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The Calvin Forum: Winter 2025, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 35., WINTER 2025

Main Features: 2 - Letter from the President

6 - Where are the Pastors?

10 - Formation of Leaders in a Liminal season

16 - Where do Pastors come from?

23 - The minister as a manager of the mysteries of God

29 - Pastors are there and will be there

34 - Who will disciple the next generation of Disciple-makers?

39 - Raising up Ministry Leaders from the next generation

42 - Training Ministry leaders from the next generation

48 - Hope in the ruins

55 - A journey through Seminary in …

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2025, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 36., SUMMER 2025

Main Features: 2 - Letter from the President

6- How John Calvin Shaped Modern Seminary Education BY KARIN MAAG

12- Why Calvin? Naming a Seminary After a Theologian of Consolation BY SAM HA

18- Reformed Roots in the Global South: Indonesia’s Calvinist Heritage BY YUDHA THIANTO

24- Why Bavinck and Kuyper?

26- Herman Bavinck and the Mission of Calvin Seminary: Theology That Glorifies God BY JESSICA JOUSTRA

30- Why Abraham Kuyper’s Vision Still Shapes Reformed Theology and Education BY JORDAN BALLOR

34- Carrying Calvin’s Legacy: How Calvin Theological Seminary Equips Culturally Engaged Ministry …

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2024, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 34., SUMMER 2024

Main Features: 5 - Letter from the President

8 - Calvin Theological Seminary: A living tradition of service for the 21st Century

12- Virtuous reasoning

15 - Why on Earth look to the church for help in society?

19 - Bringing the trouble to church: the call to Christ-Centered mental health support

22 - The need for effective leaders: Competency-based education on the rise

24 - A challenging journey: Preaching through competition, wariness, and trauma

Calvin Seminary News: 28 - Calvin Theological seminary partners with Missional training center

31 - Calvin Theological …

The Calvin Forum: Winter 2024, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 33., Winter 2024

Main Features: 5 - Letter from the President

8 - Introduction: What does it mean to be Reformed?

10- Coming around the table to explore our reformed identity

14 - Understanding reformed identity from a teaching, learning, & scholarship perspective

18 - Essays on being Reformed

20 - Reformed identity through the eyes of a Professor of philosophical theology

24 - New faculty members' reflections on Reformed Identity

28 - Looking ahead: A faculty project on the Reformed Identity of Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Seminary News: 32 - Latino Minitries program update …

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2023, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 32., Summer 2023

Main Features: 5 - Letter from the President

8 - Engaging scripture in Uganda: A cross-cultural context

12- The fifth gospel

16- The Bible Core and the New Curriculum at Calvin Theological Seminary

20 - Reading scripture in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world

22 - Hearing the book of revelation with "Teo Ears"

Calvin Seminary News: 28 - CTS Faculty Mary Vanden Berg publishes book on Human Uniqueness

30 - Responding to a critical need: Calvin Seminary launches MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling

32 - CTS …

The Calvin Forum: Winter 2022, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 30. No. 1, WINTER 2022

Main Features: 3 - Rooted in Christ, reforming for the future.

4 - Seminaries aren't just for pastors anymore: Equipping the priesthood of all believers

8 - Formation and the act of being attentive

11 - Vocational Ministry in Action

12 - Ready and open to God's leading: Seminary renovations to be completed this Spring

18- Handlon's priesthood of believers

22- Next steps initiative

26- Center for excellence in preaching

Calvin Seminary News: 26 - Faculty Book Highlight

27 - New Staff

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2022, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 30. No. 2, SUMMER/FALL 2022

Main Features: 3 - The gift of hospitality.

4 - The hospitality of God.

8 - Hospitality in the doctrine of election

12 - Misreading Jesus' command to serve

18- Bringing Global Mission experience to Calvin Seminary

24- Alumni serving around the world

Calvin Seminary News: 28 - New faculty hires

30- Calvin Theological Seminary retirees

34- Faculty Book Highlight

35- New Staff Member

36- Distinguished Alumni

The Calvin Forum: Summer 2021, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 28. No. 2, SUMMER 2021

Main Features: 3 - 25 years & Counting!

4 - Women-In-Office: What is the CRCNA position, how did we get here, and what does it mean?

8 - Partners in the Gospel

12 - Twenty-Five Years on: Just look at what God has done!!

