Ivanrest Church Discipleship

Listen to Kelsy Vining, Director of Advancement at Family Promise of West Michigan, who shared about their services for families facing housing crises, current community needs, and updates on their recent expansion efforts, including emergency shelter and housing initiatives. It was a meaningful opportunity to learn how we can better support families in our community.

In this episode, Pastor Brandon shares about the sabbatical he will be taking in the spring and summer of 2027, recently approved by the Ivanrest Council. He explains what a sabbatical is, why pastors take them, and how this time away is intended to bring renewal and refreshment for continued ministry at Ivanrest. Pastor Brandon also talks about what he hopes to do during that season—including the CrossFit journey he often mentions. If you’ve ever wondered what a pastoral sabbatical looks like or what Pastor Brandon has planned, this conversation offers a closer look.

Jake Tornga, April Palmbos’ coworker, shared with us about his work with The International Association forRefugees (IAFR). IAFR is a Christian mission organization dedicated to helping people survive and recover from war and persecution in their home countries. Since their founding in 2009, immigration policies affecting refugees and asylum seekers have changed dramatically—both globally and in the United States. These changes continue to unfold in real time, directly impacting the lives of they people they serve every day. Take a listen to learn more.

Ever wondered how to read the Bible—or even what it really is? Listen to the third session of our special three-part Gather & Grow series with Pastor Brandon on our podcast. As we prepare for a year of reading and engaging with Scripture together as a church, this episode explores what the Bible is, how to understand its big story, and how to read it well.

Ever wondered how to read the Bible—or even what it really is? Listen to the second session of our special three-part Gather & Grow series with Pastor Brandon on our podcast. As we prepare for a year of reading and engaging with Scripture together as a church, this episode explores what the Bible is, how to understand its big story, and how to read it well.

Ever wondered how to read the Bible—or even what it really is? Listen to the first session of our special three-part Gather & Grow series with Pastor Brandon on our podcast. As we prepare for a year of reading and engaging with Scripture together as a church, this episode explores what the Bible is, how to understand its big story, and how to read it well.

Pastor Brandon Haan answers questions based on the sermon based on sexual orientation. As we continue our current sermon series on topics related to human sexuality, we’ll look at God’s intended context for human sexual activity (marriage between one man and one woman) and how the Bible protects the “pre-Fall” sexual ethic of Genesis 1 and 2.

Pastor Brandon Haan answers questions based on the sermon based on gender. As we continue our current sermon series on topics related to human sexuality, we’ll look at God’s intent for biological sex and gender and how it relates to some of the questions we’re facing in our culture today.

Pastor Brandon Haan answers questions based on the sermon based on Singleness. As we continue our current sermon series on topics related to human sexuality, we’ll explore what it’s like to be single in the Church, as well as God’s design for singleness in the Christian life.

Pastor Brandon HaanSong of Songs

Brandon HaanJuly 6, 2025

Listen to Jim Heyboer's reflection from his time at Synod 2025.

Six Ivanrest couples traveled to New Mexico as our "Rehoboth Team" in early October. They attended Zuni CRC and toured the school there, and in Rehoboth, they completed a variety of work projects and experienced the Navaho culture while being part of their Indigenous persons celebration. Please listen to learn more about their time in Classis Red Mesa.

Rev. Susan LaClear began her CRC ministry journey in 2005 when Classis Red Mesa ordained her to serve as the commissioned pastor of a Navajo church called Maranatha Fellowship CRC in Farmington, NM. It was an incredible joy to find herself continuing the work of her great-grandfather, L.P. Brink, who had planted this church in the early 1900's. Listen to learn more about Classis Red Mesa and how we can partner with them.

Josh and Mandy Shaarda and their five children are longtime missionaries in Uganda, where they serve with Freedom in Christ Ministries, partnering with Resonate Global Mission. Their work involves discipleship, equipping pastors, prison ministry, and much more. Listen to hear more about their work.

