By Will Southard, a pastor in Lynden, Washington Even before COVID, Gen Z was the loneliest generation on record. But now, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the need for connection and belonging is greater than ever. This is especially true for the emerging adults in our... Read More...
Interview with Myriam, an emerging adult in Denver, Colorado Nestled in a tree-lined neighborhood in Denver lies First CRC of Denver. First CRC is one of many churches in North America that is pioneering new programs to involve emerging adults in their congregation. What is First’s solution?... Read More...
For many of us, the summer season brings the smell of hotdogs cooking, s’mores burning and the enjoyment of sipping a cold beverage on the deck. (And those of us in the north, where winter climates often prevent us from enjoying the outdoors in shorts and t-shirts,... Read More...
“Plans fail for the lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 NIV Back in my youth I had a lot of plans, visions, and ideas, but I became reluctant to share them due to people laughing, teasing, or making fun of me. Later in... Read More...
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV One of the most exciting things to do in life is make plans for your life. Dreaming about your future can be fun but to write it down could be scary... Read More...
Have you ever prepared a roast early morning and then let it cook in a crock pot throughout the day? Have you ever placed the ingredients in a bread maker and set it to be ready at dinner time? If so, you know what it is like... Read More...
Many of us approach mentoring with the idea that it is a process that is based within a specific context: two people sitting across a table from one another engaged in a guided conversation. While that may be true in some instances the posture of mentoring doesn’t... Read More...
Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of working with several churches that are interested in developing intergenerational mentoring connections in their congregation. While each situation is unique, there are some common themes that emerge in these conversations. Over my next two posts, I’ll deal... Read More...
I don’t like airline travel. It isn’t because I’m afraid of flying, it’s because I’m annoyed by waiting. To me nothing is more frustrating than packing a bag, arriving at the airport at the recommended time, checking in and going through security, only to arrive at my... Read More...
My wife and I have been part of a small group for the last 20 years. We started out as five couples but the size of the group has grown to 22 as kids have entered our lives. As a result, I’ve been asked by several of... Read More...
In Galatians 5:13-14 we read “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as... Read More...
by Adam VanderStelt, Youth Leader at Trinity Church in Grandville, MI Written October 2020 “I’ve got to be honest. If I want to have fun, I’ll just call my friends and order my own pizza,” said Sam as he sawed away at an overgrown sumac tree, “But... Read More...