Episode 222: Connecting Rural Churches to the Broader CRCNA — David Dick (Part 2)
"We lost a little bit of that natural connection [in the CRCNA]. I think they were just relying on some of that natural connection, and we need to work harder at building the connections throughout the denomination. That's really what we're seeing with a lot of what Abide has been doing. The Three Forms conference was amazing, really good. We're trying to do that through our conference too. We're seeing a lot more little things like this bubbling up where we're trying to get people connected throughout the denomination. I think that'll help in some ways, at least if the pastors start to get connected and some of the office bearers." —Jason Ruis
Summary of This Episode
Happy Easter! We rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus and the guarantee that all who believe will one day be resurrected to live for all eternity with our risen Savior. Jason and Willy are back this week with Rev. David Dick, pastor of Hancock CRC (MN), and begin by jumping into how geographically-distanced churches can stay connected with the denomination. While David sees opportunity for better communication from the CRC to its congregations, he urges local churches to put in effort to stay connected and not just be reliant on having all the information given to us by others. Jason appreciates that, and looking at how controversies have come up, it seems faithful, solid churches have paid attention to themselves and not broader until it’s too late. Creating or encouraging connection is vital to the long-term reformation and success in the CRCNA. Willy points out how podcasts like ours and conferences are also helpful in networking, encouraging fellowship, and providing resources to learn from one another as we work towards the same goal.
Jason draws attention to churches in rural areas as a historical backbone to the denomination. In the past, natural (especially family) connections are what helped information process through the CRC. David shares that Hancock CRC has been around for over 110 years, but Hancock, MN is not an exclusively Dutch community and is at least a 45 minute-drive to the next closest CRC. There is separation, but David has found commonalities for ministry. “People are people and churches are churches, and you run into the same strengths and problems and everything no matter where you go.” Jason points out that perhaps we do tend to overfocus on cultural differences as well as noting that the core basics of the gospel are always the same.
Willy invites David to share what he’s learned about himself over these first few years in pastoral ministry. “I’m…learning my weaknesses and how much I don’t know–how inadequate I am. And through that, how much God is providing for me and working through me.” Jason agrees and points out how counter-cultural an understanding that is. So much of “secular podcasts” are about pulling yourself up and self-empowerment, but we must learn to pray, “Lord, help.” Willy points out that a lot of affirmation culture that is detached from God is “...seeking the benefits of God…things they know that God can give them, without seeking him first.” They all agree–those who go into ministry and who serve God don’t necessarily or often come in with mature gifts and so polished; we need God to work through us and our weaknesses.
The final portion of the conversation focuses on where the CRC is going. David is grateful for the faithfulness in decisions and in preaching–he sees God’s faithfulness in that, and the need for us to continue. A significant piece is praying for God to raise up leaders. Jason sees the local church involvement in that as key to the future for us, and invites any listeners or readers to reach out to us at the Messy Reformation if you need help (or even a kick), if you’re considering a call to ministry and seminary. David offers 2 Peter 3:18 for his closing words, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”