18- My Calling

22- Following step by step

26- Moments in ministry formation 30- Songs of Redemption

Calvin Seminary News:32 - New Books

34- Distinguished Alumni

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: January 2020, Julius T. Medenblik, Amanda W. Benckhuysen, Jeffery A. D. Weima, Shannon Jammal-Hollemans

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Main Features
3 - Hurting Churches & Hurting Pastors by Jul Medenblik
4 - Grief & Doubt in the Christian Life
8 - Christian Triumphalism by Gibson Danjuma
12 - Dementia & Wilderness by Mary L. Vanden Berg

Q&A: The Hurting Church
16 - Are Christians Allowed to Grieve the Death of a Loved One? by Jeffrey A. D. Weima
18 - Where Does Pastoral Care End? by Shannon Jammal - Hollemans
20 - What to Do When Church Leadership Feels Lonely? by Cecil Van Niejenhuis

Calvin Seminary News
22 - Calvin Seminary Names New Canadian Church Relations Liaison: Shawn …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: Winter 2019, Amanda W. Benckhuysen, Matthew Cooke, Mariano Avila, Margaret Mwenda

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

3 - God's Plan by Jul Medenblik

4 - Making Immigration Our Problem by Amanda W. Benckhuysen

8 - Trauma, Forced Migration, and the Role of the Church by Matthew Cooke

12 - Latino/ A Evangelical Immigrants in West Michigan by Mariano Avila

16 - Informing, Equipping, and Connecting African Immigrants in Grand Rapids, Michigan

19 - Loving Your Neighbor

22 - Faculty News

22 - New Faces

23 - Other News

24 - Year in Review

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2018, Julius T. Medenblik, Mary Vanden Berg, Amanda W. Benckhuysen, Geoff Vandermolen

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

4 - Why Go to Seminary? Hoop, Hurdle or Vital Necessity? by President Jul Medenblik
6 - Are You on the Journey towards Seminary?
8 - The Stranger at the River Jabbok by Amanda W. Benckhuysen
12 - Courageous Leadership in God's Kingdom by Geoff Vandermolen
16 - Honing Contextual Savvy by Cory B. Wilson
23 - Seminary: A Layman's Perspective by Sidney J. Jansma, Jr.
24 - Encouraging One Another to Grow Up into Christ
26 - Together, We'll Invest in Your Calling
28 - Discerning Your Call by Aaron Einfeld
30 - Calvin Seminary Q&A by Gary Burge

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: Summer 2018, Matthew J. Tunninga, Jeffery A. D. Weima, Lyle D. Bierma, Bruce Buursma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

3 - On the Potter's Wheel by President Jul Medenblik
4 - The Grace of Discipline by Matthew J. Tunninga
8 - Dare to Discipline! by Jeffery A. D. Weima
12 - Practicing Church Discipline: Wisdom from the Field by Jul Medenbik + Sarah Schereiber
15 - What's New @ Calvin Seminary
16 - Phd Program Celeberates Silver Anniversary by Lyle Bierma
18 - Retirement Profile: Michael Williams by Bruce Buursma
20 - Distinguished Missionaries
22 - Distinguished Alumni
26 - Recent Faculty Publications + New Faces

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2017, Karin Maag, Lee Hardy, Matthew Cooke, Bruce Buursma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: What Can Catholics and Protestants Learn From One Another Today? by Jul Medenblik
4 - Reformed and Catholic Worship – Are There Any Points of Convergence? by Karin Maag
7 - Learning about the Lord’s Supper from Roman Catholics by Ronald Feenstra
10 - Christian Ethics, Protestant and Catholic: 500 Years After the Reformation by Matt Tuininga
13 - The Meaning of Martha: Catholics and Protestants on Work and Vocation by Lee Hardy
16 - 500 Years Later: A Conversation Between Catholics and Protestants by Matt Cooke
18 - John Bolt Retires by Bruce …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2017, Karin Maag, Lyle D. Bierma, Laura De Jong, Wayne Tenharmsel

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: More Than a Slogan by Jul Medenblik
4 - Sola Fide by Jeffrey A. D. Weima
6 - Sola Scriptura by John W. Cooper
8 - Solo Christo by Karin Maag
10 - Sola Gratia by Lyle D. Bierma
12 - Soli Deo Gloria by Matthew J.Tuininga
14 - John Cooper by Bruce Buursma
16 - Dean Deppe by Bruce Buursma
18 - Defeating the Powers of Darkness and Establishing a Kingdom of Love by Chris Meehan
20 - Handlon Students Mark First Milestone at Convocation by Jonathan Gorter
26 - Surprised by Snow: …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2016, Richard Mouw, Amanda W. Benckhuysen, Danjuma Gibson, Geoff Vandermolen

