POPULARITY
When around 40 churches take a risk to leave the only denomination they've ever known, what drives them to take that leap? This episode reveals how a single letter from a small Illinois congregation in 1986 sparked a movement that would become a chapter in the history books of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. From the Consistorial Conferences to debates over church order, Dr. Cornelis Venema recounts the difficult, messy, and historic birth of the United Reformed Churches, a story of the cost of remaining faithful to what you believe Scripture demands and what it means to be a confessional church.
When around 40 churches take a risk to leave the only denomination they've ever known, what drives them to take that leap? This episode reveals how a single letter from a small Illinois congregation in 1986 sparked a movement that would become a chapter in the history books of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. From the Consistorial Conferences to debates over church order, Dr. Cornelis Venema recounts the difficult, messy, and historic birth of the United Reformed Churches, a story of the cost of remaining faithful to what you believe Scripture demands and what it means to be a confessional church.
What theological crisis in the 20th century led thousands of Reformed Christians to leave their denomination and start something new? In this episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema takes us inside the Christian Reformed Church in North America during a time when questions about biblical authority, confessional fidelity, and ordination standards came to a head. From faculty dismissals at Calvin Seminary in 1952 to heated debates over Genesis, evolution, and women's ordination, you'll learn about the interconnected controversies that made it clear to many that a new direction was necessary. This is the foundational story behind the United Reformed Churches in North America.
What theological crisis in the 20th century led thousands of Reformed Christians to leave their denomination and start something new? In this episode, Dr. Cornelis Venema takes us inside the Christian Reformed Church in North America during a time when questions about biblical authority, confessional fidelity, and ordination standards came to a head. From faculty dismissals at Calvin Seminary in 1952 to heated debates over Genesis, evolution, and women's ordination, you'll learn about the interconnected controversies that made it clear to many that a new direction was necessary. This is the foundational story behind the United Reformed Churches in North America.
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Brian From is joined by Pastor Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church to talk about his call to ministry and what he loves most about being a pastor. Derek shares why “ordinary” churches—rooted in preaching, sacraments, and everyday faithfulness—are often where deep discipleship and quiet, life-changing ministry happens. The conversation also touches on church planting, blue-collar faith, and Derek’s surprising side passion: performing Shakespearean improv comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Mary Sterenberg is currently the Pastor of Discovery Church in the Grand Rapids area. She also is a Ministry Partner for Igniting Revival, a teacher and leader with Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International (PRMI). In addition, for 11 years, Mary has been the Prayer Mobilizer for the Great Lakes Region of the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA). Education wise, Mary received her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy in 1980, and worked for several years in rehabilitation, homecare therapy, and eventually started her own private practice in that arena. But after becoming involved more heavily in ministry, Mary became ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 2012 as a Commissioned Pastor. Mary felt called to attend Calvin Theological Seminary, from where she graduated in 2016. While Mary loves serving the local church, she also has a vision and passion to unite the greater church body together. She has worked with Gathering Grand Rapids, and was the Prayer Co-Chair for the Luis Palau Association City Fest which, in 2018, drew thousands of people to Grand Rapids MI and to the Lord. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart Bruce Sterenberg for 45 years. Together, they have three adult children and ten grandchildren. Karl House grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. Karl has planted a Christian Reformed Church near Toronto and a Vineyard Church in Tampa. He is back in Grand Rapids planting The Way MicroChurches—A new family of simple churches in Grand Rapids and beyond. Karl's passion is to pour into a new generation of disciples, leaders and MicroChurches. In the various places where Karl has lived, one of the many things he has done has been to encourage pastors in that geographical area to unite on a regular basis in prayer. Karl and his wife Anita have two adult children and one grandson. In this podcast, Mary and Karl highlight the upcoming Prayer Summit to be held at Maranatha April 20-22 and why Christ-followers should love to be part of it.
Mary Sterenberg is currently the Pastor of Discovery Church in the Grand Rapids area. She also is a Ministry Partner for Igniting Revival, a teacher and leader with Presbyterian-Reformed Ministries International (PRMI). In addition, for 11 years, Mary has been the Prayer Mobilizer for the Great Lakes Region of the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA). Education wise, Mary received her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy in 1980, and worked for several years in rehabilitation, homecare therapy, and eventually started her own private practice in that arena. But after becoming involved more heavily in ministry, Mary became ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 2012 as a Commissioned Pastor. Mary felt called to attend Calvin Theological Seminary, from where she graduated in 2016. While Mary loves serving the local church, she also has a vision and passion to unite the greater church body together. She has worked with Gathering Grand Rapids, and was the Prayer Co-Chair for the Luis Palau Association City Fest which, in 2018, drew thousands of people to Grand Rapids MI and to the Lord. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart Bruce Sterenberg for 45 years. Together, they have three adult children and ten grandchildren. Karl House grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. Karl has planted a Christian Reformed Church near Toronto and a Vineyard Church in Tampa. He is back in Grand Rapids planting The Way MicroChurches—A new family of simple churches in Grand Rapids and beyond. Karl's passion is to pour into a new generation of disciples, leaders and MicroChurches. In the various places where Karl has lived, one of the many things he has done has been to encourage pastors in that geographical area to unite on a regular basis in prayer. Karl and his wife Anita have two adult children and one grandson. In this podcast, Mary and Karl highlight the upcoming Prayer Summit to be held at Maranatha April 20-22 and why Christ-followers should love to be part of it.
