Introducing the Network Cohort

Earlier this year the Network celebrated its 15th year as an online community where CRC people can get together to discuss the intersection of faith, justice, and our shared life as a denomination. As part of its birthday celebrations, the Network launched the Network cohort—a small group of emerging writers who will contribute regular content.

The cohort brings together people from diverse backgrounds and callings—ministry, medicine, advocacy, academia—who share a common desire: to write honestly and thoughtfully about where the Spirit is moving in their lives and communities.

Together they are building a space for reflection, encouragement, and growth as they explore what it means to speak truthfully and faithfully in the public square. Here’s a little bit about three of them:

Ron Vanderwell

Ron Vanderwell lives in Whitinsville, Mass. He said he is convinced that if we ask better questions about the world, we’ll find more helpful answers. He has worked actively to raise important questions as a senior pastor, church planter, specialized transitional minister, writer, and consultant for many years. He married his high school sweetheart, Deb, and God has blessed them with three sons, two daughters-in-law and two granddaughters. Ron loves finding and restoring old things, including old houses, old VW Beetles, and old sailboats.

Over the course of his ministry as a church planter and senior pastor in the CRCNA, Vanderwell said, he has been consistently drawn to the deeper questions of perspective—which every church and believer must wrestle with to follow God faithfully in a complex and shifting world. He believes that this need is especially urgent now, as the denomination and the broader culture navigate a pivotal moment in their shared story.

To read some of Vanderwell’s work, check out his posts “Are We Out of Our Minds?” and “On the Move with Jesus.”

Ryan Nirula

Ryan Nirula is a member of Rehoboth CRC in Bowmanville, Ont., where he is a youth and children’s pastor interested in faith formation and intergenerational connections. A regular preacher, he enjoys reflecting on theology, homiletics, and philosophy, and he often finds rich spiritual insight in the everyday moments of parenting young children.

Nirula’s writing has been affirmed throughout his pastoral journey, and he shared that he prays God might use his words to bless the church—encouraging pastors, congregations, and lay leaders alike. Having walked a long road through addiction, he said, he is most passionate about proclaiming the power of God to rescue sinners and break the chains of sin—a hope he brings into both his ministry work and his writing.

For some samples of his work, check out “How a CRC Helped Save My Life” and “A Project for Parents with Prodigal Children.”

David Ogden 

David Ogden currently attends Port de Grave Pentecostal Tabernacle in Newfoundland. He said he is passionate about showing the love of Jesus to people who do not yet know him, offering encouragement that is honest, compassionate, and free of judgment. To read samples of David’s work, see “Jesus and a Voice to Depend On” and “Walking, Talking, and Listening with Jesus.”

Interested in joining the Network Cohort of writers? Fill out this form, or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing, discussing, and learning with you!