The Abide Project Podcast

Synod is over! Everything wrapped up Thursday morning. Lloyd and Cam recap last night and today in this video. Big thanks to Cam and Lloyd for being there all week to catch us all up on the action. * Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast. * Cam is the pastor of Bethel CRC in Listowel Ontario. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Wednesday's session of Synod is nearly over. Cam and Lloyd stepped out to record this summary video. Here they cover last night and most of today's plenary sessions.Pastors Lloyd and Cam are here to recap today's Synod meeting.* Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast.* Cam is the pastor of Bethel CRC in Listowel Ontario. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Tuesday's session of Synod has broken for dinner. More happened in the evening, but that will be covered in tomorrow's update. Pastors Lloyd and Cam are here to recap today's Synod meeting.Pastors Lloyd and Cam are here to recap today's Synod meeting.* Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast.* Cam is the pastor of Bethel CRC in Listowel Ontario. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Monday's session of Synod has concluded. Some committee reports were taken up. Pastors Lloyd and Cam are here to recap today's Synod meeting. * Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast. * Cam is the pastor of Bethel CRC in Listowel Ontario. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Synod is back.. and in full session!Pastors Lloyd and Cam are here to recap today's Synod meeting. Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast.Cam is the pastor of Bethel CRC in Listowel Ontario. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Synod is back...sort of. Pastors Lloyd and Richard are here to recap last night's Synod meeting. Lloyd is the pastor of Coopersville CRC and host of the Three Forms Podcast. Richard is the pastor of Beckwith Hills CRC. Links: Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Curtis and Craig host Rev. Dave Beelen on the Abide Project Lecture series to discuss what it is like to pastor in a divided congregation. Tune in to hear some wise insights from experienced pastors!Be sure to register soon for Every Tongue Confess Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Welcome back to the Abide Project Lecture Series. In this edition, Curtis sits down with Revs Aaron Vriesman, Aleah Marsden, and Eric Dirksen to discuss what it means to be Christian Reformed. While there are many ways to express our 'reformedness,' in this discussion we hope to put forward some ideas what it means to be CRC in our current moment as we wade through the aftermath of Synods 2022, 2023, and 2024.This conversation was started over at The Banner, the CRC magazine. Aaron posted an article entitled Synod 2024: An Appraisal and a Vision offering a look forward for the CRC. This prompted some conversation between co-pastors Eric and Aleah and they published an article entitled A Positive Theological Vision for the CRC. This podcast continues the conversation about the future and identity of the CRC. In the episode, Eric and Aleah talk at length about their ministry practices. Eric references some previous synod reports and Faith Alive publications. You can find them here:1968 Synod Agenda1997 Acts of Synod: Authentic WorshipAuthentic Worship in a Changing CultureRev. Aaron Vriesman is the pastor at North Blendon CRC in Hudsonville, MI.Revs Eric Dirksen and Aleah Marsden are pastors at Christ Church in Davis, CA. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Welcome to the 2025 Abide Project Lecture Series! Michael Bentley and Curtis Meliefste host Rebecca McLaughlin as she talks about her latest book and the topic of same sex relationships in the Bible.Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality (Biblical response to lgbtq+, homosexuality) was released in 2024 from The Good Book Company. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Listen to the latest article from Rev. Aaron Vriesman. Download the beautiful PDF version below Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Listen in to a conversation between conference attendees and Abide Project Steering Committee members as they discuss the future of the CRC. The Abide Project is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Rev. Stephen Terpstra hosts a panel to discuss the topic of 'salvation issues.' This was a notable debate on the floor of CRCNA Synod 2024. Tune in this interesting discussion as we seek to reflect biblically and theologically on this term that has arisen in the CRCNA in recent years.Subscribe to receive all the Abide Project videos, podcasts, and articles directly in your inbox. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Listen in on the second panel discussion from the For the Sake of the Faith convention. In this discussion, Eric, Willy, Matthew, and Scott discuss elder and deacon training in the Christian Reformed Church. We hope you benefit from this discussion.Subscribe to get all the talks from the Abide Project Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Tune into the panel discussion hosted by Revs Tyler and Cedric about the CRCNA Synod 2024. Thank you to the delegates who served and shared! Subscribe to get all the talks from the Abide Project Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Rev. Derek Buikema of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park (Chicagoland, IL) gives the fourth plenary address to attendees of the 2024 Abide Project convention from Titus 3. Throughout the