Prosper CRC Christmas Eve ServicePastor Mitchell Leach
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
What unique challenges do women face in ministry leadership—and what gives them hope for the future of the church? In this special roundtable episode of the Future Christian Podcast, host Loren Richmond Jr. welcomes a panel of seasoned clergy leaders: Rev. Tabatha Johnson (Disciples of Christ), The Venerable Sheila Van Zandwyck (Anglican), Rev. Canon Katherine Morgan (Anglican), and Rev. Canon Martha Tatarnic (Anglican and Future Christian co-host). Together, they share candid stories about their call to ministry, navigating representation and authority, the sacrifices women often make that men may not, and how mentors and allies have helped along the way. From maternity leave struggles to stereotypes about “what a minister should look like,” these leaders open up about both progress and persistent challenges for women in the church today. Listeners will gain insights into: How women discern and embrace a call to ordained ministry. The “stained glass ceiling” and ongoing equity issues in church leadership. The importance of mentors, representation, and visible role models. How congregations respond differently to women clergy across traditions. What gives hope for the next generation of women entering ministry. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or layperson passionate about equality in the church, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and a vision for a more inclusive future. Rev. Tabatha D. Johnson is a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has served as a pastor and chaplain for over twenty years. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Central Baptist Theological Seminary and is co-editor and contributor to Still A Mother: Journeys Through Perinatal Bereavement (Judson Press.) a 2017 Gold Medal Winner in the Illumination Book Awards. She is currently the Senior Pastor at Shawnee Community Christian Church where she joyfully serves alongside people who love Jesus and one another. Tabatha's greatest love, besides her family and her church, are coffee and starting home improvement projects in her home that someday, hopefully, she will finish. Tabatha lives with her spouse, Cory, and their children in the Kansas City Metro. The Venerable Sheila Van Zandwyk is Archdeacon of Lincoln Deanery and Rector of Church of the Transfiguration. She was born and raised in St. Catharines and was raised in the Christian Reformed Church. She began attending an Anglican Church in my twenties. Until starting seminary at 40, Van Zandwyk worked in retail, for a number of years as the Manager of a Shoppers Drug Mart. Ordained for 17 years, Van Zandwyk has worked in churches in Oakville, Hamilton and now St. Catharines, being at Transfiguration for 6 years now. The Reverend Canon Katherine Morgan graduated with a Master of Divinity from Trinity College, University of Toronto. Morgan is ordained in the Diocese of Niagara where she had the privilege of serving in rural, small town and city parishes for 29 years. Currently Morgan is the rector of Church of the Resurrection in Hamilton. In her free time, she loves to sing, enjoy puzzles, and is the proud parent of an adult son. Mentioned Resources:
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Paul Vander Klay is a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America in Sacramento, California. His YouTube Channel has more than 30,000 subscribers: with videos on Christianity, the meaning crisis, and popular intellectual discourse. https://www.youtube.com/user/paulvanderklay Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter: https://paulanleitner.substack.com/ Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/deeptalkstheologypodcast
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
You can read it here. https://paulvanderklay.me/2025/07/09/pvks-plan-for-rebuilding-the-crcna/ Midwestuary Conference August 22-24 in Chicago https://www.midwestuary.com/ Vanderklips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg Bridges of Meaning Discord Link: https://discord.gg/tWDuYmBB https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ If you want to schedule a one-on-one conversation check here. https://calendly.com/paulvanderklay/one2one For the audio podcast mirror on Podbean http://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/ To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333 If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/ All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Also on Odysee: https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Join and Support us on Substack: https://themessyreformation.com/ Check out the Abide Project: https://www.abideproject.org We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we're having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like. Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
Downtown Abbey with Kayfabe Lions and Foxes https://www.youtube.com/live/hXo_DYkMVgM?si=bxXOQ51nAVmUcw9D https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/p/the-return-of-crc-lions-and-the-scattering @thefridaymorningnameless7623 "Just Setting..." https://www.youtube.com/live/4jHlN4YIOgA?si=TedQMSeAFaTwBFvG https://x.com/GrailCountry/status/1902769424538669417 https://network.crcna.org/topic/leadership/crcna-and-synod/turning-crc-lgbtq-ally https://www.maryharrington.co.uk/p/the-postliberal-nationstate-paradox https://www.pimlicojournal.co.uk/p/why-post-liberalism-failed @DarkMatter2525 Christianity Doesn't Exist https://youtu.be/BBGvXzLKqYY?si=lVpnBkPs1AUaEsAu https://roddreher.substack.com/p/going-full-tony Paul Vander Klay clips channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX0jIcadtoxELSwehCh5QTg Midwestuary Conference August 22-24 in Chicago https://www.midwestuary.com/ https://www.meetup.com/sacramento-estuary/ My Substack https://paulvanderklay.substack.com/ Estuary Hub Link https://www.estuaryhub.com/ If you want to schedule a one-on-one conversation check here. https://calendly.com/paulvanderklay/one2one There is a video version of this podcast on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/paulvanderklay To listen to this on ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-vanderklays-podcast/id1394314333 If you need the RSS feed for your podcast player https://paulvanderklay.podbean.com/feed/ All Amazon links here are part of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Amazon pays me a small commission at no additional cost to you if you buy through one of the product links here. This is is one (free to you) way to support my videos. https://paypal.me/paulvanderklay Blockchain backup on Lbry https://odysee.com/@paulvanderklay https://www.patreon.com/paulvanderklay Paul's Church Content at Living Stones Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7bdktIALZ9Nq41oVCvW-A To support Paul's work by supporting his church give here. https://tithe.ly/give?c=2160640 https://www.livingstonescrc.com/give