In many ways, this layered nature is reflected in this continued conversations about the complex challenges that face the church. While the CRCNA may have sought out clarity around the confessional nature of chastity - simply declaring it so does not detangle the complex nature of this important dialogue. It can’t. Because sexuality, among other challenges that local congregations face, is not simple.

When I accepted my call to my current church 22 years ago, I had to turn down another call. I believe that both search committees truly sought to listen to the Holy Spirit in discerning whether or not to call me. I believe that they both felt led by the Spirit to do so. We often think that God has one specific plan laid out for us and that the job of discerning his will for our lives means figuring out what that plan is. But that is a very pagan idea. It leaves our own responsibility out of the equation.

We’re glad to release another installment in our YouTube Better Together conversations. In this edition we’re joined by Ron Nydam, the Professor of Pastoral Care Emeritus from Calvin Theological Seminary.

Over the last several months, as we at Better Together have engaged in calling the church to unity, even across disagreement, for the sake of mission. Along the way we’ve been warned - “Here Be Dragons.” These warnings have intended to frighten us back onto the map.

One of the critiques we've encountered is that third-way thinking simply does not work. We disagree.

We're glad to be joined in this edition of Better Together's YouTube Conversations by Michael Gulker of The Colossian Forum as we look at how when conflict is engaged well results in discipleship.

I must admit to a similar approach to political, theological and ethical discussions. I can usually at least act like I’m listening to others’ opinions that differ from my own. But I naturally listen to those opinions in order to contradict them as well as build a stronger case for my own. When I take the time to listen to someone’s view that differs from mine, I generally do so not to understand what that person is telling me, but to refute it.

There was a time when Catholics and Protestants tortured and even killed one another for their views on baptism and communion. Now, we can sit side by side in the same classroom. My strong hope for the CRC is that we will not part ways, but continue to worship side by side with each other, whether we are “affirming” or “traditional,” whether we have settled views on matters of human sexuality or - like so many - are still asking the questions.

I’ve been frequently asked why I am a part of the CRCNA movement called Better Together. The roots of my support run deep, and are informed by the reasons for my membership in the CRC in the first place. When I first joined the CRC as a member of the Madison Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Paterson, New Jersey, I had been a member of the Anglican church for my formative years. But what drew me deeply into the CRC was the theology — especially informed by a Theology of Grace — Christ has paid it all.

One question from Jesus, perhaps more than any other, compels me continually to reassess my values, to realign my priorities, to re-examine my speech and actions. He asks: “When the Son of Man returns, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18.8) It’s that question, too, that has prompted me to add my name and lend my support to the Better Together initiative. Let me explain.