convention, ministers gave addresses from Paul's letter to Titus. Subscribe so you do not miss out on the rest of the uploads from the For the Sake of the Faith Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Rev. Harry Frielink of Covenant CRC in Barrie, Ontario gives the third plenary address to attendees of the 2024 Abide Project convention from Titus 2. Throughout the convention, ministers gave addresses from Paul's letter to Titus. Subscribe so you do not miss out on the rest of the uploads from the For the Sake of the Faith Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Rev. Mark VanDyke of Almond Valley CRC in Ripon CA and co-host of Reformed Podmatics Podcast gives the second plenary address to attendees of the 2024 @abideproject convention from Titus 1:5-16. Throughout the convention, ministers gave addresses from Paul's letter to Titus. Subscribe so you do not miss out on the rest of the uploads from the For the Sake of the Faith Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Rev. John Klompien of Calvary CRC in Orange City Iowa gives the first plenary address to attendees of the 2024 Abide Project convention from Titus 1:1-4. Throughout the convention, ministers gave addresses from Paul's letter to Titus. Subscribe so you do not miss out on the rest of the uploads from the For the Sake of the Faith Convention Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Dr. Jeffrey Wiema, Professor of New Testament at Calvin Seminary joined the Abide Project Convention for a special public session on July 30th beginning at 7pm at First CRC in Sioux Center, Iowa. He gave a talk entitled “The Sanctity of Sex. Living a Holy Life in a Sex, Saturated Society (1 Thess. 4:1-8)” Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the official Abide Project Synod Reporters!Synod reconvened today for their final day of plenary session; delegates will be heading home today to wherever they are from. There were a few decisions made that Tyler and Cedric recap and they also recap the entire week of synod highlighthing some of the major decisions made by the church. We are thankful to God for so many positive decisions that put the CRC on a firm biblical and confessional ground, and thankful for the diligent work of the offices, Derek, Stephen, Josh, and Dan. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the official Abide Project Synod Reporters!Synod gathered in plenary session today to take up some weighty matters. We praise God for His faithfulness to the CRCNA that we might be able to call some of our errant churches and officebearers to repentance and we pray they might be restored to us. Today was a big day for the CRC that will be talked about for many years. Tune in to hear Cedric and Tyler recap all the decisions and events of today’s gathering. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the official Abide Project Synod Reporters!Synod continues with its work as they gathered in the chapel at Calvin University. Today they heard from ecumenical partners, continued to work through gravamen report, and discussed ecclesiastical relations with the RCA. Subscribe to get all the Synod Updates! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the official Abide Project Synod Reporters!Monday, June 17 can feel like the true beginning to Synod. Throughout the weekend advisory committees were working and submitting various reports and then they get discussed and deliberated on during plenary session. Today was a significant day because Committee 9 (gravamen) delivered their report and the body began to deliberate - dealing with the first recommendation of their report. Subscribe to get all the Synod Updates! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the official Abide Project Synod Reporters!Friday, June 14 was the first in-person session for the CRCNA 2024 Synod. Tyler and Cedric attended as observers and are here with an update to report on the deliberations and happenings of the day. This day is a short day if plenary session, with a single session mostly dedicated to housekeeping and getting things started. The delegates will spend the bulk of their time in advisory committees in preparation for next week’s plenary sessions. Subscribe to get all the Synod Updates! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Reverends Wagenmaker and Parsels are back this year as the offiicial Abide Project Synod Reporters! Just the other day, on May 29, Synod 2024 began with a virtual session to elect officers and struggle through technology. They will meet once more via zoom for Advisory Committee introductions before convening IRL at Calvin University in mid-June. Subscribe to get all the Synod Updates! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Richard, or Redeemed Zoomer is a youtuber who began the Reconquista Movement. Richard grew up as secular leftist and converted to Christianity in his teens. In this podcast, we discuss his conversion, the PCUSA, the CRC, the Reconquista Movement, and his YouTube channel. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Aaron Renn is a writer and consultant in Indianapolis who is a co-founder and Senior Fellow at American Reformer. He had a first career in management and technology consulting advising major corporations as a Partner at Accenture. Aaron then had a second career in urban policy as a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. Today his focus is on helping conservatives and the American church rise to the challenge of finding success in the 21st century. You can find out more about Aaron below. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

