February 9, 2020
294
2
2 comments
Must We "Approve" Profession of Faith?
Are we approving one's profession of faith, as though we're giving it a pass-fail grade? Might we instead recognize and welcome?
Participant
Stanley & Monica Groothof
Church:
About Me:
I’m a husband, dad, friend, and pastor. –S. I’m a wife, mom, friend, and homemaker. –M.
July 23, 2019
677
1
5
Way More Than Twice
If we leave a worship service on any given Sunday, even the second service, with the attitude that we can now check “worship” off our to-do list, then the Church Order mandating 10 services per Sunday won’t help us!
March 28, 2018
27
1
0
A Different Sort of King
As Jesus rides the donkey into Jerusalem, a crowd gathers—ordinary citizens waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” The crowds probably mean “Save us from the Romans." But Jesus has his eyes on a bigger enemy.
March 12, 2018
17
1
0
Encountering Jesus at His Table More Frequently (Part 2)
I don't see coming to the table more often as a threat to our historic and enduring emphasis on the centrality of Scripture. If anything, I’d suspect this may actually help the congregation more deeply comprehend and embrace the Word.
March 7, 2018
27
2
2
Encountering Jesus at His Table More Frequently (Part 1)
What’s stopping us from inviting Jesus to open our eyes and speak to our hearts by gathering around the Lord’s Supper table more frequently?
September 20, 2017
7
0
0
Contagious Courage
I see a church community as a place to experience the contagiousness of courage. Surrounded by fellow hikers on the path, we hear and see people cheering us on while we in turn do the same for others.
October 26, 2016
345
0
2
Job Description for Senior and Associate Pastor?
Our church (Trinity CRC) is considering changing to the model of having a Senior Pastor and an Associate Pastor. Do you use this model? If so, would you be willing to share job descriptions for BOTH positions?
September 11, 2016
20
0
2
The Melodious Part of the Worship Service
Why do we sing in worship services? Why not simply use spoken words? For one thing, songs give us language to describe our experiences. We cling to them like life preservers when our faith is challenged.
April 25, 2016
11
0
0
Worship Is Like Orange Juice
I was once told that worship is like orange juice. Sunday worship is the concentrate but you need to add water to week experience it all week. Do you ever have days you don't want the concentrate?
March 9, 2016
112
0
0
Not for Ten Million Dollars
What is it that drives people to do something out of the goodness of their heart with no expectation of reward?
-
Hi Kelli,
Trinity CRC in Rock Valley, Iowa, celebrated 50 years last year. Covid-19 threw wrinkles in some of our plans but we still had a very meaningful weekend of reviewing and...
posted on: Ideas for Marking a Church Anniversary? -
I bought this the day it became available. It's a very insightful, fresh translation that helps me appreciate the culture of the New Testament through the lens of the culture of First Nations...
-
I was looking for the pdf version too. I'm hoping that by leaving a note here, I'll get the notification when it's available. Thanks!
posted on: Breaking Barriers Fall 2021 -
Thanks for this helpful, memorable overview. The link for the "decision-making process" near the beginning doesn't work for me though. Can someone point it to the right resource? Blessings!
~...posted on: Rush, Hush and Mush: 3 Keys to Bad Decisions -
Thank you for sharing these thoughts and important reminders. How sad to witness when people deny in words or actions that every human being is made in the image of God and is loved by Him.
~...posted on: We Are All God’s Children -
Beautiful. Profound. Thank you.
~Stanleyposted on: Let’s Join Hands and Pray -
I appreciated this panel conversation very much. I was convicted with the truth of how easy it is to spend more time meditating on the words of my news feeds rather than on the Word of God which...
-
Thanks, Cecil. I appreciate your writing, always characterized by wisdom and grace. ~Stanley
-
Thank you, Tyler, for sharing this. Very encouraging to read of the almighty and ever present power of God at work in his world and in your life! ~Stanley
posted on: God's Providence in My Morning Coffee Cup -
Thanks for these reminders... Good timing!
~Stanleyposted on: Learning to Practice Self-Care