens to Destroy Pastors
Thank you so much for this comment, Bob. Your insights and references help give a much more accurate and complete picture (and show the trouble with picking and choosing statistics to share). One thing I did appreciate about Hatmaker's article was how she used the lens of a consumer culture to highlight the need for pastors and churches to be equippers, so that each and every person can become a disciple.
Posted in: How a Consumer Culture Threatens to Destroy Pastors
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, John.
When Hatmaker gave statistics on pastors' job satisfaction (or lack thereof), I saw it as a way to highlight the pressure on pastors, not the fact that pastors have problems (as we all do). I saw it as a challenge to narrow the role of pastors so that they can EQUIP disciples instead of bearing the responsibility for the spiritual development of each member of the congregation (which is the Holy Spirit's work anyway).
I really appreciate your point on God working through our weakness. I completely agree and am reminded of this every single day (thanks be to God!).
Posted in: On Living With Disabilities and Poverty
Great question! You sure can. Simply click on the Facebook share button on the left side of the page and Facebook will open up :)
Thanks for sharing!
Posted in: The Chicago Cubs, Big Dreams and Knowing Each Other's 'Someday'
I absolutely love this post. It almost brought tears to my eyes as our interactions would look so different if we remembered the hopes and dreams that each and every person around us has. Eternal perspective!
Posted in: Do You Have a Theme Word for 2016?
Thanks for sharing! Love the action word and will be praying for your church in the upcoming year.