FaithfulNews
Ordinary Time

World Church · November 4, 2026

Also published in Svenska

Francien (95) expresses concerns about church preaching

white and blue building
Stephanie LeBlanc / Unsplash

Francien van der Waard-van der Meer, aged 95, shares her concerns regarding the preaching methods in most churches while attending a PKN-gemeente of Gereformeerde Bondssignatuur. She believes that the understanding of God's grace is not adequately conveyed in church sermons.

Francien has a book titled 101 bommen en granaten under her sta-op-stoel, which she offers to lend, suggesting it might also interest someone who preaches at her church. She expresses a desire to have a conversation with this individual, indicating a willingness to engage with different perspectives on faith.

While sitting in her comfortable chair, Francien reflects on her life, mentioning her late husband Aad, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2022. She describes her current health struggles, including a recent skin cancer removal procedure, while appreciating the presence of family photographs around her.

Francien's reflections touch upon broader themes of faith, community, and the personal experiences that shape one's understanding of spirituality. Her insights may resonate with others who seek a deeper connection to faith beyond traditional church teachings.