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These Love Passion poems are examples of Love poems about Passion. These are the best examples of Love Passion poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
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Every day, I fall in love with something new,
while maintaining the love I have already found.
I fall in love with scars, wrinkles,
clichés, and repetition; I fall in love
with items that people throw to the wind,
kick around, and step upon.
I fall in love with my enemies,
one of life's hardest lessons to learn;
I find haters to be marvelous motivators.
The old man who sits in a rain-gorged gutter,
his fist raised to the sky in fury
as he talks to an invisible audience
about how Apollo stole his dearly, beloved wife—
I fall in love with him too.
I fall in love with things that some people deem
as ugly, dirty, morose, and immoral.
The more I fall in love,
the more I love each moment,
including the pain, torture, and misery
that may unfold along the way.
Every day, I fall in love with something new,
while reinforcing the love I have already found.
If I write down treasonously teetering words,
the reader could assume such words
to be rooted in rage, or a cynical outlook,
when the words are actually birthed from love—
I love every word in existence.
I fall in love with the woman
who is too shy to have a sincere conversation with anyone,
because she believes herself to be grotesque,
when in fact, she is exquisitely gorgeous.
I fall in love with broken daffodils, bent daisies,
a shattered seashell, the sweet stench of seaweed
rotting on the shore, and the way her hair smells
baking in the sun.
I fall in love with black and white photographs,
mesmerized by the essence that the dead have left behind.
I fall in love with marbles, the feathers of mourning doves,
and with the stray cat, who, after she watched the moving truck
drive away, slunk around the alley in search of scraps—
over the years, she has proven to be a respectful
and loyal companion (so easy to fall in love with, again and again,
while maintaining the love I already have).
I fall in love with saints, villains, rusted watering cans,
the way sunlight bends into prisms
when it shines through the cracked, antique windowpane
that I simply don't want to replace.
And as for the people who believe that it's impossible
for someone such as myself
to fall in love with something new, every, single day,
well, I love them too.
2016 Pulse Remix, July 18th, 2016
(original version was written on April 6th, 2012)
Copyright © Chris D. Aechtner | Year Posted 2012
Those eyes I fell in love with failed to see
the loneliness that grew each passing day.
Those lips that seemed to want me endlessly
fell silent as they pushed my heart away.
You seem to think that everything is fine,
and with a single glance from you, I'm weak.
It's true, I miss the days when you were mine -
that feeling when you'd gently touch my cheek,
Those moments that we'd love into the night,
the way you'd pull me close; those things you'd do.
Your whispered words that left without a fight
still echo in the dreams I have of you.
But dare I fall again for all your charms,
for just another moment in your arms?
Copyright © Becca Teagan | Year Posted 2016
stars twinkled brilliantly
against majestic snow-capped mountains,
delicate pure white flakes danced;
swirling, twirling, rhythmically.
she stood, nose pressed tightly
against the window pane; gazing in awe
at the magic the snowflakes created;
as tears spill from her emerald green eyes.
the cabin is warm, radiating a comforting glow
a fresh pine scent lightly sweetens the air;
she fights the memories, as she begins to shake.
fingers entwined, she tries desperately to hang on
be present in the moment;
"stop, stop, stop" she says, stomping her feet;
she falls to her knees; quivering.
she holds tightly her arms and begins to rock,
feeling his presence in his favourite black sweater;
she cannot bring herself to take off.
giggling sounds permeate her thoughts
cocooned in his aura, his essence, his scent;
she feels his lips kiss the nape of her neck,
his strong hands caressing her hair.
she rocks and rocks, time ceases to stop,
as she falls deep into a rich
moulton pool; his smouldering brown eyes.
her lips part; barely into a smile at
his joy when he surprised her with the cabin;
their oasis away from home.
she wipes away a tear, beams from within
as she recalls the snowball fight, he lost, she won.
he scooped her up, carried her with glee,
over the thresh hold of their cabin;
their oasis; their heart's retreat.
a decadent white rug bought just for her
lay invitingly in front of the fire,
fiery orange embers crackled and glowed.
he gently laid her down; "my beauty" he said.
they drank champagne, drunk in each other,
wrapped up in his care, she felt peace.
as they lay basking in winter's afterglow,
he whispered "this is my time, i must go".
startled, she sat up, staring deep in his soul,
as snowflakes twirled and danced,
fresh pine lightly sweetened the air;
he breathed one final breath; then he let go.
her screams were not audible, her body convulsed
as she lay on his chest; her heart; her home.
she cursed the night and winter's afterglow
sobbing "not him, not him, please take me too".
she fights to bring herself back
to the here and the now,
as embers slowly dim, she wobbily stands
clutching tenderly his urn, she must set him free.
the stars twinkled brilliantly
against majestic snow-capped mountains
she opens the window, where dreams breathed of life;
with tears cascading
she releases her love; her life;
to become one
with the magic of;
winter's afterglow.
Copyright © Lynn Marie | Year Posted 2006
if you wanted to dance with me
i mean really wanted to dance with me
then i would
i would dance with you
if you needed me to walk on water
i would stand there until the lake froze
then i would
i would walk on water for you
if you suggested i climb
a mountain
warm at the bottom
freezing at the peak
i'd buy you a snow globe
turn it upside down and up
hold your hand warm
watch the freezing snowfall
climb your suggestion creatively
if you mentioned
you'd like me to paint your portrait
i'd buy every different colour of acrylic paint I could find
blend them on a canvas
paint your colourful internal portrait
every crayon in the box
that's who i see
if you said move me
i wouldn't hire a truck
or even touch one stick of furniture
i would write this poem for you
put a bow on it
fingers crossed
i would move you
your lips are always on my mind
if you want a man
willing to do...
...a man...
...hold you gentle but firm
i'm here
ring in hand
on one knee
November 28 2016
Copyright © Maurice Yvonne | Year Posted 2016
Prelude To Your Love
To feel your love upon my wanting skin,
Most delicate touch, just once, I crave;
To have your breath, warm, against my chin,
Awaken me from this forgotten grave.
In hope, I wait beneath this night's illuminated sky,
With the moon our only light and silent witness;
Your whispers will break my every lethargic sigh,
Before enchantment envelops me with that first kiss.
You've intoxicated me with your cryptic words,
Now inebriate me with your mysterious scent;
Submerge me in dance until dawn's call of birds,
Or stay for a day in gloriousness spent.
Bathe me in the fountain of your sweltering passion,
Just one night, I ask, of indulgent obsession.
14th February 2017
Sonnet without syllable restrictions
Copyright © Nicola Byrne | Year Posted 2017
Passionate Martyrdom
Unsolicited yearning
In continuous contemplation
Of our next murmured encounter
Transfixed by anticipated euphony
Depraving this virtuous mind
Coercing the flesh to hunger
In a world of foghorn persecution
Your disembodied voice
Ignites an innocent virgin fire
Intensifying veiled desires
Immolating inhibitions - preparing
To die in passionate martyrdom
Nicola Byrne & Silent One
"How to tame the madness"
As I sit here, with intense dirty desire,
Tonight I think of you (the moon and stars)
To you, I send a redolent saimiri kiss
Read and breathe between fine lewd lines
Perfumed by the colors of the Enticing Equinox
Sensually, I create sweet serendipity
Inviting playful lips
Erotic wind and wild wanderlust
Streams like a river through time
I propose a good potion of wet lube
Take me to the furtive imagination of your soul
Embrace the tan and texture tonight
Touch the summer ripples riding high
Promiscuous and delicate, I advocate lust
A quilt meant for deep and trenchant love
I shut my eyes to feel an Orphic flora floor
Stimulating a hot, sultry siren kettle
On this night the tingle of passion penetrates
A hypnotic talisman that lets me, please
Inviting ----------- You
Copyright © SKAT A | Year Posted 2015
I find you alone
in your favorite room of sorrow and suspense,
the woman I cherish more than victory or divine sense,
long untouched, you stare into a sonnet of romantic sadness,
supple shadows dress you in stubborn, gothic passion, a quiet finesse,
they know that I am the speed of your tears and the lover in your trance,
as I see what your heart has wept for, tender acceptance
I understand why my soul seeks your emotional opulence,
with my powerful hands I hug those lonely, sexy shoulders of tired independence,
knowing by the ease of your neck's pining tilt, by the searching gap of your starving lips
no longer are you startled by our love, no more will you deny the lust righteous,
gliding the backs of my fingers up under your smooth chin skin, beauty so generous,
I find you passion thrown,
I undo your bodice and your soft feminine flesh opens onto me
radiating craving that glorifies yearning,
I entreat you to grab my hard affection, to feel the firm rush replete
to place the head of my love within you like a heavy heartbeat,
you obey with unquestioning need, eyes alight, thighs wide
I lunge in deeply, completely, pushing through you a pleasure tide
as you breathe in the handsome shock of your fulfillment
I kiss the soft space inbetween your sumptuous breasts and taste wild wonderment -
Copyright © Justin Bordner | Year Posted 2015
Velvet night so softly caressing,
In my arms my ancient blessing,
Ever my glory, ever my dream,
You shall ever be my love supreme.
Love divine on the breath of a sigh,
We belong to those who never die,
The time for joining coming soon,
In night divine beneath the moon.
Sheltered whispers waiting for me,
Smooth words teasing, tenderly;
Beneath a halo, twilight surprise,
Undressing your ego with my eyes.
Tenaciously tempting, minds drift away,
Sapphire skies declare end of day;
What flows from the heart, pools in the flesh,
Immortal's the night as lovers mesh.
