Episoder
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In this episode we discuss the 'elephants' of church renewal. Rev. Dr. Elaine May discusses her work in church renewal and leadership development within the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She highlights the importance of shifting from ownership to stewardship, aligning church ministry with God's mission, and the challenges and blessings of navigating change and discernment in congregational contexts.
Show Notes:
Thrive: https://www.crcna.org/thrive Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/navigating-change-lessons-church-renewal"When we see ministry through the church open-handedly, I think it allows for the breath of the Holy Spirit to merge with our human abilities."
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Mark Vanderwees from Diaconal Ministries Canada joins us to talk about his journey to becoming a deacon and suggestions for best practices for deacons. This episode discusses the evolving role of deacons, community engagement, and practical support for church benevolence and justice initiatives.
Show Notes:
Diaconal Ministries Canada: https://diaconalministries.com/ Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/persistent-pursuit-marks-journey-haiti-deaconship"Church benevolence is about more than giving money; it's about building relationships and supporting long-term solutions."
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Pastor Dave VanderWoude from City Hope GR shares insights on creating an inclusive church for people of all abilities. He discusses his personal journey, challenges in fostering belonging, and the transformative power of inclusivity. Don't miss these interesting stories and insights.
Show Notes:
City Hope Grand Rapids: https://cityhopegr.org/ Thrive Resources: https://www.crcna.org/disability Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/blessing-belonging-churchs-journey-inclusivity"We truly are better together... What does that look like? Really living up to that and making the steps to see how we can step in our faith and put our words to action."
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In this episode we're joined by Bev Stephenson, a dedicated volunteer in refugee resettlement in the US. Bev shares her experiences co-sponsoring Afghan and Cuban refugee families alongside her church. Bev shares insightful stories highlighting the challenges, joys, and profound impact of building cross-cultural relationships and supporting families through their resettlement journeys.
Show Notes
Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/see-things-differently-sponsorship-stories"When you do co-sponsorship, I think before you start you don't realize how much you can come to love people that you've never met before, from another part of the world."
"We have to be worth that kind of trust. But there will be ups and downs, not everything's going to go smoothly. It takes some persistence. It takes lots of prayer."
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In this enlightening episode host Chris Orme has a candid conversation with Tom Jantzi, Director of Congregational Assistance Plan and Clergy Care at Shalem Network. Tom shares invaluable insights on destigmatizing mental health within church communities, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations and acknowledging the holistic nature of well-being. From practical programs like CAP to fostering safe spaces for vulnerability, they explore how churches can authentically support mental health while integrating faith and professional psychotherapy.
Show Notes:
Shalem Mental Health Network https://shalemnetwork.org/ Counselling Assistance Program https://shalemnetwork.org/cap-counselling-assistance-program/ Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/im-not-okay-cultivating-compassionate-churches"The church that's safe for mental health is one in which we can have compassion and we can sit with each other and listen to each individual's experience."
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Host Chris Orme welcomes Greg Houldcroft, founder of Cross Town Impact, a ministry dedicated to serving at-risk youth. Greg shares his journey of faith and the challenges faced in establishing the organization. Cross Town Impact provides safe spaces for children, offering support and mentorship. Greg highlights lessons he's learned along the way especially for churches.
Show Notes:
Cross Town Impact: https://crosstownimpact.com/ Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/engineering-youth-work-embracing-gods-unexpected-path -
In this compelling episode host Chris Orme sits down with Dan Veeneman and Marcel de Regt from Gateway Community Church in Abbotsford B.C. Together, they delve into the church's transformative journey of hosting an extreme weather shelter for the homeless. Dan and Marcel share stories about the realities of participating in this ministry. From confronting addiction to offering hospitality, their experiences underscore the power of saying 'yes' when someone knocks on your door.
"There's a story that goes with every person that comes to our shelter... Take the time, pause, slow down. And hear their story, because when you hear their story you see the person for who they are." - Marcel de Regt
Show Notes:
Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/how-saying-yes-transformed-gateway-church -
We know the journey of justice is messy, full of pitfalls and roadblocks. And sometimes it feels like weâre all avoiding the question everyone is thinking. When it comes to justice we can experience gaps between our convictions and the way we can live them out. What if we could have a conversation about these elephant(s) in the room?
In this season we're talking to a wide variety of folks including pastors, church members, therapists, and youth leaders to get the advice they wish they had starting out.
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George de Vuyst, is a missionary with Resonate Global Mission. He has been serving in Ukraine since 1998. George trains pastors and facilitates healing and reconciliation through âHealing Hearts, Transforming Nationsâ (HHTN) workshops and trainings for facilitators. In June 2021 he traveled to Michigan and planned to return overseas in June 2022. Russiaâs war against Ukraine changed that. We pray for the war to end and for opportunities to serve and minister to Ukrainians now and in the future.
"And we say, you know. We're fathers. And we're sorry for what a father did to you. That's not what fathers were supposed to do. We see these things happen again and again and again."
This episode is graciously sponsored by Resonate Global Mission.
Show Notes:
Transcript https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/transforming-nations-and-hearts Resonate Global Mission https://www.resonateglobalmission.org/ Healing Hearts Transforming Nations https://www.resonateglobalmission.org/healing-hearts-transforming-nations -
When Stacey Campbell talks about reconciliation she knows what she's talking about. Not only because of her work with Prison Fellowship Canada but also because of the reconciliation she has worked through in her personal life. Stacey vulnerably shares stories about both with us.
"Good self-care isn't about more bubble baths and chocolate. It's about learning how to build a life you don't need to escape from."
