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The Hospitality of God
Over the years I’ve dipped into etiquette books quite often, particularly those of Judith Martin, aka Miss Manners. I do it because the books are deceptively important. On the surface…
Songs of Redemption
When the call went out to churches to make opportunities available for preachers at Calvin Seminary who are women, Palo Alto CRC, a congregation currently without a pastor, responded enthusiastically.…
Moments in Ministry Formation: Student Share Their Experiences at Calvin
“I was called to seminary in a moment, essentially.” MDiv student Kristy Bootsma says, as she sits down for a Zoom conversation with two other women studying at Calvin Seminary.…
Following Step By Step: Interview with Mary VandenBerg
Mary VandenBerg is a Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Seminary, the first tenured female professor. She recently sat down to discuss aspects of her teaching, ministry, and calling. …
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…
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…