Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant:...
Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant: New Life Community Church, Pickering, Ontario(1987-95), and Bethel CRC, Listowel, Ontario (1995-2007). Jack is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity - 1983) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry - 2003) Jack and his wife Jeannie currently live in Petrie, a northern suburb of Brisbane in Queensland. They attend and are members of Bray Park Community Church. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren living in the USA and Canada.
In Isaiah 58:11 we read: "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Australia has seen times of drought and floods. There is another type of drought in Australia; there is a spiritual drought. But God promises to provide refreshing rain, a never ending supply of refreshing water. The water he provides will satisfy the needs of all Australians. As we take up the missional vision God has given us we extend the life changing invitation of Jesus: "Come! Whoever is thirsty, come, and take the free gift of the water of life!" (Revelation 22:17)
"The time has come for my departure!" These words, a quote from 2 Timothy 4:6, were read in the recent gathering of the TRAIN Workgroup. While these words of the apostle Paul were referencing his approaching death, these same words were referenced at this meeting to reflect on the fact that the time has come for my departure from my role in the CRCA as the MDC (Ministry Development Coordinator). After more than 25 years...
What is a leader? What do you look for in a leader? What is the one thing that drives good leadership – in a family, in a job, in a church, in the world? What qualities do you like to see in a leader? Perhaps you look for someone who is successful, who has been really good in business, has made lots of money. You might look for someone from noble birth – someone who has royal...
The music of Simon & Garfunkel hit the airwaves in my formative years. How often I heard these words: "I am alone.... I am a rock, I am an island. I have no need of friendship - friendship causes pain." The lyrics of this song seem to suggest that being alone is a good thing. How different the words of Scripture: "It is not good for the man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18) God did not create us...
We have been looking at the importance of influence. I am been making the point that to be truly effective as a leader in a church – in good times and in challenging times – leaders must master the ability to influence others. Influence begins with practicing Ministry IQ - getting to know the people you are serving and for these people to get to know you. In addition, a leader also needs to promote vision. ...
In my previous article we began looking at the importance of influence. The point was made that to be truly effective as a leader in a church – in good times and in challenging times – leaders must master the ability to influence others. Where does influence begin? It begins with practicing Ministry IQ - getting to know the people you are serving and for these people to get to know you. As a leader you will...
