Archive for the 'The Red Brick Church' Category

Calvin: The preaching of the Word serves “To make our faith firm and steadfast, even to our dying day”

Published on April 8, 2010 in Church, Preaching and The Red Brick Church. 0 Comments

I am thankful that during my sabbatical I leave our pulpit in the capable hands of men like Mike Wittmer, Bob Bixby, and Jeremy Scott.  I remind our flock that we need to hear the Word preached, even to our dying day.

A quote from Calvin:

But St. Paul tells us that so long as we are in this world, we must continue to profit in God’s school, and have our ears beaten daily with his Word, that we may on the one hand be checked, and on the other hand be strengthened and set forward more and more. . . Therefore God’s vouchsafing to have his Word preached to us even to our dying day, serve to make our faith firm and steadfast. John Calvin[1]

[1] John Calvin, Sermons on the Epistle to the Ephesians, Rev. translation. ed. (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1973), 377.

Some Very Exciting (by our standards) Brauns Announcements, including a move to Switzerland

Published on January 28, 2010 in Pastoral Search Committees, Sabbatical, The Red Brick Church and Wisdom and Decision Making. 3 Comments

imageBrauns highlights for 2010 (D.V.!).  We are thankful for your prayers.

  • Okay, the move to Switzerland is temporary.  Our church is giving me a sabbatical this summer (not to be confused with vacation – - see a Matt Schmucker article on sabbatical here).  As a part of the sabbatical, our church has been awarded a Lilly grant which means that we will be spending 5 weeks in the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland (as seen in this picture).
  • I am writing a book with Moody the goal of which is to motivate equip churches looking for a pastor to call a pastor in a Word-centered way.  This was the subject of my doctoral thesis.  Can anything be more strategic for local churches than to call a pastor in a Word-centered way.  You can read a portion of my doctoral thesis here – - but, remember this is written in an academic way, whereas my book will be written for people in local churches.
  • The Romans Project continues on Sunday mornings, but in the Fall, I will preach a new topical (but expository) series: Direction for the Journey: Confidently Stepping Forward in Life.  These are such uncertain, confused times.  Believers so often struggle to know what to believing about God’s will.  This series will show people how to confidently step forward in a Christ-centered way.
  • One of my most significant goals for the next 5 years is to see God continue to develop men in our church as leaders.  This week I am meeting three times with men.  I am focused on this goal.
  • Our oldest daughter turns 16 this year . . . Since we brought her home from the hospital yesterday, this is an adjustment for me.
  • I will be preaching mostly to the Bricks, but also:
    • At a special conference on forgiveness in the Milwaukee area on March 20.
    • At a double ordination service at Morningstar church March 28.  I have never preached at a double wedding, let alone a double ordination.
    • As a keynote speaker at the Peacemakers National Conference, September 16-18, near Washington D.C.  (Here for the Peacemakers blog).

Here’s to First Grade Sunday School Teachers – - May Their Tribe Increase

Published on September 24, 2009 in Church, The Red Brick Church and Word of God. 1 Comment

If you’re looking for the world’s greatest Sunday School teachers, they are teaching my little girl’s class at The Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL.

My six year old, Mary Beth – who loves to get mail –- received this postcard today.  When she sees it (provided I remember to get it home) she will positively beam.

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Can any of us imagine the difference it makes in eternity, when we as church family share God’s word in loving and thoughtful ways with our children?

Do you remember Sunday School teachers who encouraged you?

Hope Children’s Center in Africa

Published on March 5, 2008 in Missions and The Red Brick Church. 0 Comments

Those of you from our church will be encouraged to know that you can read more about the orphanage project that Jeff Dodge described in church Sunday here.

I think Jeff did a great job identifying the central challenge of the parable of the Good Samaritan: (my words) True-Christlike love takes action.  We must move beyond head knowledge and cross the road and tend to the wounds of those who are hurting.

Again, for our church family – - will you help point others to this link? 

 See also: Ipods or Africa?

A Slice of Stillman Valley

Published on February 3, 2008 in The Red Brick Church. 0 Comments

Eugene Peterson wrote in Under the Unpredictable Plant that pastoral visits are:

. . . occasions for original research on the stories being shaped in their lives by the living Christ.  I go to these appointments with the same diligence and curiousity that I bring to a page of Isaiah’s oracles, a tangled argument in St. Paul . . .

 I love doing the original research of studying the lives of our people.  Exegeting the stories of our small town is one of my greatest joys.  I wrote the following newsletter article after a visit last week.

Continue reading ‘A Slice of Stillman Valley’

Being a Pastor in Stillman Valley

Published on May 28, 2007 in The Red Brick Church. 0 Comments

The seminary I attended for a Masters of Divinity asked me to write an update . . . that’s a tough thing to do.  What does one choose?  You can see my answer on the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary web page.