28th November 2016
A Collaboration By: Nicola Byrne &
Michael P Clarke (Vladislav Raven)
Copyright © Nicola Byrne | Year Posted 2016
Atmospheres afire with devotional dynamic desire
I call scarlet jasmine crimson vermillion and ruby red
We are caught in a crossfire as we perkily perspire
And cupid carries our hearts to our betrothed bed
Angels dancing on choreographic clouds entrancing
Rainbows reunite over melodious meadows green
Our love advancing with rhythmic rivers romancing
Celestial counting on the midnight's stardust cuisine
Two sensuous souls entwine and carousingly combine
Our ebullient hearts of eternity lost in orchestral oblivion
We shall everlastingly dine with roses and wedded wine
And our love will softly sail across the majestic meridian
For we have caressingly called on cupid for a love divine
In ambient adoring skies that the harmonic heavens align.
Best romantic write May-July 2017
Sponsored by: John Hamilton
Copyright © Winged Warrior | Year Posted 2017
~Moon & Sea~
Hey, boy won't you open that door?
Let's sing and walk by the shore
Come and spread out your eyes
Block looking for reasons, and ways?
The cosmos are more than a space to explore
Don't hide when I need.... Plus more.
Finish playing a master in disguise!
Let's find the perfect sunrise, sunset surprise.
Put your arms around me
Allow your moon to reflect off my sea
Too much time has passed you by
Come outside with and view the horizon up high
I've got my eyes set upon you
There's no need to feel blue
Hey, boy comes, climb up this tree!
I'm going to show you all the things you can't touch, you can't see.
Let's fit the luxury and beauty of this world into our play.
Don't say them words that will set me free to walk away.
Take this kiss and see how it feel deep within your heart.
Close your eyes in my garden, and draw with the fragrance of art
I want to take you into that space, astronomy love.
Making it easy to float with the clouds way up above.
Glide away from the blame of gravity and self-destruct.
A bounce of the dust of hurt when you fall and get cut.
Boy, let's hold in this perfect air together.
Leave the cold end of someone else's weather.
Follow me beyond the distance of chemistry.
I will expose your moon and explain the physics of my sea.
Give it another chance and you will see!
Your moon, is skin deep, needing water from me.
Turn on the tune in your heart, and listen to me.
In every sunrise, the moon entwines with the sea.
Copyright © Poet Destroyer A | Year Posted 2011
I sit alone and I think of you, hoping you can hear me
If I close my eyes just before I sleep, I can see you more clearly
Even where I am now, where everything is dark
I can feel you here beside me, gently tugging at my heart!
Anxiously, I wait to hear a precious word or two
Something to let me know you feel me as much as I feel you
I take the blame and apologize for these nights I have denied you;
But this gives me time to love your mind before I lay beside you!
Let me take away your pain; wipe away your tears and guide you
Let's make love by pen and paper before I meld with you
I hope my words don't sound too strong but passion has no fear
Each breath I breathe like ecstasy that has built up during this year!
There is no cure for what I feel it's just the pain that ails me
All prescription meds from the medical doctors have failed me;
And I know this is a lot to take in but I mean each word sincerely
This hungry letter sent with love and passion hoping you can feel me!
Note: Written for Audrey Carey's Sentimental Love Letters" Contest
Copyright © Jimmy Anderson | Year Posted 2010
I think in Japanese,
write down my thoughts in English,
then twist it all back into sushi:
a tasty bite to eat.
My mind is origami
folding thoughts into meditation;
meditation unfolds
into a crisp sheet of city lights.
I love you big much,
love you big time;
I love the way you giggle nervously.
It must be amazing to find everything so funny.
Big city, sake sunset;
a karaoke moon rises
over a robotic, neon inception.
Transformers, Transformers:
autobotic-neurotic Bumblebee
comes to the aid of Samurai Prime.
"Autobots, transform!"
Bored of the bright lights?
Weary of the snappy-happy gaijin
doing photo-photo
while they search for a sweet sakura-panpan?
Then head up to Hokkaido,
where there's less sucky-sucky,
and more bow-down-low-austerity
alongside the 108 gongs a-bonging.
Take a leisurely stroll,
chant a few prayers,
speak with the sacred cedars,
take a dip in the hot springs
with some smiling monkeys,
and together, watch snow fall.
Nippon, you offer everything.
I can eat 20 times a day
without gaining a pound.
There's always more room
for miso, chanko nabe, shabu-shabu,
gyozo, okonomiyaki—
I am going to stop writing this list
before I drown in my saliva.
I refuse to look back,
refuse to go back to the boredom
of white picket fences and hamburger dreams;
I want to stay here forever.
I love you big much,
love you big time;
totemo ureshii da.
March 1st, 2012
Momentary lapses of shyness
within pretentiousness the size of a non-la-hat
offering shade from your sweltering Sun,
confused the boy still residing beneath an exterior
of brashness. A wooing of rose or lotus petals?
Did she not enjoy such frivolity? Wot of a bard
letting words slide through the air like silk,
for I didn't possess such romantic poetry.
No, I embarked upon a journey of false-heroism,
took a bullet, figured it to shape me into a man.
I showed off the wound, blood soaking through the bandages -
you seemed far from impressed by this display of stupidity.
Yet you played coy,
bending over, letting sunlight play through a thin summer dress,
highlighting inner thighs, lines arching up into a dome of dizzy-delirium
so sensual it almost appeared sinful.
At night you'd undress before a naked window,
letting shadows flirt across moonlit dew.
It was all I could do to keep eyes averted,
instead, living on dreams of unwrapping gifts
under the influence of feverish waves,
even though I never forgot to take quinine.
And after all the games,
I had only to stay still long enough for you to complete another sketch,
take its lines, breathe together a new poem,
unleashing torrents of words into my ear.
A funny sort of unconventional, tactile courtship.
You wanted me to listen, to test my patience,
and once your head was emptied out,
heat arose from the bloom, enveloping me in soft petals,
vanquishing my fever, with a different feverish embrace.
Your eyes almost felled me with their complexities
of virginal innocence and a whorish lust. The thrusts,
lips and fingers, the blended push-pull of rhythm and wild abandon
caused me to lose myself long enough,
to find your soul drifting alongside my own,
amongst the stars that had always been shining.
Amongst the light already written before our birth.
June 2nd, 2012
Leaning against the ropes, eyes swollen half closed
Its been a long fight....
Blood dripping from a dislocated jaw
Body beaten and bruised; taking a few more blows
Crowd screaming; colourful figures; cloudy sight?!
Knocked down a few times but, not counted out yet
Not yet; still standing to catch a second wind.... ~
My foe is fierce and relentless, the best in the world
This worlds, undisputed heavyweight champ
At least over most of Humanity; never lost a fight to the faithless!?
Been the prince of his ring for thousands of years....
Almost had them carry me out; flat upon my back, in the early rounds
Until the undefeated "One," showed up and volunteered to become
"My Corner ^Man." ~
Been doing somewhat fair since yet, still, a tad bit fuzzy in my head....
Absorbing blows amid a fight like this but, I Am, still standing
And I get my punches in also; sometimes, I even win a round or two?!
My corner Man said; "The Real Champ." ~
"Just wait for the right time, he'll open up, and when he does
Then, put him on his back; hit him with a left and a quick right
Another left another right and then, use your cut....
....I promise you, I shall gladly count him out, for you ~
Just hang on, we've got him, right, where, we want him!?"
...."The Title ^Fight"....
Copyright © John Rhinem | Year Posted 2011
Love is a rainbow mirrored in the sky
Its free, its beautiful and tells no lies
A gleaming reflection
Upon the still of a pond
The dewy mist on a freshly cut lawn
Love is a sanctuary for our innermost fears
A tiny capsule to hold all of our tears
A symbol of beauty, rare to be found
Its strength and convictions
Knows no bounds
Love is the touch of our first newborn
So soft, so delicate, so easy to adore
An unconditional consenting of souls
An awareness, a spirit, unique to its own
Love soothes and heals though cannot be bought
An eternal commitment so widely sought
Love is a truth and blossoms for few
A necessity of life, a uniting of hearts
A palette so stunning, so beautiful and new
Love is how I feel for you.
"Beloved, forgive my reservations, for dismay has taken hold;
Though thy love has cast infinite smiles upon a jaded grimace,
I am bound by poisoned notions, of daring actions and desire so bold.
Oh how, in thy impassioned embrace, I have found divine solace:
Lightning strikes me, a glow reverberating into the dusky twilight,
With every charged beating of my heart against thy shielding arms.
Only with you, can one hear the beauty of the lark's song at night,
And feel warmth, more sublime than the midday sun's inviting charms.
"I now spend my days longing for but one taste of thy tender lips,
And weep with thoughts that thou should ever tire of mine.
For thy love illuminates all darkness, and never shall eclipse
My undying adoration, for a most sincere heart, such as thine.
But I have become daunted and overcome with profound emotion,
For untamed passion such as this, to me, was previously unknown.
If it be the case, that thou holdst even a glimpse of such devotion,
Rest assured that this captivated heart would eternally be thine own."
"Thy joyful smile brought deep light to his weary and lost soul,
Every new dawn, gave desserts of thy soft, sweet nectar;
Holding thy daring love became my truest and greatest goal,
Praying I, not the tragic sad fate of Troy's dying Hector.
We saw heavens shine and visited stars in brilliant glow,
Each precious moment, I sought to always touch thy hand;
My prayer is that my depth of passion shall always show,
To bring us to paradise, dancing to music of its golden band.
"With the only future that could hold this passionate heart,
Thy kiss, could bring a fearful spirit such fantastic relief.
Shall we in eternal truth, vow to never, ever need a restart
From any time apart, and such dark caverns of epic grief.
My darling, accept this my forever promise in loving vow,
Where we will always seek each other's soft, embracing touch;
Even should we live only for joy in our passionate nights now,
Know thy sweet depths of infinite love are returned just as much."
21st February 2017
Nicola Byrne
Robert J. Lindley
(The first half of this poem shows the words of a lady who is looking for some reassurance from her lover, that his is a lasting/committed love. The second part is the man's response to her.)