Show Notes:
Transcript Prison Fellowship Canada -
Marlene was born In Burns Lake BC to an Indigenous father and a white mother. Her father joined the military when she was 18 months old and she was raised in a variety of towns and Air Bases throughout Canada and Germany. In this episode Marlene tells us about what it has been like to embrace her Indigenous AND Christian identity.
"I did bring my hand drum to church. I felt very uncomfortable bringing my drum for a number of reasons. It kind of made me sad why did I feel like I had to mask the drum almost make sure it was received as a Christian drum."
Show Notes:
Transcript Hearts Exchanged
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Harouna Issaka is the regional director for West Africa with World Renew and also works with Timothy Leadership training. In this episode Harouna speaks with us about how the Timothy Leadership Training has build relationships across unexpected divides.
Show Notes:
Transcript World Renew in West Africa Timothy Leadership Training -
In this episode we talk with Shannon Perez about what reconciliation looks like in light of her personal story and her First Nation's story. Shannon is the director of the Indigenous Family Centre (a CRC ministry with Indigenous people in Winnipeg). Shannon is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation, and lives in Winnipeg with her husband and children.
Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/forced-relocation-reconciliation
https://www.ifcentre.com/
https://www.crcna.org/indigenous Hearts Exchanged: https://www.crcna.org/hearts-exchanged -
In this episode Andrew Reinstra joins us to talk about what it's like to reconcile his experiences his birth and adoptive families. We get into the questions *not* to ask an adopted person. If you've wanted to think about the intersection of justice and adoption this is the episode for you.
Andrew Rienstra works for World Renew. In 2017, Andrew founded the group West Michigan Adopted People. A group that provides a safe and positive community for adult adoptees to discuss their collective journey, mitigate feelings of otherness, and share experiences with peers.
Show Notes:
Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/being-asked-about-one-moment West Michigan Adopted People World Renew in Honduras -
Our host Chris Orme introduces you to the theme of this season of the podcast. Stay tuned for episodes from great guests.
âBut Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.â Genesis 33:4
Ray Orlund reflects that this verse has often struck him as one of the most beautiful in the Bible. âWe all feel the power of it. When we see ex-friends reconciling, so removing every barrier that they run and embrace and fall on one anotherâs necksâI love that expressionâand weep, the beauty of it gets to us. Not a negotiated settlement. No face-saving hypocrisy. Honest. Unforced. Deeply felt. We all perceive true reconciliation with awe. It is of God.â
This is why weâre so excited to reflect on healing rifts in this season of the Do Justice podcast.
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September 30th 2023 is the third time Canada will mark a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots commemoration marked by the wearing of Orange Shirts for children forced to leave their families and attend residential schools.
This reflection is designed to take approximately half an hour and we recommend that you take space to listen and reflect. You will be guided through one call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with prayer and reflection prompts. Engage in this podcast in the way that allows you to fully immerse yourself in this material: find time in the day when you can walk in solitude and listen, or enjoy a beautiful drive while you reflect. Curl up in your favourite chair to draw and journal while you connect with this podcast.
Follow along in the written version at this link. The reflection questions are also written there: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/reflection-national-truth-and-reconciliation-day-2023
We are thankful for the music in this episode created by Indigenous songwriter Michael Jacob. Used with permission.
The Reformed family is a diverse family with a diverse range of opinions. Not all perspectives expressed on the podcast represent the official positions of the Christian Reformed Church.
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This community in Philadelphia, while full of families and individuals working hard to make ends meet, is taking action in their own backyards to address climate change. In this bonus podcast episode hear from film maker Nathan Roels and local climate organizer Allen Drew about how this storytelling project came together. And be inspired to see how you can take action for creation in your own backyard.
Show Notes:
Hunting Park Project: https://www.crcna.org/hunting-park Second Mile Video: https://www.secondmilevideo.com/ Engaging Climate as Christians Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1ZmlNLrVHeHIMCpro_EOMLzS7qemXRoz Hunting Park Community Solar Initiative: https://www.hpsolar.org/ Contact: Allen Drew: https://www.crcna.org/climate-witness-project/regions/eastern-us Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/hunting-park -
The best job description according to Roy Berkenbosch is âwhatever the day needs.â In his life this has meant jobs in both bricklaying and Bangladesh. In the episode Roy shares stories from his development work with World Renew and his experience at Kingâs University with the Micah Centre.
Show Notes:
Thank you to Season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre World Renew: https://worldrenew.net/ Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/bricklaying-bangladesh -
John Lamsma has spent over 25 years in prisonâŠministry. He shares how pastoral care can ease the pain of incarceration, the origins of restorative justice as a focus in the CRCNA and the importance of affirming the image of God in every person, always.
Show Notes:
Thank you to season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre Banner Article Referenced: https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/1982-03-08%20Banner-An%20Inmate%20Speaks.pdf Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/human-connection-dehumanizing-placeshttps://dojustice.crcna.org/article/human-connection-dehumanizing-places -
Jenny Yang has been on the long journey advocating for just immigration policy for over 15 years. As the Senior Vice President of Advocacy & Policy with World Relief she shares her experience speaking with Christians about immigration reform, talking with her kids about race, and how a speaking opportunity in Amish country led to mutual mind changing.
Show Notes:
Thank you to Season sponsor the Micah Centre: https://www.kingsu.ca/programs/micah-centre Transcript: https://dojustice.crcna.org/article/deliverance-can-take-decades World Relief: https://worldrelief.org/ Welcoming the Stranger book: https://www.ivpress.com/welcoming-the-stranger - Se mer