This was recorded at the 2023 Abide Project Convention in Oak Lawn Illinois.What a blessing to gather together as those who desire reformation, renewal, and revival within the CRC– in our congregations and in our own lives. We trust God’s provision over our time together as we sit under the preaching of his Word and following the leading of his Holy Spirit in our discussions and fellowship. May you be deeply encouraged.We offer our sincere thanks to Calvary Church Oak Lawn for hosting this gathering of Confessional Christian Reformed Churches. Thanks to Pastor Daniel Stidham and their Council for the invitation. A particular thanks to Jim and Barb Bolhuis for coordinating many of the logistics of our time together. Much work has gone into planning for two days and we are very grateful.We would also like to acknowledge the committee members of our gathering who have contributed to the organization of this convention, as well as the moderators, readers, and of course our speakers. We offer sincere thanks for all of their collaborative efforts. Without them there is no convention!To God Alone Be the Glory! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

This was recorded at the 2023 Abide Project Convention in Oak Lawn Illinois.What a blessing to gather together as those who desire reformation, renewal, and revival within the CRC– in our congregations and in our own lives. We trust God’s provision over our time together as we sit under the preaching of his Word and following the leading of his Holy Spirit in our discussions and fellowship. May you be deeply encouraged.We offer our sincere thanks to Calvary Church Oak Lawn for hosting this gathering of Confessional Christian Reformed Churches. Thanks to Pastor Daniel Stidham and their Council for the invitation. A particular thanks to Jim and Barb Bolhuis for coordinating many of the logistics of our time together. Much work has gone into planning for two days and we are very grateful.We would also like to acknowledge the committee members of our gathering who have contributed to the organization of this convention, as well as the moderators, readers, and of course our speakers. We offer sincere thanks for all of their collaborative efforts. Without them there is no convention!To God Alone Be the Glory! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

This was recorded at the 2023 Abide Project Convention in Oak Lawn Illinois.What a blessing to gather together as those who desire reformation, renewal, and revival within the CRC– in our congregations and in our own lives. We trust God’s provision over our time together as we sit under the preaching of his Word and following the leading of his Holy Spirit in our discussions and fellowship. May you be deeply encouraged.We offer our sincere thanks to Calvary Church Oak Lawn for hosting this gathering of Confessional Christian Reformed Churches. Thanks to Pastor Daniel Stidham and their Council for the invitation. A particular thanks to Jim and Barb Bolhuis for coordinating many of the logistics of our time together. Much work has gone into planning for two days and we are very grateful.We would also like to acknowledge the committee members of our gathering who have contributed to the organization of this convention, as well as the moderators, readers, and of course our speakers. We offer sincere thanks for all of their collaborative efforts. Without them there is no convention!To God Alone Be the Glory! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The Abide Project Lecture Series continues. We are excited to welcome Jonathon Van MarenA columnist, author, speaker, podcaster, and activist. Jonathon’s writings have been translated into more than six languages and published in the National Post, National Review, First Things, The Federalist, The American Conservative, The Stream, the Jewish Independent, the Hamilton Spectator, Reformed Perspective Magazine, LifeSiteNews, and LifeNews, among others.He is a contributing editor to The European Conservative.His insights have been featured on CTV, Global News, and the CBC, as well as over twenty radio stations. He regularly speaks on a variety of social issues at universities, high schools, churches, and other functions in Canada, the United States, and Europe.He is the author of The Culture War, Seeing is Believing: Why Our Culture Must Face the Victims of Abortion, Patriots: The Untold Story of Ireland’s Pro-Life Movement, Prairie Lion: The Life and Times of Ted Byfield, and co-author of A Guide to Discussing Assisted Suicide with Blaise Alleyne.Jonathon serves as the communications director for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform.Visit https://thebridgehead.ca to learn more about Jonathon Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The Abide Project Lecture Series continues. We are excited to welcome Rebecca McLaughlinTwo things have always fascinated Rebecca: the power of words and the message of  the gospel.  She loves exploring the message of Jesus with broken people  (everyone), and she longs to be part of the rediscovery of the Christian  faith as an intellectual movement.Her first book, Confronting Christianity: 12 hard questions for the world's largest religion,  was published by Crossway and The Gospel Coalition in 2019. It was  featured on the TED summer reading list and named "Book of the Year" by Christianity Today.She  grew up in the UK and holds a Ph.D. in English literature from  Cambridge and a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London.In  2008, she moved to America and spent 9 years with The Veritas Forum,  where she served as VP of Content and had the privilege of identifying and  equipping Christian professors to speak about their faith in relation  to their work.In September 2017, Rebecca co-founded Vocable Communications.    Vocable is a speech-focused, data-driven communications firm dedicated  to helping leaders deliver messages that change minds.Rebecca has one husband, three kids, and enough close friends to sustain her ENFP heart! Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

David Murray (PhD, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) is the senior pastor of First Byron Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan. He is also a counselor, a regular speaker at conferences, and the author of Reset and Exploring the Bible. David has taught Old Testament, counseling, and pastoral theology at various seminaries. www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The Abide Project Lecture Series continues. We are excited to welcome Dr. Neil ShenviThank you for hosting me!  My name is Neil Shenvi.  Whether you’re a Christian seeking  a better understanding of the evidence for Christianity, an agnostic  who isn’t sure what he believes, or a committed atheist, I hope you’ll  find this site helpful.https://shenviapologetics.com/www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

