This Substack covers CRC matters, with a focus on:
Institutions
History and culture
Polity and governance
All posts assume you have some context or know where to get it. Thus, they’re light on introduction and background. E.g. if I write “the Committee 8’s minority report” I’ll either assume you know what that means or will have enough interest to Google it.
I write only about what I can cite publicly (in minutes, articles, websites, YouTube videos, etc.) or what I have permission to share. I am not an office-bearer and I am not involved in any official way in the denomination, Better Together, Abide, A1B, or any other group. I have no access to any information other than what’s available for anyone to find.
I do not write about anything from personal conversations, anything posted in private Facebook groups, anything shared in unlisted YouTube videos, etc..
I read every comment, email, and message, but I don’t usually respond (sorry!). This feedback has caused me to change my mind about something I’ve written a handful of times.
Usually once I’m 80% sure of something, I’ll write about it. My view is that if I’m never changing my mind once in awhile I’m probably not curious enough or thinking carefully enough.
Posting schedule
In spring 2024, I posted each weekday evening.
In summer and fall 2024, posting is infrequent and sporadic, for three reasons: 1) I’m busy with work and family matters; 2) there’s not a lot to cite publicly yet post-Synod 2024, though that will change with fall classis meetings; and 3) I’m not sure I have much to add.
I’ll likely start posting regularly in December 2024.
The Why
I started this Substack as a way to work out in writing some tentative thoughts in the months leading up to Synod 2024 and to fill in gaps in the general conversation. I thought only a few close family and friends would read it, so I’ve been both surprised, humbled, and grateful the interest and response has extended well beyond these circles.
Who reads this Substack?
As far as I can tell (which is not much), the audience is about equal on the right and on the left. Most subscribers seem to be involved in the Christian Reformed Church in some official or quasi-official way, e.g. as office-bearers, faculty and alumni of CRC institutions, employees of the denomination or its agencies, people who are active in unofficial CRC-related organizations, like Abide, A1B, Better Together, etc..
Oh, and lots of people from Lynden read this Substack. Hi, everyone!
