HISTORY OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS IN THE RCA REGARDING HUMAN SEXUALITY
VISION 2020 - HISTORY AND REPORT
BOOKS ON DISCERNMENT
HOW TO CREATE THE SPACE FOR HIGH-STAKES CONVERSATIONS
FREE LEADERSHIP COACHING
FREE, SHORT-TERM DISCUSSION GUIDES
COLOSSIAN FORUM CHURCH-WIDE CURRICULUM *available through an RSC grant
COLOSSIAN FORUM FACILITATOR TRAINING *available through an RSC grant
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A NOTE ON UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Please note that the Regional Synod of Canada does not endorse positions other than the RCA's position on human sexuality. As an assembly of the RCA, we uphold the RCA's positions and decisions on the matter of human sexuality, and those are traditional. HOWEVER, multiple persons and groups within our synod have requested resources on the alternative perspectives, so that they can better understand their own position in response to those perspectives.
Again, please do not interpret the posting of these resources as an endorsement. The RSC upholds the RCA's positions and decisions on the matter of human sexuality, and those are traditional. However, it is wise to know about alternative perspectives, even for the strengthening of our own.
VISION 2020 - HISTORY AND REPORT
- How we got here
- Vision 2020 report
- Vision 2020 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Vision 2020 Reading & Discussion Guide
BOOKS ON DISCERNMENT
- Pursuing God's Will Together - Ruth Haley Barton
- Discerning God's Will Together - Morris & Olsen
HOW TO CREATE THE SPACE FOR HIGH-STAKES CONVERSATIONS
- Creating a Container for Conversation - article
FREE LEADERSHIP COACHING
- Marijke is a trained leadership coach, and is available to coach pastors and leaders who are facilitating discussion processes in their congregations
FREE, SHORT-TERM DISCUSSION GUIDES
- Discussion Guide on Sexuality/Homosexuality in Five Parts - for small groups
- Model for Faithful Conversation - by Rev. Dr. Mara Joy Norden *This model is designed for use in local evangelical Christian congregations whose members hold different viewpoints on same-sex marriage. It draws from three sources: 1) The Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit; 2) Restorative Circles; and 3) John Paul Lederach’s peacebuilding practices for sustainable social change.
COLOSSIAN FORUM CHURCH-WIDE CURRICULUM *available through an RSC grant
- Colossian Forum Website - The Forum's MISSION is to equip leaders to transform cultural conflicts into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness. Their VISION is a Christian community that acts Christian, especially in the face of conflict.
- Free: Sexuality Discussion Curriculum Sample Download
COLOSSIAN FORUM FACILITATOR TRAINING *available through an RSC grant
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A NOTE ON UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER PERSPECTIVES
Please note that the Regional Synod of Canada does not endorse positions other than the RCA's position on human sexuality. As an assembly of the RCA, we uphold the RCA's positions and decisions on the matter of human sexuality, and those are traditional. HOWEVER, multiple persons and groups within our synod have requested resources on the alternative perspectives, so that they can better understand their own position in response to those perspectives.
- 15 Reasons for Affirming Same Sex Relations, and 15 Responses - Pastoral paper by Dr. Preston Sprinkle
- Hermeneutics is the art of interpreting, and applying, scripture. Why do some people seem to get a different meaning from reading the same bible? It's probably because they're looking at it through a different "hermeneutical" (interpretive) lens. There are several different historical methods of interpretation. You don't need to agree with the other methods by any means! But it helps to know them all - so you can hold your own method more strongly, and so you can understand why other people might think and act the way they do.
- For those interested in the perspectives and resources offered by Room for All, their resource page is HERE.
Again, please do not interpret the posting of these resources as an endorsement. The RSC upholds the RCA's positions and decisions on the matter of human sexuality, and those are traditional. However, it is wise to know about alternative perspectives, even for the strengthening of our own.