Ivanrest Church Discipleship

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 o...

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...

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....

"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 ap...

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 w...

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 treat...

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 Bib...

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 Exer...

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, t...