With the renewed violence in Israel and Palestine in the news and on many of our minds, we will offer two special Adult Gather & Grow sessions on Sunday, November 5 and 12, where Pastor Brandon will talk about the history and religious implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the summer of 2011, Pastor Brandon spent four weeks in the Palestinian West Bank and Israel, studying the conflict and learning from people on all sides of it. As a result of that trip (one of the most formative experiences of his life), Pastor Brandon has a nuanced perspective on the conflict that hopefully sheds some light on the current violence we're witnessing. Listen to both Podcasts to get an entire lecture series from Pastor Brandon. Below are links to possible resources and the PowerPoint Pastor Brandon used during his lecture. Extra Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13XC3JD6M8_wzwPXgyivysIHhK7A7Roy99zOA1WXFEMk/edit?usp=sharing Pastor Brandon's PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m7o8zImoZqdPFHCJkZwHGWSE24a5Lk-r/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true

With the renewed violence in Israel and Palestine in the news and on many of our minds, we will offer two special Adult Gather & Grow sessions on Sunday, November 5 and 12, where Pastor Brandon will talk about the history and religious implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the summer of 2011, Pastor Brandon spent four weeks in the Palestinian West Bank and Israel, studying the conflict and learning from people on all sides of it. As a result of that trip (one of the most formative experiences of his life), Pastor Brandon has a nuanced perspective on the conflict that hopefully sheds some light on the current violence we're witnessing. Listen to both Podcasts to get an entire lecture series from Pastor Brandon. Below you will find a link to possible resources and the PowerPoint Pastor Brandon used during his lecture. Extra Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13XC3JD6M8_wzwPXgyivysIHhK7A7Roy99zOA1WXFEMk/edit?usp=sharing Pastor Brandon's PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12XEdBCR83Ho_HJmhvLLSsE3p-RIiBPdI/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true

If you missed our seminar on navigating the Medicare system take some time today to listen to what our speaker had to share. Our speaker, Dan Sarkipato, a retired CRC Pastor from Kalamazoo, has a heart for helping people understand their options. This is a great seminar to learn not only for yourself but also for those helping their loved ones as they navigate the medicare system.

Listen to Pastor Brandon and Jim Heyboer as they share and reflect on their experience at Synod.

Tony Tendero is a Fellow in Residence at Safe Haven Ministries. Safe Haven Ministries aims to follow Christ's example and is motivated by our community needs, their mission is to prevent and end relationship abuse. Learn about ways to build healthy Kingdom relationships as well as understanding how they can turn unhealthy. This will be a two part series, over the two sessions we will learn about what is relationship abuse, how to support someone going through abuse or exploitation, and how Safe Haven Ministries works to end relational abuse. Resources: Safe Haven Website: https://safehavenministries.org/ Safe Haven Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BdozqEhQ2Qx5hs-VvXYEGuMsuP8nUBwj?usp=share_link

Tony Tendero is a Fellow in Residence at Safe Haven Ministries. Safe Haven Ministries aims to follow Christ's example and is motivated by our community needs, their mission is to prevent and end relationship abuse. Learn about ways to build healthy Kingdom relationships as well as understanding how they can turn unhealthy. This will be a two part series, over the two sessions we will learn about what is relationship abuse, how to support someone going through abuse or exploitation, and how Safe Haven Ministries works to end relational abuse. Resources: Safe Haven Website: https://safehavenministries.org/ Safe Haven Materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BdozqEhQ2Qx5hs-VvXYEGuMsuP8nUBwj?usp=share_link That's Not Love Campaign Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYyHa03x-U

We’ve all experienced the unexpected, painful twists of life and Lisa is no different. Seven years ago, the precious world she held so dear unraveled overnight through finding out that her husband was living a life of unfaithfulness. The effects of unfaithfulness in marriage is devastating to both the spouse and the children. While life certainly holds the unexpected, it also holds the precious faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Surrender and trust is woven through Lisa's story as she learned to walk the road of healing that abiding in Him brings. Semi Circle of Healing: https://i0.wp.com/www.the-mcclures.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Semicircle-2022.png  Definitions: Abide - To remain, continue, stay, dwell, to rest. In our abiding, God is calling us into rest with Him. Growth - Progress, springing up, developing maturity, becoming larger or greater over a period of time, to increase in substance. Fruitfulness - Producing good, useful, desired results. Pruning - Trim by cutting away the dead parts, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth, to reduce the extent of something by removing unwanted parts.