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: Loving Your Neighbor Today (and Tomorrow!) by Jul Medenblik
4 - Loving Your Neighbor by Richard Mouw
6 - Old Testament Insights on Loving Your Neighbor by Amanda Benckhuysen
8 - Why & How Should Christians Engage Their Neighbors of Other Faiths? by Cory Willson
11 - Trauma: Suffering in Silence by Danjuma Gibson
14 - Loving Your Neighbor with Dementia by Mary Vandenberg
16 - CEP Summer Seminars 2016 by Scott Hoezee
19 - Vocational Formation — A new name, a renewed focus by Geoff Vandermolen
20 - Reflections on China Today by …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: March 2016, Julius T. Medenblik, Cory Willson, Mary Vanden Berg, Sarah Schreiber

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Articles
3 - From the President: How Now Shall We Live? by Jul Medenblik
4 - Every Believer Called to Mission by Cory Willson
6 - Prayers from the Missional Conference by Mary Vanden Berg and Sarah Schreiber
8 - Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics by John Bolt
9 - Meet Herman Bavinck by Jessica Driesenga
12 - Fostering Formation for Mission in Our Classrooms by Kristy Manion
15 - Is There a Future for Sacrifice? by Erin Zoutendam
16 - Taste and See Israel Trip by Paula Seales
18 - Church Growth and Its Challenges in Ethiopia by Fikre Norcha

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2015, Julius T. Medenblik, John W. Cooper, Jeffrey A.D. Weima, Arie C. Leder

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Biblical and Hermeneutical Reflections on Same-Sex Relationships

Articles
3 - Entering the Conversation by Jul Medenblik
5 - Not Like Women in Office: Scripture, Hermeneutics, and Same-Sex Relations by John W. Cooper
9 - Same-Sex Activity: What Does the New Testament Say? by Jeffrey A.D. Weima
13 - Until my Body Finds its Rest in You, O Lord by Arie C. Leder
17 - From Dream to Forum Editorial from the Inaugural Issue by David E. Holwerda

Called to Serve
18 - Calvin Seminary’s Certificate for Hispanic Ministry Program
19 - 2015 Convocation Address excerpts from Professor Mary Vanden Berg …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2014, Arie C. Leder, Michael J. Williams, John M. Rottman, Carl J. Bosma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Old Testament: God’s Word for Today

Articles
3 - Reading the Bible Backwards by Arie C. Leder
5 - Christ in the Old Testament by Michael J. Williams
8 - Preaching Old Testament Texts by John M. Rottman
10 - Forgiveness—A Key to Happiness by Carl J. Bosma
12 - The Old Testament as a Resource for Christian Discipleship Amanda W. Benckhuysen
15 - Teaching the Language of the Old Testament by Michael J. Williams

Called to Serve
18 - Retirement Tributes by Bruce Buursma
21 - Distinguished Alumni Awards

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2013, Michael W. Goheen, Calvin P. Van Reken, Kevin Adams, Carl J. Bosma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Engaging the Church
Articles
3 - The Church: Who and Whose Are We? by Michael W. Goheen
5 - Why Join a Church? by Calvin P. Van Reken
7 - What Attracts People to the Church? (and what puts them off) by Kevin Adams
9 - Church Engagement A Roundtable Discussion
11 - Vision for the Seminary’s Institute for Global Church Planting and Renewal (IGCPR) by Carl J. Bosma

Departments
14 - Distinguished Alumni
15 - New Staf

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: January 2013, Stan Mast, John W. Cooper, John Bolt, Lyle D. Bierma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Engaging the Forms of Unity
Articles
3 - Preaching Sound Doctrine in a Time of Itching Ears by Stan Mast
5 - The Pros and Cons of Confessions by John W. Cooper
7 - The Belgic Confession (1561)—Testimony of an Oppressed Church by John Bolt
9 - Engaging the Heidelberg Catechism by Lyle Bierma
11 - The Canons of Dort by Richard Muller
13 - The Confessions in the Church

Departments
14 - Mentored Ministries by Al Gelder
14 - New Staf

The Calvin Forum: Fall 2012, Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

CONTENTS - Vol. 19., FALL 2012

Main Features:
2- Mission as the Key to Unlocking the GrandStory of the Bible by Michael W. Goheen

5- Nature and Culture Against Scripture: Why WeDon’t Like to Read the Bible by John W. Cooper

7- Reading and Living Out the Truth: Overcoming Biblical ADD by Michael J. Williams

9- The Bible Tells Me So: Knowing Confidently What Scripture Teaches by Jeffrey A. D. Weima

Departments:

11- Called to Serve at CTS

12-Welcome

14- Serving the Church

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2012, Scott Hoezee, John Bolt, Carl Bosma, John Rottman