I look to the Moon, hanging aloft
Among the clouds so milky soft.
How must it feel, so high above?
So chilled and bleak and void of love.
Collapsed and sunken are his eyes,
Dark and deep as the onyx skies.
As the Moon shies from the sun,
I share no love with anyone.
The Moon is alone, without affection.
In its grim face is my reflection.
Inside my heart, the longing grows,
And rots my soul, a sickly rose.
While I look beyond this cage,
I clench my fists; they shake with rage.
I desperately stare above,
Wishing to fly, free as a dove;
For release from the troubled heart I claim,
To be finally rid of the madness and shame.
Although reprieve is found in song,
To no one does my soul belong.
In music, may the pleas be spoken,
But all in vain; the heart is broken.
The Sphere returns, begins to sigh.
We are not so different, You and I.
So twisted and fractured is the White Stone.
We both have no one; We are both all alone.
Copyright © Mike Ruff | Year Posted 2006
Standing firm
we live
we give
we take
we learn
we strive to make sure
each day enlightens us
and brightens us
even as light fades to gray
may we keep fighting
with two swollen feet
beneath the body and soul
experiencing trials
and intense life lessons
meshed with stresses
may we persevere
turn off fear's song
may we stand firm
as we glide along
through shifty winds of change
that may cause things to sway
but we hold true
inside the values and morality
we stand for
fall for nothing
may stumble along the trip
may swerve at the wheel yet
do not lose our grip
because no one
can eclipse the sun
everyone heals
before they're done
Just when situations arise
flooding us with pain we despise
and just when it seems like
our tear ducts are dry
from ongoing cries
we may think
things are on the brink of ending
then God shows us the ways of faith
by way of love that he's sending
Standing firm
we live
we give
we take
we learn
we make sure
every day enlightens us
and brightens us
as each day takes its turn.
Copyright © JSLambert Mister ROBOTO | Year Posted 2012
The Tides of Our Passion
The tides of our passion cry out my love,
As we seek to define who we are now.
To live this special life gives us that how,
And when and why we must seek God above!
Our souls blend one perfect constant of love,
As we prize God's cosmic eternal vow.
Our passion defines our life and us now;
Our love basks in Heaven's own light above!
Our passion's rapture is love replete,
With brilliant emotions forever bright,
As we kiss softly under God's moonlight!
Love's magical force makes our life complete,
As we seek happiness here on God's Earth,
Knowing love shall transcend our mortal birth!
Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
July 28, 2015 (Petrarchan Sonnet)
Author's Notes:
Meter: Iambic Pentameter
Octave: abbaabba | Sestet: cddcee
Copyright © Gary Bateman | Year Posted 2015
Beside the rustic harbor stands a lighthouse on a hill
It keeps a watchful vigil o'er the waters deep and still
At night the harbor waters shine almost as bright as day
And nothing is as beautiful as moonlight on the bay
The shores stretch out their golden arms along the rugged land
The waters seem to sing and dance across the golden sand
A cool and salty ocean breeze blows softly through my hair
As tiny sparkling water droplets gently fill the air
I stand next to the water's edge and listen while it sings
The water seems to know the gentle comfort that it brings
I long to have you at my side beside the shining sea
While list'ning as the water brings your image back to me
Though we are very far apart I still can see your smiles
As the water whispers soft and sweet across the many miles
I hear your sparkling laughter and it softly seems to say
"I love you", and it fills my heart like moonlight on the bay
Copyright © Stephen Washam | Year Posted 2009
Clouds burst their rainbows amid the night....
Cascading showers in loves colourful lights
Glitter became the stars which filled the sky
Inside my heart and afore my eyes ~
Into my soul did they come to rest
Atop palettes of dreams; their dreams bequest....
What you knew and what I thought
Who I am and whom your not
As time it tears this page so fair
Confetti streams, tis where I'll find you there....
...."Fairytales and Love" *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Simon, I have something to say unto you. There was a certain creditor
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Whom had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And when they had nothing with which to pay he freely forgave them both.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tell Me, therefore, which of them shall love him more?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He said to him, "You have rightly judged." He then turned to the woman and
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave Me
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
No water for My feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears and wiped them
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
With the hair of her head. You gave me no kiss, but this precious woman
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Has not ceased to kiss My feet since I came in. You did not anoint My head
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
With oil, but this priceless woman has anointed my feet with fragrant oil.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Therefore I say unto you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
She loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven...Your faith has saved you.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Go in peace." ~ "A Cinderella Story" ~
Copyright © sarah seraphin | Year Posted 2011
There she stands
Centre stage for all to see
Tall and slender
Precariously she balances.
I reach out for her
Draw her to me
My hand skims her body
Slowly reaching her skirt.
Playful fingers find hidden areas
Delighted her legs spring forth
Displaying the very beauty
Of her delicately adorned skirt.
Gaily she dances around
Dizzily twisting and turning
In the brightness of day shading
She gently tends to my needs.
Personal ballerina takes to toes leaping
Merrily bobbing up and down
As emotional to her performance
Clouds cry a thousand tears for her.
Reaching our destination
Slightly shaken, she leans
Watches me quietly drips
Against the wall.
Reminiscent of the day's fulfillment
We acknowledge one another silently
Restful knowing we shall be
One once more.
Copyright © Anna-Marie Docherty | Year Posted 2008
Callused fingers press vibrating strings
drawing passion from a violin.
And with burnished wood snug to his cheek
the violinist plays from its heart.
Subtle vibes saturate my being
as crying strings elicit feelings.
And expounding on love's betrayal
music stirs the imagination.
His bow hangs like a lingering kiss
savoring the taste of ecstasy.
And then with tears trickling down his cheek
he unleashes unbridled fervor.
Experiencing pangs of rapture
sound slips the bonds of reality.
And as each note penetrates my heart
it ignites flames of fire and passion.
Copyright © Emile Pinet | Year Posted 2015
Your Beautiful Heart Doth Beat
Your beautiful heart doth beat with rapture,
And the sweet of your kiss doth now swoon me.
We caress now and my soul you capture;
My love no place other I wish to be!
When we embrace my love in joy and fun,
Our hot passions spark an alchemic fire.
Our spirits soar high now becoming one,
Affirming love only God can inspire!
Your heart beats a brilliant tempo of love,
That enchants our eternal souls replete.
It's God's gift to us from Heaven above,
And His divine love is true and complete!
To God now I pray your love forever;
I declare my love leaving you never!
Gary Bateman, Copyright © All Rights Reserved,
November 14, 2015 (Shakespearean Sonnet)
I can still recall the look upon His face
Each thought still makes me go to that enchanting place
The vernal air was floral sweet and honey breezed
We roamed along Venice's zigzagged lanes and cobbled streets
On our secret rendezvous,We hugged affectionately under pastel gothic galleries
Greeted by the aromatic smell of freshly brewed roast coffee beans
Strolling along the pigeon-filled piazza San Marco
We wandered hand in hand,in the serenissima ancient floating land
Street musicians played their flutes.as We sat on a roof-top wooden terrace
We glanced at merchants sell hand-blown murano glass
by the picturesque Doge's palace
We ate a snack , then walked away towards the old opera house
which now has risen from its ashes.
We sauntered forward through little alleys
from where He bought me ,a gold painted venetian mask
To my surprise ,He had another gift,a wrapped up scarlet sheer laced basque
I peered at him through my dark lashes,He raised his left brow and flashed a smile
Expressed his charm in playful ways,in a flirtatious endearing style.
Boarded at last on a black gondola,cruised the lagoon and the canals
A few light kisses,a few soft brushes,waiting the bell's toll whilst in his arms
There we lay in waiting beneath the bridge of sighs
We sealed our kiss and promised lips,to the harmonic sound of chimes
He leaned on me,I welcomed Him,our spirits been entwined
Above,the sky has changed its colour,I watched the sun set in his eyes
All I am,I gave to him,my enduring heart- His sacred shrine
All that He is He gave to me in once upon a time
Not for the contest,but thanks for the 'Lovemaking in an ancient place contest,inspiration'.
This post is inspired by Ancient Venice and the tale of 'The Bridge Of Sighs'
The tale goes-If you kiss your loved one with the bell's toll of St,Mark's Basilica,
at sunset,beneath the bridge of sighs,the couple seals their love forever.
There is another tale to it,a sad one,but preferred to share the happy one : )
Copyright © Charmaine Chircop | Year Posted 2014
The Willow did not always weep,
in summer sun and breeze.
But sorrow once did quickly creep,
amongst the bark and leaves.
For long ago a maiden fair,
would bask beneath the tree.
Each day as she had rested there,
the tree would always see.
The beauty of her freckled face,
the softness of her skin.
The sweetness of her simple grace,
her love it hoped to win.
Reaching out to take the chance,
in all its strength with care.
Dropping low the limb and branch,
to shade the maiden fair.
To hide her from all pain and strife,
to cradle her within.
To help her through her gentle life,
from now until the end.
But soon she cease to come and lay,
beneath the now bowed limb.
Her heart it seems had flown away,
as hope now starts to dim.
So lonely was the branching Willow,
that in sorrow it would stay.
Forever bent and bowed down low,
until this present day.
By Tom Clark, Copyright 2008
Email: email@example.com
Website: www.tomclarkarts.com
Copyright © Tom Clark | Year Posted 2008
A young man leads his girlfriend to a tree
one sultry summer eve as night is looming.
the branches of the old oak form a canopy
under which he leans in for a kiss, assuming
his new love also feels their romance blooming.
The pretty girl is innocent and shy,
but from the boy's sweet kiss she feels that he
might be her one true love; more kisses make a sigh
escape her lips. Her inhibitions flee,
and touching him arouses her curiosity.
Aglow, they feel a passion all-consuming,
undressing one another as fingers fly.
The curious moon, with incandescence blooming,
peeks down from a star-bedazzled sky.