        Last year, I set out to explain why I believe that the denominational office’s interpretation of confessional-difficulty gravamina is not only incorrect, but also immoral and likely to prove damaging to the CRC’s confessional integrity. Some of the arguments that I used in those articles were included in an overture that my council sent to Classis Grandville. In January, Classis Grandville adopted my council’s overture and has sent it on to Synod 2023.        Interestingly, on the same day that Classis Grandville met to discuss my council’s overture, the denominational offices decided  to publish what would eventually become the first of two articles by Prof. Kathy Smith (Professor of Church Order at Calvin Theological Seminary) on the topic of confessional-difficulty gravamina. In her first article, entitled, “Gravamen: What It Is and How to Use It,” Prof. Smith reaffirms her commitment to the denominational office’s interpretation of confessional-difficulty gravamina and attempts to justify that interpretation by appealing to CRC church history. Highlighting the importance of these historical claims to her argument, the denominational offices published a second article by Prof. Smith a few days later, entitled, “Summary of the History behind the Guidelines for Gravamina.” https://www.abideproject.org/a-more-accurate-history Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The Abide Project Lecture Series continues. We are excited to welcome Calvin Seminary Professor Matthew J Tuininga. Matt began teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary in 2016. He previously taught at Emory University and Oglethorpe University, in Atlanta, Georgia, and at Sewanee, University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee. His research focuses on religion, society and politics in American history. He is currently writing a book for Oxford University Press entitled The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America’s First People, a historical narrative of missions and war in 17th Century New England. His first book, Calvin’s Political Theology and the Public Engagement of the Church: Christ’s Two Kingdoms, was published with Cambridge University Press in 2017. He is the editor of On Charity and Justice, a volume of Abraham Kuyper’s collected works in public theology, published by Lexham Press in 2022. He has also written a number of journal articles and book chapters on Christianity and slavery before the Civil War and on the history of Reformed political thought. Matt teaches courses in ethics, history, and political thought. He formerly worked as a legislative correspondent for a Member of Congress and as a counter-terrorism intelligence analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Matt and his wife Elizabeth have three children. Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Jim Weidenaar joined the Harvest USA staff in June of 2012 as Director for the Greater Pittsburgh Region (GPR). In April 2021, he also became the Director of Church Equipping at Harvest USA. Jim has a burden to help those struggling with sexual sin, that they will come to understand and experience progress in gospel repentance.Jim has a Masters Degree in Theological Studies (MTS) from Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, and a Doctorate in Historical and Theological Studies (PhD) from Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside, PA. He resides in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh with his wife and daughter.www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The Abide Project hosts Becket Cook, host of The Becket Cook Show. Thanks, Becket for sharing the gospel! Visit https://www.becketcook.com/ Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Dr. Leeman is the Editorial Director of 9Marks. He has authored several books on the church, including the nature and application of faithful church discipline as loving and necessary for yielding life, health, holiness, and growth in the local church. We will be discussing this in the context of the HSR and beyond. Join us! www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Jose Rayas (Westminster Seminary California – MDiv) serves a bi-vocational Pastor at Valley Ridge Community Church in Socorro, Texas.  He also serves as Stated Clerk of Classis Arizona and has been delegated to Synod multiple times, serving as an officer of Synod on more than one occasion.  Pastor Rayas is actively involved in the Consejo Latino: a network of Hispanic pastors, leaders, and congregations within the CRC started officially in 2015 seeking to strength congregations and leaders.  The Consejo is also active with churches in Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, as well as in Canada and the U.S., helping those looking for broader affiliation come into the CRC.  The Consejo Latino has formulated a position statement that has been adopted by Classes California South as a communication to Synod 2022.  This statement declares the support of the Latino pastors and congregations for the Human Sexuality Report.  We will be discussing this with Rev. Rayas as well as his work as a member of the Human Sexuality study committee as well as the Consejo statement and the affect of this wrestling on the Hispanic churches within the CRC Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

The “Abide Lecture Series” continues with Dave Beelen who serves as an advisor/contributor to The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender.  Dave pastored Madison Square CRC in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for 35 years, which grew into a multi-ethnic, multi-site church.  During his time serving at Madison Dave pastored many LGBTQ+ people, desiring to lead them as a pastor in building a grace and truth community.  Dave is married to Melanie, his wife of 40+ years.  He is also proud to be a father and grandfather.   Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Branson Parler (Ph.D., Calvin Theological Seminary) is professor of theology at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a pastor, author, and speaker. He teaches and writes on a wide variety of topics in theology, philosophy, and biblical studies. He serves on the collaborative leadership team for The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender and as Director of Faith Formation at Fourth Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.Visit www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe

Mark Tooley is the president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, a think tank rallying Christians to champion biblical, historic Christianity and its role in democratic society, and to defeat revisionist challenges. Mark is a lifelong United Methodist with many years advocating for renewal in the UMC.Visit www.abideproject.org Get full access to The Abide Project at www.abideproject.org/subscribe