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Jon is married to Vanessa and is father of Lillian, Eleanor, Henry, Marion and Katherine. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Calvin Theological Seminary. He formerly served at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., as the pastor of campus ministry, before moving to Detroit to help with the planting of Redeemer.
A field dotted with orange flowers at sunset.
Faith & Evangelism

The Weakening of the Soul through Self-interest

God made us in His image, but we are not the substance of God. Therefore, anyone who spends all life fixed on the self will not last. With eyes fixed
Jon Saunders
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A pastor and his wife walk hand in hand through a field.
Marriage

A Valentine's Day Reminder to Pastors

In Ephesians 5:25-33, the one imperative for husbands is to love our wives. Paul gives greater detail about what love should entail from a husband to a wife. A husband’s
Jon Saunders
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A family of four -- a dad, son, daughter and mother -- sit in a pew in a church reading hymnals.
Parenting

How Can Pastors Encourage Bringing Children to Church?

If the kingdom belongs to those such as children, it only make sense for kids to be in the service.
Jon Saunders
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A shooting star flies above pine trees, reminiscent of the night of the incarnation.
Faith & Evangelism

Christmas Theology: Four Benefits of the Incarnation

The incarnation is God coming near us in love, not pulling away in judgement.
Jon Saunders
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A pastor walks down the aisle of his church to preach.
Faith & Evangelism

On The Need for Pastoral Role Models

Pastor, you need faithful examples to emulate. Look to men who have finished their races well, and find a pastor nearby to walk with you.
Jon Saunders
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A pastor and his wife walk their dog on the beach beneath a cloudy, dusky sky.
Faith & Evangelism

The Sobering Stakes of a Pastor's Life

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Jon Saunders
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A pastor sits on the edge of a cliff as the sun begins to set, watching his life and doctrine.
Faith & Evangelism

Watch Your Life and Doctrine

“Tool” is an excellent word for men training to be pastors. As pastors, it is not our job to tell God what kind of “tool” we are. He calls and
Jon Saunders
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A mother holds the hand of her newborn baby.
Advocacy for Children

The Real Issue Behind Abortion

The pro-choice movement has effectively is muddied the argument about abortion by introducing buzzwords and secondary issues to evade the real issue. Pastors and churches need to stay hyper-focused on
Jon Saunders
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Hands preparing soil in a pot with a green plant nearby, symbolizing church planting.
Faith & Evangelism

Church Planting as a Means of Cultural Renewal

We don’t need to overthink strategy with cutting edge cultural insights. We just need to be the doing the hard but simple work of planting.
Jon Saunders
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landscape shot from the shore overlooking the ocean sunset at the end of summer
Faith & Evangelism

3 Ways from Paul to Maximize the End of Summer

The middle of summer is typically a nice slowdown. During this season, be ready for whatever God providentially brings your way, but also be wise to rest during a slow
Jon Saunders
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Young man standing on a mountain overlook at sunrise, symbolizing the hopeful journey of a new pastor.
Faith & Evangelism

10 Things I Wish That I Knew as a New Pastor

Fresh out of seminary I was chomping at the bit; no more Greek flashcards or preparation for ordination exams. I was ready to be an ordained servant of God, trusting
Jon Saunders
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Progress Pride flag with vibrant colors symbolizing LGBTQ+ that is flown during Pride Month.
Engaging the Culture

A Pastoral Reflection on Pride Month

How should a local pastor think about Pride Month? The gay agenda is an issue, but it is not the only issue. The church needs to speak into the issue
Jon Saunders
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