Andrew Ryskamp
I served World Renew in various capacities from agronomsit in Bangladesh to Executive Director-US. Currently I am a member of the Community Engagement Team of Classis Grand Rapids East. In that capacity I help churches implement asset based approaches to community engagement, as well as encourage advocay on issues impacting disadvantaged commmunities in West Michigan. My passion is to see the church carry out more effectively Christ's call to be agents of transformation in a hurting world.
Posted in: Just Giving? Or Giving JUSTLY? Questions, Ideas, and Principles For Your Christmas Giving
Jodi,
This is great advice. Can this be sent to all Sunday Schools? :-)
Posted in: One Small Word: Changing the Missions Paradigm at Your Church
What a neat way to help a church re-focus. Another word that is used is "with". How can we do ministry "with" our community or context where God has placed us? A resource guide for approaching community using a "with" concept is already here on the Network.
Posted in: New Resource! Monthly Newsletter for RCA and CRC Deacons
Danielle,
Thanks for this. I just updated the note so that it gives better information about the Canadian context. The notification to churches is only done in the US for the reason you noted.
Appreciatively,
Andy
Posted in: New Resource! Monthly Newsletter for RCA and CRC Deacons
Posted in: Can Church Treasurer Write Checks on Deacons Behalf?
Bryan,
There are two things to consider from my perspective. The first is making sure there is a credible audit trail that ensures that in fact funds are being appropriately approved and recorded. The second is the issue of confidentiality. If the treasurer is not a deacon has the treasurer affirmed in writing that he will keep confidential the names of people being helped where that has been promised.
Andrew Ryskamp
CRCNA Diaconal Ministry Initiative
Posted in: Utilizing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Materials: Ideas?
Thanks Erin.
Posted in: Diakonia: Serving or Sharing?
The Church Order of the CRC comes at the role of Deacons from this perspective. When deacons get ordained to their office it would be good for church Councils to do two things:
1. Remind the members that they are the ones called to diakonia.
2. Ask the Deacons to be accountable for the systems that facilitate diaconal work, and not be simply the doers. Wouldn't it be great if the Benevolence Committee, for instance, was made up of a group of commissioned social workers with renewable terms, rather than deacons who rotate out after a term?
Posted in: Who Supervises the Minister? The Answer Might Surprise You
Very helpful article. I encourage churches to do a regular membership survey that includes feedback on a number of things like how we as a congregation are living into vision/mission, facilitating training around stages of faith, community engagement, etc., and then also how the pastor's role is experienced in the mix. An annual survey provides helpful baselines and a place to express ownership in helpful ways.
Posted in: Loving Your Neighbor in the COVID-19 Pandemic
My Dutch is not bad, but can you share the English version?
Posted in: The Struggle of “Reaching Out” to Your Community
Gillian, a great reminder of what is essential when engaging our neighbors. The Lupton Center builds on the practices you suggest. The Lupton Center has done a great job of defining helpful principles when it comes to connecting with community. Here is a Network article linking to these principles. Their Flourishing Neighborhood Index is also helpful. These are principles that have been endorsed by CRCNA leadership.
Posted in: Classis by Video
Very helpful suggestions!
Posted in: Becoming a Greener Church - Caring for God's Creation (Part 3)
What a great practical help to deacons as they give leadership to this critical issue. Thanks Erin and Ron!!!