Young love with moon above shall never die.
Written 10/17/12 for Francine Robert's
Romance me with English Quintains Poetry Contest
and now for A true love -poem #2 - Poetry Contest of poet destroyer A
Copyright © Andrea Dietrich | Year Posted 2012
The Sweetest Starlight
You are the sweetest starlight shining across the ocean so pure
Moonlighting and enchanting my dreams with warmth aglow,
Touching gently my heart and soul with your beauty and wonder;
If we were together—I would hold you so gently in my arms and I
Would forever kiss your adoring lips with a passionate goodnight.
Love is a faraway queen rising in the morning sunshine's warm rays,
And your light glows brilliantly as the dewdrops glisten on my dreams
Of pure sweet surrender and kiss the very depth of my immortal soul;
You are the light of Heaven's dream of a rainbow's flight of angels
Arriving at Heaven's gate and coming to me on a beam of silver light.
Mesmerized I am as I embrace you as the heart, soul, passion and
Desire of my life—I see you as my true dream and my heart's delight;
Feeling palpably your wonderful caress as you ask me to kiss you,
And to place your ethereal lips upon my very own knowing that
My heart and soul are open now to your loving heavenly embrace.
Gary Bateman, Liam McDaid, and Michael Clarke
A Collaborated Poem, Copyright © All Rights Reserved
August 2, 2015 (Unrhymed Quintain)


text:
Looking for the latest announcements and events? You've come to the right place!
Our public calendar is here. Click this link if it does not show in your browser.
Look below the calendar for the latest announcements from Kern Road Mennonite Church.
Kern Road Mennonite Church, South Bend, IN seeks a thoughtful, passionate person of Anabaptist Christian faith commitments with good people skills; capable of relating to all ages, but especially youth and young adults. This pastor will join a seasoned Pastoral Team of two others and a diverse, gifted, open-to-change congregation on a journey into the future.
Come celebrate the gifts of women among us! During the last year Pat Frazier and Trudy McManama have been interviewing women who became part of Kern Road during its early years. Now the 19 interviews are being published in a book, The Gifts of Women: Stories from Kern Road Mennonite Church. We will be presenting complimentary copies to the women who participated and others who were instrumental in getting this project to completion during worship on Mother's Day, May 8th, followed by a reception during Fellowship hour. We will have copies available for purchase at $12 per book. You are encouraged to preorder by check payable to Kern Road Mennonite Church, with "oral history project" in the memo line.
Several organizations are now taking applicants for a wide range of positions:
- Mennonite Mission Network: Global Ministries Senior Executive. See http://www.mennonitemission.net/About/Pages/StaffOpps.aspx
- Oaklawn Psychiatric Center: Many positions at the Goshen, Elkhart, Mishawaka, and South Bend campuses available. See http://oaklawn.org/jobs.
- Samaritan Counseling Center in South Bend, IN: Staff Therapist. See http://www.sccsb.org/career-opportunities/
- Bethany Christian High School: Evening Custodian. See: http://www.bethanycs.net/employment-opportunities
- Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary: Admissions Counselor. See: https://www.ambs.edu/about/admissions-counselor.cfm

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A framework of scriptural leadership competencies and their contemporary equivalents based on an exegesis of 1 Timothy 3 by Matthew Kutz, the Administrative Director for the Foundation Stone Christian Center, Northwood, OH.
Whether you're a first-timer or have years of experience, The Elder's Handbook will help you carry out your ministry with compassion, grace, and effectiveness.
Synod 1910 made some imaginative recommendations to the local church regarding missions. And today, more than a century later, we may take a lesson.
Personally knowing our members gives us insight into the most important question.
Stories have a strange fascination for most of us. A story well-told is a bit of an extension of our individual lives. We can relate to the story teller as well as to the people in the story. The reverse is also true. The story-teller feels affirmed in our attentive ear.
I wish I had more of it: enthusiasm. It's an interesting word. The '-thu' part is derived from the Greek 'theos' -- God. And "en" is the simple 'in'. So, more of God in us. En-Theos! Enthusiasm!
Many times the desire to live faithfully is defeated by the habits we have unconsciously embraced. This webinar will explore the way habits have power over the church organization and suggest some key habits that are faithful to our tradition and transformative to the church culture.
How will the CRC's new Five Streams vision impact your congregation?
This helpful process will keep you focused on serving the person you are visiting.
Friendships never stand alone. Friendship is a special room in the bigger house of relationships.
What is the role of the church to excercise influence and power in society?
Of all the hardships people suffer, loneliness presses hardest. How will you care for lonely people during this season of Lent?
When bad news comes, those title words still immediately race across my mind. Perhaps there are those who always know exactly what to say, and that I guess would be nice...
There has been much discussion about what age to begin this process (grade 3) and the resources that should be offered to children and parents as preparation, but what about the older baptized member?
No two churches are alike. One important reason is that churches have their own personality. And that is mostly determined by the unique atmosphere that prevails in churches.
Do you have mandates for your work as elders and deacons? Do you regularly review the vision of your ministry? Have you looked at how the Manual of Christian Reformed Church Government defines your responsibilities?
When thinking back of your last Council meeting, could you say, "Yes, that was a pretty good meeting" …?
"... no office-bearer shall lord it over another office-bearer." -- Article 85 of the CRC Church Order. Elders and Deacons belong together, their offices complement each other, their tasks, though distinct, have the same purpose: building the Church of Christ.
When you become an elder (or a deacon or a minister) you will experience a change at least in one respect: you will become more aware of the need to be discreet.
I would like to offer a roundtable on this topic in the Chicagoland area.
Yes, you knew that you should make that sick-visit but you postponed it. But think about this... it could be your best half hour.
Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invited you in ...? "When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you …?" (from Matthew 25)
Here is a truism...: Pastors and elders must regularly discuss both the quality of the worship services and the pastors' sermons.
Greetings Everyone! I am wondering if anyone knows if there is some sort of records or database regarding how many churches in the CRC have made the transition from a traditional Council structure to a model where Elders and Deacons are split into administrative and pastoral type roles? (...
Thanks so much for your good words, Leon!
You yourself will be the beneficiary of what you propose.
Hurrah for Southern Alberta!
(sorry for the delay of my response...)
Louis Tamminga, May 1, 2014
Thanks again, John, for laying out your thoughts in further detail. You burned the mid-night oil.
How shall we proceed from here on?
These columns are meant to think together through various issues that concern the well-being of our churches. So we seek your input. It would be fine if you would wish to address only parts of John's essay. Should the church in the future wish to deal with these proposals and needs, we realize that the pathway through the ecclesiastical structures is cumbersome and time consuming. But progress will only be made when office bearers and thoughtful members have already discussed them at various levels. So, again, let's talk. We owe it to the church and to John.
A word of caution
This NETWORK is meant to help church leaders in doing their ministerial work. There are so many parts and issues in this work. They all deserve discussion. Share your problems and experiences with us all. This must not become a one-issue platform.
Thanks, Louis for your refreshing openness. This is a big topic, but I will try to be brief as possible. I have thought about this issue for some time since about 30 years ago when asked by a non-member visitor whether he could participate. Many other circumstances and situations have added to this thinking, including those baptized as adults but not members, those baptized as infants but not adult professing members, those with reduced mental capacity, etc. In addition I had to make decisions on whether to participate in non-reformed churches. Also I noted that in one reformed church only a small part of the membership actually participated in communion, and that I was restricted from participating in another particular reformed church as a visitor because I was from a different denomination.
I think profession of faith has always been an issue of formal church adult membership primarily. It sometimes happens years after someone knows they are a Christian. It is not a gateway to faith in Christ, but a commitment to local and denominational precepts. There is no reason to think that making such a profession of faith is tied to a recognition of a faith relationship to God or to the body of Christ, since if this was so, for many children, it would be done much earlier, and for some people, it should not be done until much later.
I see too often that profession of faith is not taken seriously. The elders who examine do not understand the significance, and the one who professes faith does not renounce sin in any reasonable fashion. It should be noted that simply saying you renounce sin does not prove that you really do. In the same way, professing that scripture is your guide and rule for life and for worship, is not the same as actually doing so. Members who do not renounce sin, who refuse to put on the robe of righteousness/obedience, and who think scripture is out of date, cause problems when they influence others to do the same under the presumed authority of their membership.
We generally consider those who make profession of faith as full members and able to participate in congregational meetings, voting, and eligibility for office. Then we have also in the past added in the ability to participate in communion, and baptism of their children.
I think we should separate these two items. In order to participate in communion, faith ought to be evident, but in general this should be left up to the participant with the general warning that if you do not believe and trust in Christ, that you should refrain from participating. If you believe and trust and follow, then you are considered part of the body of Christ, and thus communion is fitting, since it is participation in the body and blood of our Lord and Saviour.
If someone is participating when it is obvious that there is no repentance, no renewal, no reflection of Christ, then that is opportunity for the elders to talk and visit and witness. This opportunity is a gift from God, not to be neglected.
Membership as an adult is somewhat different, because now distinctions are being made between various confessions of faith, various assumptions about renouncing sin, and various governance assumptions. If we have a significant number of people making profession of faith who do not agree with some of the confessions, then they can easily vote in favor of not promoting infant baptism, or inviting various speakers from any denomination to preach, denying the authority of the elders, or denying the power of scripture over their lives. Membership ought to be clearer. It is not a form of acceptance by the congregation, but a form of commitment to a set of standards by the believer/member.
We ask elders to sign the form or covenant of officebearers, in order to establish what their commitment is. However, by making membership conditions relatively insignificant, there is a side effect on signing of this elder's form such that it is also not taken so seriously, and thus we have officebearers directly contradicting their agreement both in their understanding of the confessions and scripture and in their daily walk of life. We have seen this in council rooms, congregational meetings and in the banner. If this is not taken seriously, then how can we have the temerity to suggest that it is necessary to make a formal membership profession in order to partake of communion?
