Calvin Seminary Blog
My Calling
On the floor of Synod in 1996 a group of bright-eyed candidates was approved for the ministry of the Word in the CRCNA. That year, for the first time, some…
Partners in the Gospel: Meet special agent Joan Flikkema.
In the kingdom of God, there are secret agents—those working behind the scenes quietly, but formidably. A former teacher, Flikkema first became interested in the roles of women in ministry…
Women In Office: What Is the CRCNA Position, How Did We Get Here, & What Does It Mean?
It is twenty-five years since the Synod of 1995 opened all ecclesiastical offices to women, and it took twenty-five years of study and debate until it made that decision. It…
25 Years & Counting!
This past year, I celebrated 25 years of ordained ministry in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It was 1995. That year also marks a significant transition in the…
The Forum: Loving Your Neighbor – Calvin Prison Ministry
I do not have a lot of experience with prisons. I’ve never been arrested – so long as you don’t count a little event when I was 21. It was…
Pew or Canoe: The Unexpected Turn
In 2007, Chicago Tribune columnist Ross Werland raised a provocative rhetorical question in the title of an editorial: “A pew or a canoe: Not a tough choice.” He cited statistics…
Millennials Want A Church That Talks About These Three Things
As a university pastor working with many young adults, I’ve heard a consistent message from rising generations in the Church: Millennials are reluctant to attach to local congregations. Some of…
Called To Serve And Lead Well With Different Ethnicities
My desire to serve different ethnicities in affirming, supporting, and celebrating our identity, calling, and giftedness goes back to how my parents raised us to treat all people in our…
TUKO PAMOJA: WE ARE TOGETHER
We were in the church van on our way to the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) conference in Chicago. As we discussed the blessings and challenges of our church’s growing…
OK Boomer: the generational diversity of the church
It was not long ago that I first heard this phrase: “OK Boomer!” I knew that it was not a compliment. “OK Boomer” is a catchphrase that has gained popularity…
Calvin Seminary Students Visit Israel
This past January, I had the privilege of being a part of a group of Calvin Seminary students who traveled to Israel for two weeks. I myself am not a…
Visit Calvin Theological Seminary’s Campus
We can’t wait to host you on campus! Schedule your visit today, or, if you need more time to find a date that works for you, please request information so we can continue the conversation about supporting your calling!