Porn is everywhere today; it's no longer a stigma issue only a few men deal with. Men, women, teens, and children are faced with the possibility of porn and its many gateways every time they turn on their phones. Listen to pastor and author Noah Filipiak share his story and ways you can protect yourself and your family. Noah's Resource Recommendations: Technology Accountability: Get a free month of Covenant Eyes screen accountability: www.covenanteyes.com promo code BEYOND   Get a free month of Accountable2You keyword accountability: a2u.app/beyond (do not use “www”) Resources for Men: “Beyond the Battle: A man’s guide to his identity in Christ in an oversexualized world” by Noah Filipiak   Join a 7-week online small group with Noah: www.beyondthebattle.net Resources for Women: 90 Days to Wholeness: A Porn Addiction Recovery Devotional for Women by Crystal Renaud Day (Living on Purpose)    Online groups for women: www.sherecovery.com More from Noah: Blog Articles: www.noahfilipiak.com    Podcast: The Flip Side Podcast with Noah Filipiak   Spotify  and Apple Additional Resources: Articles: Fighting the New Drug: “By the Numbers: Is the Porn Industry Connected to Sex Trafficking?” The Banner: Understanding and Overcoming Today's Epidemic of Artificial Sex by Mark Brouwer Videos: Fight the New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/videos/ Websites: Fight the New Drug Covenant Eyes Support Groups: Christian women’s support group for women whose loved ones who struggle with sexual addictions: https://sarahsociety.com/ Christian men’s support group: https://samsonsociety.com/mission-vision/

Viviana and Idella both work for the Race Relations office of the CRCNA. They will share with us the history of the CRCNA and racism, what prompted the CRCNA to create an office to fight racism, and what we can do to improve the work of racial reconciliation both individually and as a church. Come and learn more about what the CRC has been doing to bring about more racial reconciliation and how you can partner in this work. * Please note much of the history of the CRC was shared through an interactive activity and not recorded on the podcast. What you hear in the podcast is people's impressions and a dialogue of thoughts from that experience. Additional Resources:  The Banner "Ethnic Diversity and the CRC": https://www.thebanner.org/columns/2022/05/ethnic-diversity-and-the-crc  The Banner (Articles on Race): https://www.thebanner.org/search/google?keys=race#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=race&gsc.sort=  CRCNA Race Relationship About us page: https://www.crcna.org/race/about-us  CRCNA Race Relations Position Statements: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/position-statements/race-relations  CRCNA Race Relations Resources: https://www.crcna.org/race/resources CRCNA Race Relations Events: https://www.crcna.org/race/events CRCNA Race Relations Workshops: https://www.crcna.org/race/workshops

In this episode we have Pastor Joel and members of his church share on their multicultural experience as a church and as people living in America. Lee Street CRC began in 1926 with a vision to provide a new community of faith for those living in the Godfrey/Lee neighborhood. They have the vision to be truly multicultural and multigenerational. Come and learn from Pastor Joel about the importance of being a multicultural church. Pastor Joel will also have 3 members of Lee Street join him to share their stories of coming to the United States and their relationship with Lee Street. Stories are a way that we can learn, understand, and demonstrate respect for someone as they share their lives with us. Dominga is a young adult from rural Guatemala, a member of Lee Street, and active in their young adult ministry. Kevin and Catherine are a couple from Nicaragua with a unique story of how they came into a relationship with Lee Street. Resources Recommended by Pastor Joel: Beyond Welcome by Karen Gonzalez: https://a.co/d/gDGDEAL The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong by Karen Gonzalez: https://a.co/d/5qcrKb2 