A contrast was made for me in the difference between two churches (not crc) in my region, and how they handled church membership. One church had 10,000 members on their books and had seating for only 2000 people in their building and the church usually half empty. Rarely 10% of their membership would attend on a weekly basis. Another church had seating for 1500, with only 250 adult members, where attendance was usually four times the membership, and 80% full. The second includes a statement of faith, as well as a statement of conduct relevant to today's temptations to which a member must sign agreement. One treated membership as a mystical panacea that covered their sins, while the other treated membership as a commitment with high standards. So the question for me is, which does the crc prefer to be?
We should also make clear that if membership is not contingent on following all of the proscribed confessions, articles, synodical statements, forms for baptism, installation, ordination, etc., then in which instances is there room for divergent perspectives and beliefs? For example, if there is room in the crc for members who wish to be rebaptized, or for those who prefer believer baptism, or for those who speak in tongues, then we should make this clear. If there is room for members who deny that God created man good, then perhaps we should make that clear. If there is room for members who advocate sexual immorality, then we should make that clear. The lack of clarity in a simple document on some of these high profile issues causes problems for members, for those considering membership, for elders, and for any understanding of membership, acceptance and discipline.
In my view, the potential complexities of a membership decision should not be the condition for approving or denying communion in the form of the Lord's supper.
April 29, 2014
Louis Tamminga
Thanks, John, for your contribution of April 22, today just one week ago. I have pondered on your remarks many hours. Many readers of NETWORK will have too. The fact that I did not read any responses probably demonstrates that others too could not come up with answers. Unable to formulate a helpful response I took comfort in the fact that NETWORK was designed to draw many readers into discussing the observations and questions of fellow-readers. So, dear participants, what would you say to John and us all?
And I may add: John, what would you say yourself in response to your questions? As you struggled with your thoughts, you will have envisioned some answers.
Thanks for your reply/comment. First I would respond that in my experience it is indeed realistic that some children would examine the confessions and practices of the church, and begin to make statements about which they agree with, and which they do not. These are usually children who are very committed and who examine scripture and love the Lord. These children can range in age from 14 to 30. They came to the faith from the time they could speak and read, and as we confess in our creeds, they belonged to God from before birth, as evidenced in their daily talk and walk.
Whether we agree with their confessional or practical disagreements or not, on what basis do we deny them communion? They believe in Jesus as their divine Lord and Saviour, and follow Him in their daily lives. What if the clause in profession of faith " "to confess the faith of the church as taught in the creeds and confessions of this church."" causes them objections? Or from the 1976 form, "Do you believe....that the confessions of this church faithfully reflect this revelation?" What do we do then with temporary or permanent visitors from other places, or from other churches(with different doctrines)? Should communion be tied to membership?
I have participated, as have my children, in communion in non-crc churches. These include Alliance, Baptist, Church of God, Brethern, Luthern, and various community churches. I do not believe that communion belongs to a denomination. Only that communion ought to be practiced in a way to treat each other as the body of Christ, mostly by not being selfish (I Cor.14), since Christ was not selfish. I have also seen some non-members exhibit more christian leadership and committment than some "professing" members. Would we then deny the one and admit the other?
This is different than I thought when I was a child, but it is a real struggle. When we see people making profession of faith who are not renouncing sin, how honest are we being? The 2013 form and the 1989 form seem to place less emphasis on the confessions, but is there no expectation of membership with the profession of faith any longer? Yet it seems to be a gateway to membership, voting, and eligibility for teaching and leadership, yes? Which would at a minimum imply some level of agreement with confessions and practices? And would imply some agreement on christian living? Some other denominations separate this entirely, by making faith and communion separate from membership. Membership then implies a whole 'nother level of committment. Perhaps we could learn from this?
I appreciate the attempt to accommodate various less significant differences, within the ability to participate in communion. I agree with that. But what that leads to then is a problem with membership and committment. I have seen difficulties with members not renouncing sin, or with members saying the Bible is out of date, or with making huge scriptural inaccuracies such as Mary being raped when conceived with Jesus, or Paul being homosexual. Not to speak of those who question whether God really created us good. I have difficulty in communion with people who do that, but even more importantly, such people are deemed qualified for leadership simply because they are members by virtue of their profession of faith? How do we practice the Lord's Supper as the Lord himself did and the epistles instruct us, while at the same time making membership and leadership truly accountable? In the past these two things have been so closely tied together, but are they still?
Sorry for my questions, and perhaps they are not easily answered. The baggage of our history lingers on.
My thanks to John Zylstra for his thoughtful comment about "older children" participating in the Lord's Supper without having made Public Profession of Faith. John argues that many such children/young people may have problems with the three Confessions of Faith (the "Creeds"). John, in passing, refers to Christ's approval which is a bit tenuous, since Christ did not spell out participation in detail.
Thinking about John's proposal brings up immediately one implication: churches following this path will then have another – a third - class of members: regular participants in the Lord's Supper, but not "Professed Members".
The problem John introduces is real and it is not new. Let me suggest a solution which I think is more profitable.
It is hardly realistic to think that "older children," who consider profession of faith, will turn to the Creeds and then check whether they agree with the contents. By far the majority of church members came to the faith through Bible reading, the Christian life at home, the ministry of the church, and a variety of Christian contacts. The Holy Spirit used these and other means to instill faith in the hearts of the members (mostly) from young age on. Thus they became members of a church-fellowship that confessed the Word of God as the source and basis of faith.
But the denomination also confessed that the thrust of God's Word was summed up in the Creeds. As a community of believers we believe those to be true (though not at the same level as the Scriptures). They form splendid study materials, keep us connected with previous generations, form a helpful defense of the faith, and Pastors preach sermons that do not contradict the creeds.
Does that mean that I must agree with each phrase in the Creeds? Not really.
What can I do in case of disagreement? We realize, of course, that many strategic doctrines of salvation are spelled out clearly in the Bible. But there is plenty left for believers to disagree about. For instance "infant baptism". But would that seriously hamper me from joining a church in which I have been nurtured spiritually from my youth on? I think not. Here, I think, is the way young people may follow. They will speak with their minister, or elder, or trusted guide and together consider the matter. Should this not lead to clarity, the young member should be assured that his/her (confessed) membership remains fully assured in spite of the confessional wrinkle. I may stand next to him/her in the Lord's Supper circle, both assured in Christ's salvation, but with a different view of one implication of holy baptism. The 'solution' I propose is pastoral, it is the assurance that we look in a glass darkly but our hope is in Christ in whom we are one in spite of our differences.
Synod itself at one time gave a bit of pastoral advice in reply to a question of a local church, how to deal with a charismatic member who had accepted adult baptism in another fellowship. Synod's reply: ask that member whether she still values her membership in your congregations and whether she is prepared to continue to accept the responsibilities going with regular membership. (Synod 1973, Acts page 73)
Although it is true that participating in communion ought to be a sign of faith, and not a sign of peer approval, the direct connection to making a formal membership profession of faith in a particular denomination is not required by scripture. Of course we would ask and expect only believers to participate. On the other hand, if someone says that they have not read the belgic confession and thus cannot yet make profession of faith in any reformed church, or they agree with most of the confessions, but not with the mandatory requirement for infant baptism and thus cannot in good conscience say that they agree entirely with what is taught on that point, should they therefore be denied participation in the body of Christ? Did Jesus do such? Would we deny christians from ORC, or from NRC, or from Baptist or Pentacostal, or Alliance churches to participate in this remembrance of the body of Christ? even though they have not entered the hallowed "gateway"? If the crc finds a way to distinguish between profession of faith, and a membership committment, then perhaps you might have a point. The two are not the same.
The church needs to be extremely cautious when taking a stand on contentious issues because it can be highly destructive. In 2012 we took a corporate stand on Global warming.
Now, we have liberal Democrats insisting that pastors preach on the topic. And when they do, conservative Republicans are squirming in the pews because they believe most of it is based on a hoax to make Al Gore richer. But during the sermon there is no format to voice an objection. So alienation is the result.
By raising the profile of Global Warming in our churches, we have shattered the intimacy of conversations between Christians because we do not want to offend each other. We are walking on egg shells rather than enjoying the communion of the saints. In such an atmosphere of tension, we only talk to those who agree with us and avoid interacting with any others. Doing church becomes something to be avoided rather than embraced.
And finally, when a significant portion of the membership finds itself in disagreement with the stand of the denomination, the support of Ministry Shares becomes a lower priority. In some cases it may be a deliberate effort to starve our Denominational Offices, but more likely it is hard to support something one feels is wrong and so begins the effort to find other Kingdom causes. And our support of Missionaries drops to 10%.
This has been the cost to the CRCNA as a result of the vote in 2012 so far and it continues to reek havoc within our congregations. Yet we persist.
Why not focus on those things we have in common, like our love for our Lord and our passion to witness to that love.
Bonnie and Larry and Bill are making good points. Sphere sovereignty does not mean that one sphere does not interract or influence another. Sphere sovereignty means that the church does not run or operate the state, and that the state does not appoint preachers or elders, and that neither the church nor the state should operate business nor daily education. At that level, private citizens, perhaps influenced by their church and their education, would operate the state, their business, and their schools. It is impossible to avoid interaction, since the state will have to decide whether to tax churches or exempt them. The state will at minimum have to facilitate education if private citizens are not doing it adequately.
But it is true that scripture does speak to poverty, justice, fairness, and if the church speaks the gospel, it is difficult to see why it would exclude some issues from its purview. (Should the church be in the business of deciding on appropriate tradeoffs politically? ie. trading abortion for healthcare?) On the other hand, the tendency of the church is often to latch on to issues which society finds popular. In that case, scripture is merely being used as a cover or justification for involvement. Women in office and environmental issues are particularly relevant here. Was greenpeace the result of scriptural preaching or something else? Were all the scriptural advocacy for women in office not relevant for 1900 years?