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

A Week at Calvin Theological Seminary
6 - The Ministry Theorem: Science for Ministry by Scott Hoezee
7 - Classic Reformed Theology: Still Serving the Church by John Bolt
8 - CTS: Serving Global Church Planting and Renewal by Carl Bosma
9 - Visiting, Learning and Serving in Angola Prison by John Rottman
10 - Preaching God’s Word in Classis Red Mesa by Jeff Weima
11 - International Conversation on the Gospel in Latin America by Mariano Avila
12 - Admissions Department Update by Matt Cooke
13 - A CTS Classroom in Your Own Context by Peter Choi
14 - …

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2010, Mariano Avila, Lyle D. Bierma, John Bolt, John W. Cooper

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Belhar Confession
3 - Confession of Belhar
5 - Making Shalom: The Belhar Confession by Mariano Avila
6 - Adopting the Belhar: Confession or Testimony? by Lyle D. Bierma
8 - Necessary Testimony—Flawed Confession? by John Bolt
10 - Context and Confusion: What Does the Belhar Confess? by John Cooper
12 - The Belhar Speaks Today by Ronald J. Feenstra

Departments
14 - Formation for Ministry

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2010, John W. Cooper, Scott Hoezee, Calvin Van Reken, Ronald J. Nydam

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Death and Dying
3 - What Happens When We Die? by John W. Cooper
5 - “As in Adam …” by Scott Hoezee
7 - A Hard Waiting for the Lord by Calvin Van Reken
9 - The Fear of Facing Death by Ron Nydam
11 - Growing Through Grief An interview with Robert C. DeVries and Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge

Departments
14 - Formation for Ministry
15 - News

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2009, John W. Cooper, Ronald J. Nydam, John Rottman, Mary Hulst

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Prayer
3 - Can Prayer Really Change Things? by John W. Cooper
5 - God Hears the Prayers of Many by Ron Nydam
6 - A School of Love and Prayer by John Rottman
8 - “Amen!” by Mary Hulst
10 - Praying Around the World Roundtable Discussion

Departments
14 - Making Connections
15 - Continuing Education

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2008, Mary S. Hulst, Wilbert M. Van Dyk, Lyle D. Bierma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Baptism
3 - Remembering Baptism by Mary S. Hulst
6 - Grace Abounding: A Conversation on Baptism
10 - The Baptism of Babies: What Does the Bible Say? by Wilbert M. Van Dyk
12 - Infant Baptism in Our Reformed Confessions by Lyle D. Bierma
14 - Interview with David Gifford: Challenges of Baptism in a Missionary Setting

Departments
15 - Continuing Education

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2008, Lyle D. Bierma, Henry De Moor, Kathy Smith

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Being a Confessional Church
3 - Why Be a Confessional Church? by Lyle D. Bierma
5 - Theology That Sings: A Discussion on the Confessions Today
9 - With Integrity of Heart and Spirit by Henry De Moor
11 - Is It Time for a New Confession? by Kathy Smith

Departments
13 - Formation for Ministry
15 - News

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2007, Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Scott Hoezee, David Holwerda, Anne Zaki

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on the Work of the Holy Spirit
3 - The Secret Agent by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
5 - The Work of the Holy Spirit A Faculty Discussion
9 - Bright Wings: The Ever-Moving Spirit by Scott E. Hoezee
11 - The Neo-Pentecostal Movement Encounters the Third Wave by David E. Holwerda
13 - It’s Not Even My Fight! by Anne Zaki

Departments
14 - Making Connections
15 - News

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: April 2007, Lyle D. Bierma, David M. Rylaarsdam, Jeffrey A.D. Weima, John D. Witvliet

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Children at the Lord's Supper
3 - Children at the Lord’s Supper and Reformed Theology by Lyle D. Bierma
5 - United, Separated, Re-united: The Story of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper by David M. Rylaarsdam
7 - Children at the Lord’s Supper and the Key Text of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 by Jeffrey A.D. Weima
9 - Children at the Table: Some Provisional Answers to the Practical Questions by John D. Witvliet

Departments
12 - Continuing Education
13 - News
14 - Formation for Ministry

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: October 2006, Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Calvin Van Reken, John Rottman, Richard E. Sytsma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

Reflections on Sin
3 - Sin by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
5 - The Calling of Matthew by Calvin Van Reken
7 - Get Rid of Sin in Church by John Rottman
9 - The Threads of Guilt and Shame in the Gospel Message by Richard E. Sytsma
10 - Sin and Grace in Pastoral Care Class by Kathy Smith

Departments
12 - Formation for Ministry