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)
Are you ready for an experiment? A radical experiment? An experiment that will turn your life upside down? In one year? And not just you -- your church as well? Well, pick up a copy of David Platt's book Radical and take up the challenge he gives in this book. I dare you! More about that later. Last year I did a book review on Platt's more recent book, Radical Together....
It was very encouraging to gather with over 30 people from across Australia, New Zealand, and Solomon Islands to explore future ministries. This happened 22-24 October in Geelong, at the Reformed Theological College(RTC). The conference delivered what it promised. It was stimulating, interactive, and practical. The Explore conference began with a wonderful sit down evening meal. One of the classrooms was tastefully decorated and everybody had a chance to meet each other over some very good...
"What does the Lord God require of [us]? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) In a recent trip to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne -- I saw a bunch of Christians living out this relationship with God. I was in Pakenham, a rapidly growing city in the far eastern reaches of Melbourne, Victoria. Every day commuters board trains and travel to and from the...
What if you have a city bus service, with buses that were always "on time", but these buses were always empty of passengers? Reason? Studies had shown that the only way these buses could stay "on time" is if they did not pick up passengers. Sound ridiculous? It is a true story ...
I am feeling restless when I think of the plight of our society and the mission God has laid on our hearts as Reformed churches in Australia. At times I have laid awake at night -- and my thoughts wander and ponder. I cannot stop thinking of what our Lord reminded believers through the prophet Micah: "And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