Race has become a hot-button topic, which has divided not only our nation but our churches as well. This should not be the case. Hear from Ivanrest members on their experience with diversity awareness, why it should be important to Christians, and their experience going through the God and Race book study this past fall. The Asks: As you listen we ask that you do the following: - Be humble as you listen and respond to what you are hearing - Ask questions to learn not prove a point - Press into the discomfort you might be feeling when you hear people's stories and experiences, ask yourself why you are feeling the way you are? If you are not having any feelings, ask yourself why? Resources The Antioch Podcast  Apply Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-antioch-podcast/id1219273343   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gYOYb0NdI3gplkQTyrgxZ?si=208750f823294d37 Activities to Attend CRC Race Relations Events: https://www.crcna.org/race CORE 2.5 Day Training Events (Held at Church of the Servant): https://www.corenow.org/upcoming-events Movies and Documentaries: Till and 13th PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-qChpTZD-05y2aQzN05jyixQts-Qgj9d/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true Larry Klein's Flipboard: https://flipboard.com/@LarryKlein2l5v?from=share&utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=share Google Spreadsheet of Resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rL1aaFYLSjYEjSAF7qgjEC7BQJ-X0plrsDMxvuShyf4/edit?usp=share_link  Adult Reading Book List: I'm Still Here by Austin Channing Brown White Awake & White Lies by Daniel Hill Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson How to Fight Racism & The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby God and Race: A Guide for Moving Beyond Black Fists and White Knuckles by John Seibeling and Wayne Francis Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison Not so Black and White: An Invitation to Honest Conversations about Race and Faith by Reggie Dabbs and John Driver Young Adult/Reader Book List: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy by Emmanuel Acho Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (Young Reader's Edition) by Isabel Wilkerson How to Fight Racism (Young Reader's Edition) by Jemar Tisby Children's Book List: God's Holy Darkness by Sharei Green and Beckah Selnick Tim Thornbourough Bible Story Books in both English and Spanish

Come and learn about how Calvin University cares for LGBTQ+ students and how we can care for the LGBTQ+ community. Pastor Mary has served as the University Pastor at Calvin University since 2009, and has presented on this topic to Christian educators who teach in elementary, secondary, and higher education contexts, as well as to Boards and churches.  Pastor Mary's Recommended Resources: Dr. Mark Yarhouse: Sexual & Gender Identity Institute at Wheaton College –Understanding Sexual Identity: A Resource for Youth Ministry (2013) –Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (2015) –Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding the Diverse Experiences of Today’s Youth (2020) The Colossian Forum: www.colossianforum.org –“Conflicts aren't the disruption you're dreading. They're the discipleship opportunity you're waiting for.” Book: Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church by Bridget Eileen Rivera

"This I know, for the Bible Tells Me So": Historically, Christians have focused on six Biblical passages when it comes to homosexuality. Listen and learn as we walk through those passages and look at how affirming scholars (those who would like to see gay marriage introduced into the Church) and traditional scholars (those who maintain marriage should be between a man and a woman) interpret and apply them. Pastor Brandon has spent the last fifteen years studying this topic from a variety of angles. His goal will be to present each side of the debate as fairly as possible and then comment on the strengths and weaknesses of each.  Resources: Human Sexuality PowerPoint: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10qPJNMyZAxtskZ5_gx9BG6zfDWraiq6Y/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true Human Sexuality Reading List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z5a3YyPhTJnqxESO9b_9lrVedhKl5EUo/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=112224742393923917941&rtpof=true&sd=true

On December 18, 2022 Pastor Brandon interviewed Reverend Lorie Jonkman, the candidate for our Pastor of Congregational Care, listen to her answer questions about her call to the ministry and why she would love to work here at Ivanrest. 

