NEWS HEADLINES
06 Church Planting Pastors Wives by Gerry Wisz
Unless you’ve planted a church, you don’t have a clue as to how stressful it can be—for the church planter’s wife. A new support group called Parakaleo serves them. Here’s how.
10 Series: Emeritus Ministers by Glenda Mathes
A new series recognizes pastors who have come to the end of their full-time ministry after many years of service in Christ’s church. First articles focus on Rev. Ron Scheuers and Rev. Greg Baro.
13 Classis Pacific Northwest: church planting by Glenda Mathes
Report on the ordination exams of Mel Dotinga (Westminster) and Robert Van der Woerd (Mid-America), as well as classis’ desire for more intentional church-planting.
14 Report on parish ministry and church plants by John Van Dyk
If Jesus sent them out “two-by-two,” shouldn’t this apply to planting churches? See what classis decided.
15 Classis Eastern Ontario: Federation statistician by John Van Dyk
A church recommends a URCNA federational statistician and a classis agrees to recommed to synod in 2018.
15 Giving voice to vocal cord concerns by James Sinke
How can a man serve as “God’s mouthpiece” if his vocal cords are wearing thin? A workshop offered this advice for their proper care.
FEATURE
24 Lift High the Cross – But How? by H. David Schuringa
You may be dismayed by how Christians differ, significantly, as to what the blood of the cross means for the gospel and life. Good Friday reminds us anew why as reformed churches “we preach Christ crucified.”
COLUMNS
16 Pastors, burn out, the olden days (Q&A) by Doug Barnes
A reader asks why pastors today tend to get burned out when in the good-old days ministers worked so much harder. Prepar for an eye-opening answer.
18 The audience for our church buildings by Brian Lee
If you think a place for worship is neutral, think again. See how “buildings and architecture communicate” and why “mission matters to church buildings.”
20 Grasping Easter’s Reality by Marian Van Til
As only she can, Van Til explains how music “can uniquely cement into our hearts the great truths of our faith,” especially these timeless compositions for Easter.
26 Going Off Limits by Norm Bomer
Following the cultural trajectory of feminism, to gay marriage, to LGBT+ rights, the author dares expound why he believes Christians should just name it for what it is.
VIEWS
05 The big WHAT IF? By Daniel R. Hyde
Is an historical Easter really that important? Several reasons are cited for its essential place in the gospel message and Christian life.
22 Islamic Eschatology by Bassam Madany
Here’s what you need to know about Islamic extremism’s “End Times” view. Hint: it’s taught in the Koran and predicts world conquest in the utter annhilation of all who oppose.
28 Dr. Jordan and Gender Political Correctness by Hermina Dykxhoorn
Now that even questioning feelings-based sexual identity is considered “hate speech,” Dr. Jordan Peterso has emerged as an unlikely ally to the faith perspective, and derided for it.
06 Church Planting Pastors Wives by Gerry Wisz
Unless you’ve planted a church, you don’t have a clue as to how stressful it can be—for the church planter’s wife. A new support group called Parakaleo serves them. Here’s how.
10 Series: Emeritus Ministers by Glenda Mathes
A new series recognizes pastors who have come to the end of their full-time ministry after many years of service in Christ’s church. First articles focus on Rev. Ron Scheuers and Rev. Greg Baro.
13 Classis Pacific Northwest: church planting by Glenda Mathes
Report on the ordination exams of Mel Dotinga (Westminster) and Robert Van der Woerd (Mid-America), as well as classis’ desire for more intentional church-planting.
14 Report on parish ministry and church plants by John Van Dyk
If Jesus sent them out “two-by-two,” shouldn’t this apply to planting churches? See what classis decided.
15 Classis Eastern Ontario: Federation statistician by John Van Dyk
A church recommends a URCNA federational statistician and a classis agrees to recommed to synod in 2018.
15 Giving voice to vocal cord concerns by James Sinke
How can a man serve as “God’s mouthpiece” if his vocal cords are wearing thin? A workshop offered this advice for their proper care.
FEATURE
24 Lift High the Cross – But How? by H. David Schuringa
You may be dismayed by how Christians differ, significantly, as to what the blood of the cross means for the gospel and life. Good Friday reminds us anew why as reformed churches “we preach Christ crucified.”
COLUMNS
16 Pastors, burn out, the olden days (Q&A) by Doug Barnes
A reader asks why pastors today tend to get burned out when in the good-old days ministers worked so much harder. Prepar for an eye-opening answer.
18 The audience for our church buildings by Brian Lee
If you think a place for worship is neutral, think again. See how “buildings and architecture communicate” and why “mission matters to church buildings.”
20 Grasping Easter’s Reality by Marian Van Til
As only she can, Van Til explains how music “can uniquely cement into our hearts the great truths of our faith,” especially these timeless compositions for Easter.
26 Going Off Limits by Norm Bomer
Following the cultural trajectory of feminism, to gay marriage, to LGBT+ rights, the author dares expound why he believes Christians should just name it for what it is.
VIEWS
05 The big WHAT IF? By Daniel R. Hyde
Is an historical Easter really that important? Several reasons are cited for its essential place in the gospel message and Christian life.
22 Islamic Eschatology by Bassam Madany
Here’s what you need to know about Islamic extremism’s “End Times” view. Hint: it’s taught in the Koran and predicts world conquest in the utter annhilation of all who oppose.
28 Dr. Jordan and Gender Political Correctness by Hermina Dykxhoorn
Now that even questioning feelings-based sexual identity is considered “hate speech,” Dr. Jordan Peterso has emerged as an unlikely ally to the faith perspective, and derided for it.
