Ministry-Formation-pray

Ministry-Formation-grow

Ministry-Formation-train

Ministry-Formation-align

Prayer For the Church
Jack De Vries
O God, you are the fountain of all truth; we ask you to protect your church from all false teaching. Protect the Church From all teaching and preaching which would destroy people's faith;
Making Room
Jack De Vries
"Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6  These words from the prophet Isaiah take on special meaning when we see them fulfilled in the coming and birth of Jesus Christ.   
Membership: Raising the Bar
Jack De Vries
Membership in a church used to be a big deal.   Unlike a membership at the local gym or even joining the area golf club, membership in the church meant giving of yourself wholeheartedly to the life and ministry of the church.   Not only did you attend every worship service, but you gave generously of your time, talents, and treasures to t...
Wisdom from the Garden
Jack De Vries
I grew up with a green thumb.   See, my dad was a gardener, and ever since I could tag along with him, he would have me work with him in the gardens.   Cutting grass, clipping hedges, trimming roses, planting annuals, laying new turf, weeding between the plants, watering the flowers.   I still enjoy gardening -- seeing...
The Conviction to Lead
Jack De Vries
"True leadership starts with a purpose, not a plan."   In many ways this statement sums up Albert Mohler's excellent book on leadership:  The Conviction to Lead.   Leadership has to do with conviction.   As he writes:   "Congregations and Christian institutions need effective leaders who are authentically Christian -- whose leadership flows out of their Christian commitment."  
Lost or Sought?
Jack De Vries
When you think of the unsaved millions in the world -- how do you think about them?   I'm thinking about non-Christians.   They might be co-workers, friends, neighbours, and/or family members.  How do you think about them?   It matters how you think of them.   It really does.  I like to explain what I mean.  I like to suggest a nuance that might bring about a shift in your thinking.   And if your thinking changes, perhaps this might change how you live.
How Healthy is the CRCA?
Jack De Vries
In 2006 the CRCA adopted a strategy to increase church health and effectiveness throughout the denomination in Australia.   The churches agreed to the vision to be "A church reforming to reach the lost for Christ."   The stated mission described what we as churches prayerfully and by God's grace hoped to achieve:  "To multi...
Sharing Good News Naturally
Sharing Good News Naturally

Organic Outreach

Most churches would agree that evangelism is a priority. The CRCA declares that reaching the lost is central to its calling as a church: we are a church reforming to reach the lost for Christ. But so few churches and Christians are bearing fruit. In fact, most churches are either maintaining the status quo or are in decline.

Find Out More

Coaching for Healthy Churches and Leaders
Coaching for Healthy Churches and Leaders

Shift

Shift is all about movement – with the help of one another and the power of God to reach our broken places and move ever closer to living a life worthy of our callings as churches and leaders. Leadership development begins with acknowledging and trusting the process and the people God uses to grow us.

Find Out More