Jenny Gruppen is a grief counselor at Faith Hospice and has been helping families walk through grief and loss for the past 20 years. She will share some insights on traditions and memorable ways to remember your loved one during the holidays. Come and listen to her share some helpful suggestions for grieving intentionally during the holidays. Jenny holds on to the truth that we have a God who is with us in our pain and sorrow (Psalm 34:18). Handouts mentioned in the podcast: The Griever's Holiday Bill of Rights by Bruce H. Conley: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EHXVCUUT_IzYKIU0-8PkO7uiifFDy93M/view?usp=share_link Faith Hospice Coping with the Holidays Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nD8NH0C9hBEGOkbI0CpxeJlYWtG_Nvnp/view?usp=share_link  Grief Counseling Support Groups: Faith Hospice: https://faithhospicecare.org/services/bereavement/ Starlight Ministries: https://starlightmin.org/programs/grief-support-groups/ Gilda's Club Grand Rapids: https://gildasclubgr.org/find-support/grief-support/ Jenny Gruppen's Email: [email protected] 

Did you know that according to the National Institute of Mental Health 20% of American adults live with a mental illness (52.9 million adults). Did you know that younger American adults suffer from depression at a higher rate than older adults? In this weeks podcast Dr. Dane VerMerris, a Clinical Psychologist with the Hope Network, shared with us the signs and symptoms of depression, current treatment approaches, and ways that family and friends can best help. Additional resources recommended in the podcast can be found below: Mental Health Resources: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968 Family Support Books: Sheffield, Anne.  How You Can Survive When They’re Depressed. Sheffield, Anne.  Depression Fallout (for spouses and family members).

Did you know the Bible has been translated fully into over 700 languages? Did you also know that the Bible has been translated, in part, into 2,846 languages in 157 different countries? However, the work to translate God's word into people's native languages is not done; there are many heart languages that are still waiting. Ann Plantinga Kapteyn serves with both SIL International and Wycliffe Bible Translators; she has served in Brazil, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, helping translate scripture into local languages. Listen and learn about Ann's work translating the Bible and how this work is vital to spreading God's Word worldwide. For more information go to the following websites: Wycliff Global Alliance:  https://www.wycliffe.net/resources/statistics/#:~:text=translation%20in%20progress-,Bible%20translation%20is%20currently%20happening%20in%202%2C846%20languages%20in%20157,Scripture%20in%20their%20first%20language. Wycliff Bible Translators: https://www.wycliffe.org/ SIL: https://www.sil.org/ 

Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month? Do you know about the history the Church and specifically the CRCNA has played in the lives of Indigenous Americans? Listen to Viviana Cornejo from the CRCNA, as well as Harry Descheene and Darlene Silversmith as they share a brief history of what has happened here in America as well as their own personal stories.  The Blanket Exercise Sign-ups (November 12, 2022) https://my.displaychurch.events/e/k3nVkdnt/7k5637N2J9t  The CRCNA’s Response to the Doctrine of Discovery https://www.crcna.org/sites/default/files/doctrine_of_discovery.pdf https://www.crcna.org/news-and-events/news/synod-repudiates-doctrine-discovery Doctrine of Discovery Documentary  https://dofdmenno.org/resources/movie/ Native American Heritage Month Resources https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/celebrating-native-americans-today-and-everyday-resources-native-american-heritage-month 

This week we will hear from Ivanrest members about their experience participating in a listening circle. Listen about their experiences with learning the importance of listening to each other and how this can bring unity in the church.

Does unity equal uniformity? Does distinction mean difference? Listen to Pastor Brandon talk about what it means to live with Unity and Diversity within the Church Community.

Mary Westrate, Director of Discipleship, shares on the importance of living in intentional community with one another. Though it can be difficult at times, the blessing of learning to be the Body of Christ together helps us build deeper connections with each other and God. 

Dave and Joy Mueller, Kenya Hope Executive Directors,  share about the ministry work happening in Kenya.

In this podcast you will be hearing from Kelsy Vining, Congregational Development Manager at Family Promise of Grand Rapids. Many of you are familiar with Family Promise's IHN family shelter program that Ivanrest has been invested in for many years. Mobile homeownership is also another part of the work they do through their Partners in Housing program! Listen to the history of this program, the successes of families becoming homeowners, and how you can get involved in ending homelessness, one family at a time through these homeownership opportunities for families in need!