While the church could speak on many issues, it should recognize that in the eyes of the world, its opinion on these issues will not often bring people to Christ, especially if it has the same position as the world. It will merely lull people to placidity, since they will not be challenged by the gospel. While Jesus did say to give to Ceasar what is ceasar's and to God what is God's, it was not until denying Ceasar what he thought was his, that the gospel took on real significance.
Louis Tamminga
April17, 2014
I appreciate Smitty's appeal to James 5:14 and Gal. 6:2. The first text bids the sick to call the elders to pray over them and anoint them with oil. The second tells believers to carry each other's burdens. Let's heed these invitations to the letter. Yes, there will be situations where it is proper to cry with the suffering and laugh with them too.
What I fail to see is how these texts and this laudable approach relate to the Pope's advice to his priests to get out of their churches and "getting messy" in this broken world, and that "all of us need to get messy in our broken world."
We as elders have our districts and among the members will be some who are confined to beds of illness. We must visit them. We will not just come waltzing in and hug and laugh as we see fit. Rather, we visit with grace, sensitivity and courtesy We will come at a time that suits their routine,. And when making calls in the neighborhood such preparations will even more be a necessity.
If I must one day keep to my bed because of illness, I would hope that my elder would honor me that way.
I'm wondering if it is so easy to discern what ecclesiastical matters are and are not. Karl mention s racial relations for example. Certainly this could not mean that the church does not have the expertise to declare apartheid a sin which we did. It might mean that the church could not declare the KKK an association to which a Christian might belong or could it since we seem to know that Christians may not belong to lodges. It seems that a sermon on racial relations is demanded by the scriptures. How would love the Lord your God with all your heart mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself not speak to racial relations as well as other relations. Justice is also difficult. The Bible is clear that God hates injustice. The church surely could not advocate injustice. Amos was convinced that "skimping the measure, boosting the price and cheating with dishonest scales" was wrong no matter what sphere we might be talking about. He felt compelled to say in the name of God "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." Granted we do not know exactly what he meant by justice here but if we ever found such a thing it would be incombent on the church to speak out against it regardless of sphere sovereignty. The law of God transcends spheres. How else could we be in the politics of abortion? What about fair wages? The Bible says God is for it and that people who failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are in danger of God's judgment. The CRCNA would be derelict if it did not say at least this much. Right? I do fear that sphere sovereignty can be a barrier to speaking out on moral and ethical issues. It provides cover for the church and its leaders. It does function as a useful tool in making decisions that are not clearly supported by scripture and the creeds.
I'd like to affirm what is expressed in this article that to continue this discussion is a matter of importance! As Jesus was sent into the world, so are we, his followers and representatives. His life is a good example of engagement with the culture around him, rendering both unto Caesar and unto God, each his due. I've thought about this question as it relates to Safe Church Ministry. There are those who would say that we need not be concerned about abuse which takes place outside our church walls, or abuse that doesn't involve a church leader in a situation of legal liability. What concern is that of ours? Isn't having a safe church policy enough? My answer is no. I would say that our churches are filled with people who have been hurt by abuse (one study states that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered interpersonal violence in their lives - that's a lot of people. They are wounded; they are in our churches). We are the very body of Christ. When one part is wounded, the whole body suffers. We are not what we could be because of it. It seems right to me that the church not only offer support and healing to those who are wounded, but also stand with those who are working toward an end to all abuse, abuse that is hurting our church, and all of us. It's interesting to consider the civil rights movement or the anti-slavery movement. These were fraught with conflict in the church, both sides using the Bible to either uphold the status quo, or call the world (the world, not just the church) to a new understanding. These movements were championed by people of Christian faith; that makes perfect sense to me.
Louis Tamminga
"But what will I say ?"
Some fine advice here. Thoughtful, empathetic presence goes such a long way. Loving gestures too!
But a helpful pastoral visit also needs more.
The sick and lonely will invariably struggle with burdensome questions. Both spiritual and material.
The visitor should not hesitate to inquire carefully and lovingly about the things of the heart. If the patient is not of a mind to reveal any, he/she will so indicate. But it may lead to a setting of listening to concerns the patient is willing, or eager even, to reveal. Without trying to give solutions, the visitor will listen, speak a word of encouragement and conclude the visit with voicing these needs in prayer to God.
It would be interesting to know if there is such a thing as "new ways". The only answer is faith, he says, but that is quite general and might be misunderstood. There are many faiths, and even the devils believe (and tremble). The real only answer is Christ as the son of God, his death and resurrection. (Probably that's what Timmermans meant by "faith", but many others could misunderstand).
To speak in new ways... what does that mean? like the pacifists who refused to fight in the army? like the hutterites who isolated themselves? like the sphere sovereignty people who want to separate church and state and education and business from each other? Like the social gospel people who wanted to be good samaritans without being christ followers? Like the soul winners who ignored poverty? or like the soul winners who ignored personal christian morality?
Whether new or not, perhaps the church should concentrate on not compromising, and follow the example of Daniel and his friends at the expected expense of their life. The deacon Stephen who preached an unpleasant message and died for it. Like Peter and Paul and early christians who would not offer sacrifice to Ceasar. Like those who would obey God rather than men. And the church grew greatly at that time. Maybe not new, but in this day and age, maybe it is new.
We have christian schools in Alberta that have been there since the 1950s. But as time went on, they began to yearn for the provincial dollar, believing they had a right to it. I think they do have a right to it, but how easy will it be to maintain christian education once governments impose their value system on the christian school under the threat of removing funding? It will be interesting to see whether the school retains both its funding and its right to speak against homosex, or premarital sex, or adultery, as the state maintains the supposed human rights to equal treatment for all. Likewise the compromises that churches engage in have a great danger of killing them slowly as they attempt to honor Christ without sacrifice.
The Church should be relevant by loving God and being a good neighbor. The. Church as no other public leadership roll unless asked to comment/testify as a qualified witness. The members of the church should participate as private citizens as led by the Holy Spirit. That is what "separation of Church and State" should mean.
Comment by Louis Tamminga:
This discussion began with a distinction that was made: "older children" might not feel free to make public profession of faith (as yet...) but might still want to participate in the Lord's Supper.
I submit that such a distinction is not valid.
The CRC Synod of 1988 formulated some clear biblical in-sights re. the relationship between the Lord's Supper and faith-commitment. Here are some quotes: "The Bible makes clear that participation in the Lord's Supper is the result of status in the covenant ..." (Thus Synod implied that the church is warranted in admitting covenant children to the Lord's Supper.). But Synod was careful to maintain the link between faith and participation in the Supper: "Our confessions teach the necessity of faith for participation in the Lord's Supper." It added: "The Heidelberg Catechism explains that participants in the sacrament accept with believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ."(Q&A 76). For the "older children" accepting the elements of bread and wine, is concomitant to making profession of faith. The Consistory will want to follow the normal route: making profession of faith a gate to the holy communion.
(for a detailed study, see pages 260-316 Acts of Synod 1988)
Thanks for this write-up, it's refreshing to know & be reminded of the biblical mandate for church Elders.
God Bless,
I am truly blessed, since my Council meetings have consistently met all of the above criteria.
Hello Rev. Tamminga,
Thank you for writing this essay. I appreciated the reminder that loneliness shows no favoritism. And that we all benefit from elder (or pastor) visits. I feel increasingly called to make more of these visits as a pastor. And in doing so, I hope to encourage a culture of visiting in my congregation.
Have a blessed Lenten journey,
It is time to get back to visit members in your district.
I think these are really great comments. The one about Classis Holland especially!
I put together a list of resources on our church website: http://www.fcvcrc.org/worship/children-lords-supper.cfm
I love the idea of being present. I often tell people that a listening ear is most often far more valuable to someone in crisis than words. Job 2:11-13 says, "When Job's three friends ... heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathaize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, becuse they saw how great his suffering was." This was an appropriate response. Note: they were much less helpful once they started talking.
My thinking on this has changed over the years. I used to think only crc professing members should participate. Then I realized that believing in Jesus as Lord and Saviour was more important; how could we exclude other believers for non-membership? But I thought that for baptized children they should still make membership profession first, because they lacked discernment. Then I realized that some children had more discernment than some professing members. The discernment in I Corinthians 11 refers to caring for others in the body of Christ, not some greater esoteric knowledge of magnificent theological and confessional insights. And I realized that the apostles at the time of the Lord's Supper were all deniers and abandoned Jesus only a day later. And even Judas was included in this last supper. So it makes no sense for the way we restrict this.
I have often participated in communion at many evangelical churches in several denominations, because I have no ability nor reason to think that they are not sincere spirit filled christians. The extreme of crc not allowing rca to participate, or prc not permitting visiting orc to participate highlights the absurdity of our claims to make this sacrament dependant on an official membership. This sacrament does not belong to a denomination, and we should acknowledge that. The warning that scripture gives, should be the one we give, and the invitation scripture gives, we should give, and we should leave it at that, unless someone lives in very serious moral disobedience, where mockery is obvious. Even then, we should be cautious, given that Jesus did not prevent Judas. We know that people can be Christ-followers without being official crc members. And this opens the way for older "non-professing" but living-as-christ-follower christians to participate joyfully.
Thanks, John, for being blunt. We are concerned that many churches don't train the new elders, just like you said your church does not. I will see what we come up with and then hopefully we can post some ideas here for you.
I don't want to be blunt, but they don't. I would love to hear what is happening in other congregations when new elders are installed and ordained into office.
The decision as to whether or not to admit one to partake in the Lord's Supper used to be a lot simpler...
As per the minutes of the meeting of Classis Holland in April 25, 1849:
Admission to Communion - Whether any shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper who are unknown to the minister and consistory.
