(CCLI) Contemporary Christian Life Issues

Sunday mornings, 10:50–11:50am
Meeting January 11 & 18 / February 1, 8 & 15 / March 1, 8, 15 & 22 / April 12 & 19 (11 sessions)
Chapel off the Rotunda
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The Contemporary Christian Life Issues class explores current and relevant faith and justice issues affecting our community, nation, and world. The goal of each session is to “think Christianly” about each topic so that we can live well together in God’s world. Speakers are often experts in their field. No sign-up is needed; come when you can.

For more information or to be added to the Simulcast Link Weekly Email List, contact Lori or 796-3361.

CCLI Winter / Spring 2026 Speaker Schedule (updated 01/12/2026)

▪ January 11: Toward a More Just Society in Honduras
Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, Executive Director, ASJ-US

For the last 27 years, the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ) has worked in Honduras on some of the most intractable problems facing Honduran society, including poverty, violence, policing, healthcare, education, corruption, and more. In our opening session of CCLI, Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap will discuss the motivation, methodology, and results of almost three decades of justice work in one of the world’s most challenging environments, and what lessons it offers followers of Jesus as we strive to enact the Kingdom values of peace and justice in our own communities.

▪ January 18: Engaging Politics with a Kingdom Posture
Rev. Ken Baker, Mentor, Life Coach, Vocational Coach, and Gallup Strengths Coach

In this session, Rev. Ken Baker will help us explore what it means to participate in politics with a Kingdom posture that helps us to love one another, even as our differences remain. Since retiring from a 40-year career in pastoral ministry, Rev. Baker has worked for the Colossian Forum as a contractor, facilitating Colossian Forum study groups, coaching, and doing training for organizations with the WayFinder material. The heart of this work entails helping Christians engage conflict (including political conflict!) as an opportunity for transformation and witness.

▪ January 25: No class on this date

▪ February 1: Understanding Reentry: Walking with Those Returning from Incarceration
Lisa Mathews, CEO, 70×7 Life Recovery

Join Lisa Mathews for an engaging and informative session exploring the realities of life after incarceration. Together, we’ll look at the challenges and mindsets of men and women returning to society, and how community, faith, and practical support make a lasting difference. You’ll also learn more about 70×7’s mission and how you can play a role in helping others find hope, purpose, and a new beginning.

▪ February 8: Building Hope: Addressing the Workforce Housing Challenge in Ottawa County
Steve Grose, Executive Director, Jubilee Ministries
Dave Rozman, Executive Director, Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity 

Representatives from Jubilee Ministries and Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity will share how local organizations are working together to make homeownership possible for more families in Ottawa County. They will discuss the growing gap in workforce housing, highlight the impact of projects like Vista Green, and share stories of families whose lives have been changed through these collaborative efforts.

▪ February 15: How to Protect Yourself: Understanding Scams, Fraud, and Phishing
Detective Corydon Ray, Grand Rapids Police Department

This presentation will provide a clear, practical look at current scam, fraud, and phishing tactics affecting the community. Attendees will learn how criminals operate, how to identify red flags, and what steps to take to protect themselves and report suspicious activity.

▪ February 22: No class on this date

▪ March 1: No class on this date. Presentation moved to May 3

▪ March 8: Faithful Pastors and Courageous Churches: Eugene Peterson’s Witness for Tumultuous Times
Dr. Winn Collier, Director, Eugene Peterson Center and Associate Professor, Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination, Western Theological Seminary

The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary stewards the ongoing work of pastor and author Eugene Peterson. In a moment where we are tempted to despair or fear or anxious activity, how can we practice steadfast faith in the God who reigns over the world and the Church? How can we encourage steadfast pastors and God-alive churches?

▪ March 15: Community Action House: Meeting Needs and Building Opportunity
Scott Rumpsa, CEO, Community Action House

In this session we’ll hear updates on the Food Club & Opportunity Hub (where many CMC members regularly volunteer), highlighting how this innovative program is providing neighbors with access to healthy, affordable groceries while fostering dignity and choice, and long-term stability. He will also introduce their plans to expand their work through their growing resale store network with a new Northside location, an initiative designed to expand access to essential items, create further opportunities for community engagement, and sustain the critical services Action House offers to so many in our community. This session will offer insights into how Community Action House meets real needs in our community, and ways your congregation can continue to support and be involved in this mission.

▪ March 22: Tools for Engaging as a Christian with Bias in the (News) Media in an Ever-Changing World
Lauren Hearit, Associate Professor of Management, Hope College

This presentation will identify and summarize several tools for engaging with and identifying media bias. Then, current research on the role of bias in the media landscape, AI’s impact on the media landscape, and political polarization will provide a current state of the media polarization and bias landscape will be examined. Finally, this presentation will conclude with some reflections on how we, as Christians, might model a different type of discourse that reflects our shared faith and values.

▪ March 29: No class on this date

▪ April 5: No class on this date

▪ April 12: Hidden in Plain Sight: Understanding Sex Trafficking
Detective Corydon Ray, Grand Rapids Police Department

This session outlines the dynamics of sex trafficking, common recruitment methods, and behavioral red flags. The class focuses on practical recognition skills, survivor-centered response, and appropriate reporting pathways.

▪ April 19: Changing Lives Around the World: The Impact Made by One Team of Retirees
Conrad Mutschler, Board of Directors, Mobility Worldwide West Michigan

Join us and hear how Mobility Worldwide International originated thirty years ago and has grown to include twenty shops around the US, including one here in Holland. The West Michigan affiliate has grown from a few volunteers operating in a basement to seventy volunteers building fifteen mobility carts for children every week. These carts are shipped to recipients in developing countries around the world. One of our recently produced carts will be on display.

▪ April 26: No class on this date

May 3: Hope-Western Prison Education Program: How a Christian Liberal Arts Education Transforms for the Common Good
Kary Bosma, Co-Director, Hope-Western Prison Education Program

In year five of this transformational program, there are now 64 students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program in Faith, Leadership, and Service; and the first cohort of graduates now serve as academic tutors for the HWPEP and other college in prison programs. Beyond personal transformation, you’ll learn how education and engagement in a meaningful community inspire participants to seek the good of their neighbor, both inside and outside the prison. Since the last CCLI presentation on the HWPEP, we’ve celebrated several milestones, including commencement and the first paroled students, as well as the addition of co-curricular opportunities to enhance students’ growth and learning.