Creating Space for CRC Voices
One of the unique strengths of the Christian Reformed Church in North America’s online community forum, the Network, is that it doesn’t speak with just one voice.
While denominational staff regularly contribute thoughtful articles and ministry resources to this forum, right alongside them are pastors, retired professionals, church volunteers, and lay leaders who bring their own experience and expertise to the conversation. In addition, the Network Writers’ Cohort helps make that possible.
Each month, cohort members are invited to write a blog post on a suggested theme. That provides direction and momentum, and writers are free to contribute with submissions that fit within the Network’s community guidelines. The result is a rich mix of practical ministry insight, theological reflection, and personal testimony.
In recent months alone, the Network has featured articles on practical topics like the “Top 4 Mistakes Churches Make on Social Media,” alongside deeper theological reflections such as “Considering Church Unity and Separation in Light of the Belgic Confession.” Other pieces have explored women’s leadership in the church, choosing love in divided times, making faith formation personal, and learning to depend more fully on the voice of Jesus.
That range reflects what the Network does best: gathering wisdom from across the denomination and making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
David Ogden, a retired engineer living in Newfoundland, is one of the lay writers contributing through this cohort. For years he wrote Christian editorials for local newspapers. When those outlets disappeared, he said, he found himself missing the opportunity to reflect publicly on faith and life.
“I like to give back for all that Jesus has done for me throughout the decades of life that God has provided,” Ogden said. “It was a rocky start, but Jesus didn’t give up on me.”
After encouragement from his pastor and a nudge from the Spirit, Ogden said, he joined the Writers’ Cohort last year and began contributing a monthly blog.
“Life often gets learned the hard way,” he said. “I hope my writing will help some folks along that road. If it’s good, thank God for inspiration. If it’s bad, please forgive me for getting in the way.”
He’s quick to add that the support behind the scenes makes a difference.
“I appreciate the excellent support and the wonderful editing,” Ogden said.
Other cohort members bring different areas of expertise. Ron Vanderwell, a former CRC pastor, church planter, and specialized transition pastor, has also participated in the cohort. He often contributes posts coaching churches to be more effective in their work, including practical church coaching insights such as “Does Your Church Need to Shift Gears?” and thoughtful guidance for search committees in “First Date with a Prospective Pastor.” Together, these articles reflect the diversity of experience within the CRC, from engineering to church communications, and from coaching to theology.
A Platform That Reaches beyond Just Us
The Network is distinctive among CRC ministries in another way: it allows individual members to share their expertise while also extending the denomination’s resources beyond itself. Anyone, anywhere can read and benefit from what is posted. Ministry leaders outside the CRC regularly engage with Network content, making it both an internal resource and a quiet form of outward-facing ministry.
Writers who already maintain personal blogs are welcome to contribute as well. The Network values original content and asks that posts shared there not be behind a paywall. One of the Network’s core commitments is to provide ministry resources freely, regardless of someone’s ability to pay. That open-access approach ensures that practical tools, theological reflections, and leadership insights are available to all.
For Ogden, the experience has been simple and meaningful. “I would not hesitate to recommend the Network Cohort to any godly writer,” he said. “They’re very good to work with.”
Through the Writers’ Cohort, the Network continues to foster thoughtful conversation, encourage faithful reflection, and remind us that the church’s wisdom is not limited to one office or one voice but is shared across the body of Christ.
Interested in Joining?
If you have experience in ministry, professional expertise, or simply stories to tell about what God is teaching you, the Network Writers’ Cohort may be a meaningful next step for you! Writers receive encouragement, editorial support, and a supportive platform to share their insights with the wider denomination. Anyone interested can learn more about the cohort and consider adding their voice to the ongoing conversation here.
As always, the Network also offers space for any church members (regardless of writing ability) to post their ministry Q&A’s at any time, and for other church members to respond with ideas on what works in their contexts. From blogs to job posts to resource sharing, the Network has something for you. Join us.