Answer - Yes, and even if they are known to be wicked and yet approach the communion table. Such a person is to be asked what induces him to come. If he confesses his sin and his faith in Jesus, and expresses a purpose to serve the Lord, he is to be admitted.
It is not always those who leave who are schismatic.
Elder Lubbert, the statement I made was not made to capture the attitude of the socio-cultural worldview we live beside. It was meant to speak to christians who would like to understand their own place in the evangelizing, discipling. I would not speak to non-christians this way; they are not the problem. It is christians who are the problem. The words I used are easy enough to understand, unless christians have already stopped attending church. In that case, those would not be reading this.
The socio-cultural worldview beside us is much the same as always, outside of Christ. I mean that it focusses on pleasure, money, self, education, nature, security, sex, sport, pensions, entertainment, as alternatives to God. And when those things become too important to Christians then it chokes the word of God in their lives as well.
I am hoping this question will uncover how other CRC churches are dealing with this topic.
Hi John...
You are right about trends globally in the North and South, though I wonder if it is not more helpful to stand outside the church box if we are called to evangelize and disciple people to the Lord?
Does the observation "Complacency, apathy, lack of passion, lukewarmness, lack of trial and testing, lack of real committment, and affluence have all combined to reduce the desire of many for a God who saves and rules. The thorns and thistles of the world are reducing the yield of the Word sown" really capture the socio-cultural worldview we find ourselves living along side. Also, do the people living within this worldview really understand us when we talk this way?
David Roozen in his research article below might take issue with the MCA numbers, though he does indicate the Pentecostal/Holiness churches are holding their own.
Roozen, David 2013-12-03 "Negative Numbers – The decline Narrative Reaches Evangelicals" The Christian Century
Lubbert, I will try to respond to your question about Barna survey and how we relate or respond. It would be interesting to combine the six categories you mention, or see how they interrelate. For example, one fourth say faith is irrelevant. Are they the same that say that church demonizes everything? Are they the same that say church is too exclusive, or too judgemental? Or are they all different groups? Does one dissatisfaction lead to another?
Isn't it interesting that bible teaching is unclear and God is absent from church for about 20% of the people of 18-29 years old.
One fifth say that abstinence is insufficient.... or they don't want to abbstain (in clearer language), and they feel judged for being sexually active outside of marriage. Hmmnn. They feel judged, rather than being re-born and forgiven. Why is that?
So what have we missed? I think we have not presented the gospel to our children. We have not witnessed. We have not put christian living into the context of Christ's redeeming love. We have performed all the heresies that the reformers so vigorously fought against. So we have some people emphasizing works righteousness. We have other people sinning so that grace may abound. We have as Jude says, turned the grace of God into a license for immorality. We have substituted environment or social "goodness" for the Christ. And many other things. The youth are people and human like everyone else. They are not some pariah from another planet. They should be engaged as people, and not estranged as aliens. They have the ability and heart to be soldiers of Christ.
How is it even possible that God is absent from their church experience? Any elder, preacher, deacon, evangelist should be crying tears at hearing such a sad thing. And ashamed that they say that Bible teaching is unclear (making faith irrelevant).
The youth say that "just say no" is insufficient in a techno-porn world. That's their judgement. They are willing to judge, but not to be judged. It is their own actions that judge themselves. If we as Christians apologize for saying that, then it is no wonder that they feel that faith is irrelevant.
Make Christ first in your life, and your children will be blessed.
Isolationism. One-fourth of 18- to 29-year-olds say church demonizes everything outside church, including the music, movies, culture, and technology that define their generation.
Shallowness. One-third call church boring, about one-fourth say faith is irrelevant and Bible teaching is unclear. One-fifth say God is absent from their church experience.
Anti-science. Up to one-third say the church is out of step on scientific developments and debate.
Sex. The church is perceived as simplistic and judgmental. For a fifth or more, a "just say no" philosophy is insufficient in a techno-porno world. Young Christian singles are as sexually active as their non-churched friends, and many say they feel judged.
Exclusivity. Three in 10 young people feel the church is too exclusive in this pluralistic and multi-cultural age. And the same number feel forced to choose between their faith and their friends.
Doubters. The church is not a safe place to express doubts say over one-third of young people, and one-fourth have serious doubts they'd like to discuss.
What have we missed in both discipleship and the great commission?
Thanks for your remarks. In your original column you inserted a statement "at no time should elders feel superior to deacons". Interesting statement. I would add that at no time should an elder feel superior to anyone. At no time should a preacher feel superior, and at no time should an evangelist or deacon feel superior. I wonder if you agree that the church order gives the appearance of superiority to preachers, compared to elders and deacons. The number of articles devoted to preachers/pastors/ministers for how they are qualified, how they are disqualified, when they are retired, and when not retired, how they are examined, and what they may and may not do, compared to the one article that combines the offices of elder and deacon as a sort of after thought. We make excuses for this, and rationalize it away, but in fact it is a symptom of how we live as church. It certainly counters the explicit statement in the church order which states that no office bearer should lord it over another, and all offices are equal in honor.
Your excellent scriptural examples of deacons baptizing and preaching certainly also calls into question the generalized restrictions on elders and deacons with regard to preaching and sacraments. The apostle Peter appealed to elders as a fellow elder, and not as a "superior" apostolic office holder, even though he had the credentials of living and walking with Jesus. We can pretty well assume that all elders shared the gospel and preached the good news, and probably most deacons did as well. And likely baptized new believers also. And the church grew mightily.
Perhaps you could enlighten for me whether scripture says more about immoral living in the body of believers, or about who can baptize or preach. And which of the two do we as a church adhere more strictly to?
March 6, 2014.
Thanks for your comment, John.
Your point is well taken. When councils are small, there will be overlap, all for the good. It demonstrates that the three offices have some in-built similarities. And the office of evangelist embodies all three.
Not surprising, since they serve the one congregation and represent the one Lord and Master, the great office-bearer, Prophet, Priest, and King. Paul the Apostle served as a Deacon when he brought gifts to the needy congregation of Jerusalem from believers in Macedonia and Achaia (Romans 15). Philip and Stephen, both Deacons (Acts 6), served also as Evangelists. Philip baptized the governent official from Ethiopia (Acts 8) and Stephen preached to the Sanhedrin (Acts 7).. Officebearers are called "Shepherds" in Acts 20:228 & 1 Peter 5:2.
However, when you read the Forms for the Ordination/Installation of Ministers, Elders, and Deacons, you will see that each of the three offices does have its own specific thrust.
Blessings on your work!
Not all churches have lost members. "The Christian and Missionary Alliance has experienced steady and significant growth since its inception. In 1925, there were just 25,000 members in 392 churches.[9] Membership reached 50,000 members in 1950 and by 1976 had reached 150,000.[9] In 2006, there were 417,008 members in 2,010 congregations.[9] ….[10] As of January 1, 2011, there was recorded more than 2,000 U.S. churches with a combined membership of more than 430,000 regularly gather to celebrate Jesus in multiple languages, according to the C&MA website." But you are right, elder Lubbert, that most churches have declining membership, and some, like the Rom Cath that seem to have high membership still, have very low attendance and participation rates. In North America and Europe. On the other hand, in Asia and Africa, memberships and participation is generally growing. Complacency, apathy, lack of passion, lukewarmness, lack of trial and testing, lack of real committment, and affluence have all combined to reduce the desire of many for a God who saves and rules. The thorns and thistles of the world are reducing the yield of the Word sown. In many cases, the churches fertilize the weeds as much as the crop.
This is not just a CRCNA issue, but a North America wide phenomena that is sweeping through ALL churches and has been documented since at least 2005 in research studies.
Looking at the numbers from the perspective of families is problematic when individuals who use to get married in their 20's today get married in their 30's, if at all. Moreover, those families also have fewer children today. My own research indicates that Yearbook membership numbers are out by approximately 25% - 30%, quite apart from the yearly drop in membership numbers.
Though the work of SPACT is helpful, I feel as if we are a community "inside a box" looking out, self referencing our analysis without really coming to grips with the socio-cultural changes occurring around us.
Individuals are disaffiliating from participation in institutional, community, and neighbourhood life. Though they may have personal reasons, there are broader philosophical changes afoot that consciously or unconsciously affect those decisions. Matters of the "common good" have been fractured into privatized relativistic worldviews making consensus in civic life ever more difficult.
Below are some references to articles on why "churches are losing members..."
