October 1, 2019
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New Deacons? What About Orientation?
This post provides a reminder of the resources available for orienting new deacons as churches begin a new program year.
Community Builder
Andrew Ryskamp
About Me:
I served World Renew in various capacities from agronomsit in Bangladesh to Executive Director-US. Currently I am providing consultation to the CRCNA, helping implement the decision of Synod 2015 that strengthened the role of deacons in the CRC and also has them now seated at Classes and Synod. I am also involved in the work of racial reconciliation at Madison Square Church in Grand Rapids. My passion is to see the church carry out more effectively Christ's call to be agents of transformation in a hurting world.
Interests:
Family,
Biblical reflection,
Community development,
Travel
September 18, 2019
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Principles for Poverty Alleviation Ministries
Here's a review of Brian Fikkert and Kelly M. Kapic's recent book, A Field Guide To Becoming Whole. The book and field guide are helpful in understanding where traditional responses to poverty have missed the mark.
August 26, 2019
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Leadership Resources From Best Christian Workplaces Institute
Best Christian Workplaces Institute is an employee engagement ministry "dedicated to helping Christian leaders and organizations achieve their full potential." Here are some great resources they have shared.
August 20, 2019
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First CRC's Bates Place, Grand Rapids MI, Strengthens Community
Through Bates Place, First CRC of Grand Rapids is making strong connections to community. One way to do that has been through a joint community garden project. Local television covered the work.
July 30, 2019
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July 2019 For Deacons Newsletter - Living the Call
The summer 2019 issue of For Deacons focuses on the call that is at the heart of the office of deacons. Find stories of deacons living out the call, as well as tools for deacons eager to live out the call.
July 16, 2019
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Bridge of Hope Ministries Sees Appreciative Shift
Bridge of Hope Church in Sioux Center Iowa recently attended a workshop focused on the role of deacons as leaders in the life of the church. Here's what happened.
July 16, 2019
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Guelph New Life Deacons Refresh Vision
As the deacons at New Life CRC in Geulph, ON, set out to define their vision, they resonated with the words of Synod 2016 calling deacons to be not only servants, but catalysts.
July 15, 2019
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Reflecting on the Call to Deacons
In the context of today's world the mandate of mercy and justice that is at the heart of the call on the office of deacon is both profound and challenging. We need to keep the call in front of us as deacons to continue to live into it more fully
July 9, 2019
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Futurist Seeks CRC input
Tom Sine, Christian author and futurist, has a list of questions for a new book he is writing. Help him with his research by answering his questions.
May 28, 2019
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Deacons In Leadership
Since 2015 deacons in the CRC have been asked to live into a new level of leadership. The May 2019 issue of For Deacons includes resources designed to help deacons live into this leadership mandate.
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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...
posted on: Diakonia: Serving or Sharing? -
Jodi,
This is great advice. Can this be sent to all Sunday Schools? :-)
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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...
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My Dutch is not bad, but can you share the English version?
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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...
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Very helpful suggestions!
posted on: Classis by Video -
What a great practical help to deacons as they give leadership to this critical issue. Thanks Erin and Ron!!!
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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...
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The video would be a great way for a Council or a Diaconate to have a discussion on the place of justice in their church's programming. It would also serve well as a topic for an Adult education...
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It is a good story to encourage goal setting. Do you have examples churches that have set goals and created accountability around those goals? I would love to see some samples of both goals and...
posted on: GOOOOOOOAAAL!