Have you ever been asked to give a short devotion, a Bible talk to youth, or even been asked if you’re interested in writing a sermon? If so, it’s possible that the very idea has created fear and anxiety. You may have asked the question – where do I even start? Communicating God’s Word to others is both a tremendous privilege, and a great responsibility. If we are called on to do this, we want to...
At the CRCA Synod earlier this year approval was given to begin a formal Post Ordination Training program in our churches. This program is aimed at providing additional support and training for those beginning as ordained pastors in the CRCA. The introduction of this program follows a research project conducted with pastors serving in their first church, and those churches. This research identified that while newly ordained pastors were well grounded in the theological education and...
"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...