Angus Reid 2013-12 Poll – Christmas – Religion
Barna Group 2003-09-24 Twenty somethings Struggle to Find Their Place in Christian Churches
Barna Group 2011-07-26 [Part1] Examines Trends in 14 Religious Factors over 20 Years (1991 to 2011)
Barna Group 2011-07-27 [Part2] Describes Religious Changes Among Busters, Boomers, and Elders Since 1991
Barna Group 2011-09-28 Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church
Barna Group 2011-11-16 Five Myths about Young Adult Church Dropouts
Barna Group 2012-08-12 Christian Women Today – Parts 1 - 4
Barna Group 2013-05-09 Three Spiritual Journeys of Millennials
Barna Group 2013-09-17 Reasons Millennials Stay Connected to Church
Barna Group 2012-01-09 What People Experience in Churches
Beaty, Katelyn 2009-10 Lost In Transition. Christianity Today
Bellah, Robert 1986-02-20 Individualism & Commitment In American Life. Lecture, University of California
Chong, Shiao 2013-01-28 Relationship, Religion Or Both? Christian Courier
Coggins, Jim 2012-09-17 Why Canadian young people are leaving the church. Canadian Christianity
Dyck, Drew 2011-11-19 The Leavers – Young Doubters Exit The Church. Christianity Today
Evens, Rachel Held 2013 Why millennials are leaving the church. CNN Belief Blog
Greusel, David 2013-11-12 Yearning for community - or not. Think Christian
Kim, Steve Hemorrhaging Faith / A Brief Synopsis. Apologetics Canada
Kwon, Lillian 2011-04-22 Survey Reveals Decade – Long 'Erosion' of Traditional US Congregations - Hartford Institute
PEW 2010-02 Religion Among Millennials
PEW 2010-09-28 Religious Knowledge – Full Report
PEW 2011-03-09 For Millennials Parenthood Trumps Marriage
PEW 2011-12-14 Barely Half of U.S. Adults Are Married – A Record Low
PEW 2013-03-18 Decline Of Institutional Religion
PEW 2013-03 Lugo, Luis – The Decline Of Institutional Religion & Implications For American Civil Life
PEW 2013-06-27Canada's Changing Religious Landscape | Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project
Pimblott, Kerry 2012-11-09 The Election and Why Millennials are Leaving the Church Margins. Blog marginalife
Postma, Gayla 2007-08 Where Did Our Young Adults Go – The Banner
Reimer, Sam Demographic Look At Evangelical Congregations 2010-08. EFC Church & Faith Trends
Roozen, David 2011 Decade Of Change In American Congregations 2000-2010 Faith Communities Today
Roozen, David 2013-12-03 Negative Numbers – The decline Narrative Reaches Evangelicals - The Christian Century
Smith, Christian 2005 Portraits Of Protestant Teens. National Study on Youth & Religion
Smith, Christian 2007-11&12 Getting a Life: The challenge of emerging adulthood. Books & Culture
Smith, Christian 2008 Religion & Spirituality On The Path Through Adolescence. National Study on Youth & Religion
State Of The Canadian Church 2008 Canadian Christianity
Thiessen, Joel 2010-12 Churches Are Not Necessarily The Problem. EFC Church & Faith Trends.pdf
Van Loon, Michelle 2013-08-08 Who Raised These Millennials Anyway? | Her.meneutics / Christianity Today
It moves us forward in this way: Those we are to disciple will see that there is passion and devotion and sacrifice which signifies how real God is to us. Those who are strangers may see that something new has happened and that God is real. Those who are aliens and spectators, who are somewhat attracted by hype or friendliness, will begin to see the passion behind the friendliness. People are people, and they need other people, passion and cause and purpose. Entertainment will also attract them, but it will not bring commitment. The love of God as reflected in us.... such is obedience and such also is the glue that binds hearts to Christ.
In our church, which is quite small, we have four serving office bearers who serve the dual role of elder and deacon, so that would be one example where the offices cooperate with each other. If you are both an elder and a deacon, then the one office will accompany the other. And if you are a pastoral elder, then you might even have three offices in one. Hmmnn.
Always bring the gospel. The emphasis should not be on the worship service itself, but on Christ.
I suggest that we use James 5:14 and Gal 6:2 as guidelines...while I respect Pastor Lou's long service to the church and the Kingdom I find his approach sterile and to much "decently and in good order" Yes! Annointing is Biblical!... I'd rather that we cry with them, and hold them if possible, laugh with them when appropriate and hold their hands as they take their last breath...and no, I don't always write notes when I get home...While phoning for an appointment is a common courtesy it sometimes just doesn;t work and why would an elder delay making a sick/death call? Perhap's we should listen to the new Pope's admonition to his priests - get out of your churches and "get messy" maybe all of us need to "get messy" in our broken world try to bring healing from a Risen Savior
I must say that overall I am really impressed with this blog.It is easy to see that you are impassioned about your writing.
Great ideas! For anyone in the Chicagoland area, Christian Service Ministries invites you to a free seminar led by Chaplains Corky DeBoer and Betty Vander Laan Feb. 27, 2014, 7:30-9:00 pm at Trinity Christian College. "Tips on how to visit someone in a hospital or nursing home."
What wise, clear-cut advice! Thank you, Lou.
Thanks Richard for your input. Your position with Second Byron CRC sounds very familiar, this closey resembles the approach we are trying to take here. We believe that being intentional about the use of gifts is very important, and that we are currently using way too many people to maintain an innefficient and inneffective structure. We are proposing to set up a Council where all Elders,Deacons, and Pastors meet quarterly. ( More if needed). The Administration Team would meet monthly, or again, more as needed. The Pastoral Care Teams, along with appropriate Elders,Deacons, and Pastors would meet bi-monthly. Our hope and prayer is that the right people are put in the right place, and that the day to day business can be dealt with by a much smaller body. This will also significantly reduce the amount of meetings that Elders and Deacons need to attend, they would be freed up for the ministry work they are called to do. Like you, I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this transition, I am sure it is not an easy one to make. Thanks again Richard, blessings in your work!
At Church of the Servant, where I am a member, we adopted this three-part council around 1991. The Admin committee met weekly for one hour, and ran rather smoothly. However, as the church grew, the number of pastoral elders and working deacons grew with it to meet growing demands, and the council grew to an unwieldy 40+ members. So a couple of years ago, we reverted to a two-part council, reduced its size, delegated some pastoral duties to appointed volunteers, and added a staff person to handle the administrative matters.
So, I wonder if the three-part system works better in mid-size churches (300-600 members). I also work for Second Byron CRC, with about 400 members, and we are just recommending a shift to a three-part system. We want to assign a few elders and deacons, with a pastor, to an Administrative Committee, which would replace our current Executive Committee, and handle all the routine supervision--facilities, finances, and staff. We would reduce the number of council meetings to six from its current 11 or 12. We hope that this will allow council to focus on its main leadership roles in encouraging ministry, and reduce the micro-management that plagues so many church councils, including this one.
As we start on this road, I would really like to hear from others who had positive or negative experience with such organizational patterns. I don't see this change as a panacea for all our problems, but so far I think it will be a positive step, if we can accompany it with a new focus on vision and relationship, rather than being stuck in a management mode.
Jim, thank you for your remarks.
My excuses for my late response.
More observation and research need yo be made. Has it been established that those who leave have a history of non-participation? Whatever the answer, congregations will profit from a ministry that focusses on creating an atmosphere of togetherness, congeniality, and participation. The second half of your comment actually establishes that ideal. It seems to me that a ministry thus designed and practised will contribute toward keeping more members with the church. And it will draw new member to the church.
I wonder what theexperience of pastors around the continent has been.
Neil Koning wrote a splendid article on Funeral Services. He makes several good points. Pondering on all this now, I remember how we at pastors' gettogether would discuss the difficult aspects of this pastoral task. Nell gives good advice. What I personally often struggled with was: to what extend do we use the pulpit at such services to preach the gospel? Neil stresses that the community can expected to be present. To some extend community members can are, to some extend, a captive audience. Also, where do we place the emphasis ... commemorating the life and person of the deceased, or on the worship service itself? The Church Order says: "Funerals are not ecclesiastical but family affairs.." Then adds: " ... and they should be conducted accordingly." So, what does that mean, exactly? Synods before and after added little light or guidance.
So, what think ye?
One pastor contacted me and suggested that the reason for member-loss is basically two-folf:
l. CRC members are not vigorous witnesses of the gospel; the CRC faces a spiritual malaise, and 2. the religious landscape in the US and Canada is such that established churches have lost their appeal because of deeper sociological reasons. The populations of these two nations diverge into two camps: those for whom religion has lost its appeal, and those who find a spiritual home in evangelical churches more expressive of the faith.
Perhaps some of the readers of NETWORK willwant to comment.
Church order would not have been followed in this scenario. It was well before my time and the details are scarce. I also wonder how it is that the family has attended another CRC for over seven years and the pastor and elders there never helped shepherd this family. Your last two sentences are exactly what would need to be done in this case.
Interesting that this question indicates indirectly that the family had been attending another CRC for two years when they were 'declared lapsed in 2009', which raises the question why they were not transferred in 2009 instead of lapsed. Obviously there is information lacking in the question. Presuming Article 67 B was followed, it would seem the family 'claim(ed) to be worshipping elsewhere' but would not say where and would not request transfer to the church they were attending. Also they would have 'claim(ed) to be committed to the Christian Faith' and 'the consistory (was) not aware of any public sin requiring discipline'. What took so long to be interested in the transfer is a mystery that might suggest the need for a discreet converstion between representatives of the two consistories for more clarification in my humble opinion. Then a decision could be made about 'transferring' the statistical (membership) information as long as the receiving consistory does a 'readmission' since there is "no synodical guidelines ... defined for the readmission... some sort of reaffirmation of confession of faith seems appropriate as part of the readmission process." 2008 Manuel of CRC Government #2, p. 264
Lou, I hope this proves to be a broad discussion as it is an important subject. I want to lead off by saying that the people in the CRC typically don't appreciate how blessed they are by exceedingly well trained pastors. WARNING...when you comment on a pastor's message, you are commenting on the minister. Clarence remembered that critique, as we all do when someone says something indiscript about a message. Any such discussion needs to be as specific as possible and also objective rather than subjective in order to be helpful. One more point, I would say that for most pastors it takes about five years to develope the art of writing and presenting effective Sunday sermon (s).


text:
William Ravenhill
LOCATION: Exeter, United Kingdom
Reardon Smith Professor of Geography, University of Exeter, England, 1971–83. Author of Ben Donn's Map of Devon, 1765; coauthor of South-West England.
Primary Contributions (1)
island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. The United Kingdom comprises the whole of the island of Great Britain—which contains England, Wales, and Scotland —as well as the northern portion of the island of Ireland. The name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole. The capital is London, which is among the world's leading commercial, financial, and cultural centres. Other major cities include Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester in England, Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, and Swansea and Cardiff in Wales. The origins of the United Kingdom can be traced to the time of the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan, who in the early 10th century ce secured the allegiance of neighbouring Celtic kingdoms and became "the first to rule what previously many kings shared between them," in the words of a contemporary chronicle. Through subsequent conquest over the following centuries, kingdoms lying farther...READ MORE