Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming
Chuck And Julie Show with Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden
Colorado GOP at a Crossroads, the Fight for Grassroots Control
Guest, Jermey Goodall
Former CO GOP Chair Horn’s personal attorney makes his move to plunder the Party bank accounts. Plus Chair candidate Jeremy Goodall joins the show.
The Chair Race and the Fight Over Open Primaries
In this episode of The Chuck & Julie Show, Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden focus on the Colorado Republican Party’s internal fight over leadership, money, and control of the primary process. Their main guest is Jeremy Goodall, a candidate for Colorado Republican Party chair, ahead of the May 30 election in Buena Vista. The discussion begins with the party’s push to opt out of Colorado’s open primary system, which the hosts and Goodall argue allows unaffiliated voters and Democrats to influence Republican candidate selection. Goodall says his position is that the chair must serve the will of the Republican Party’s rank-and-file members, and he states that if elected, he would continue pushing to remove the party from the open primary system.
Jeremy Goodall’s Vision for Party Leadership
Goodall presents himself as a grassroots-aligned candidate who believes the party needs to rebuild from the bottom up rather than through top-down control or donor-driven politics. He argues that the Colorado GOP’s financial problems are not the root problem but a symptom of dysfunction, mistrust, and internal antagonism. His proposed solution is to empower county chairs, encourage difficult but necessary conversations, and create enough trust that ordinary Republicans will be willing to contribute time, effort, and small donations. He points to the Protect Kids Colorado initiative as an example of what can happen when volunteers are given a clear goal and a strong vision, noting that thousands of volunteers helped gather more signatures than expected.
Money, Trust, and Grassroots Fundraising
The hosts press Goodall on the reality that the Colorado GOP is deeply broke and may need hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Goodall acknowledges that fundraising is difficult, especially under Colorado’s strict campaign finance limits, and says the party cannot rely only on a few wealthy donors. Instead, he argues that the party must restore confidence and build a broad base of smaller donors. The conversation frames money as tied directly to trust: if members believe the party has a purpose, direction, and integrity, they will be more likely to give. Goodall also stresses creativity, vision, and focusing on what the party can do rather than becoming paralyzed by what it cannot afford.
Brita Horn, Steve Klenda, and the Legal Crisis
A major portion of the episode centers on the hosts’ account of the legal and financial crisis involving former chair Brita Horne and attorney Steve Klenda. Julie explains that, according to their understanding, Klenda has a $231,000 judgment against the party plus 18% interest, and that this does not simply mean the party owes him money, but that he may be able to garnish Colorado Republican Party bank accounts. The hosts say party attorneys are working to stop or delay the process, but they describe the situation as dire because any stay appears to depend on a $289,000 bond that the party cannot realistically post. They argue that whoever becomes the next chair will immediately inherit this crisis and that the party must unite around survival before other disputes can matter.
The Deeper Divide Inside the Republican Party
The episode also explores the larger philosophical divide between grassroots Republicans and what the hosts describe as establishment or “RINO” Republicans. Chuck argues that the divide is not merely personal but rooted in real disagreements over how candidates should be selected and what kind of party Colorado Republicans should have. The hosts and Goodall criticize petitioning, open primaries, and donor influence, saying these systems produce candidates who are too liberal or insufficiently accountable to the Republican platform. Goodall says unity cannot mean forcing the overwhelming majority of grassroots members to submit to a small minority, arguing that true unity comes from standing with the majority rather than demanding capitulation.
A Call to Make the Colorado GOP Republican Again
Goodall closes by asking state central committee members to support him because he says he has been involved in the party’s battles since 2010 and understands the history firsthand. He frames his campaign as an effort to make the Colorado Republican Party “Republican again,” restore brand integrity, and move away from politics controlled by donor dollars. After Goodall leaves, the hosts continue discussing the Klenda judgment, the limits of appealing to the national Republican Party, and the difficulty of creating a new party or moving assets. The overall episode portrays the Colorado GOP as facing an existential test involving leadership, debt, legal threats, open primaries, and whether the grassroots can regain control of the party’s future.
Colorado GOP at a Crossroads, the Fight for Grassroots Control
Guest, Jermey Goodall
Former CO GOP Chair Horn’s personal attorney makes his move to plunder the Party bank accounts. Plus Chair candidate Jeremy Goodall joins the show.
The Chair Race and the Fight Over Open Primaries
In this episode of The Chuck & Julie Show, Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden focus on the Colorado Republican Party’s internal fight over leadership, money, and control of the primary process. Their main guest is Jeremy Goodall, a candidate for Colorado Republican Party chair, ahead of the May 30 election in Buena Vista. The discussion begins with the party’s push to opt out of Colorado’s open primary system, which the hosts and Goodall argue allows unaffiliated voters and Democrats to influence Republican candidate selection. Goodall says his position is that the chair must serve the will of the Republican Party’s rank-and-file members, and he states that if elected, he would continue pushing to remove the party from the open primary system.
Jeremy Goodall’s Vision for Party Leadership
Goodall presents himself as a grassroots-aligned candidate who believes the party needs to rebuild from the bottom up rather than through top-down control or donor-driven politics. He argues that the Colorado GOP’s financial problems are not the root problem but a symptom of dysfunction, mistrust, and internal antagonism. His proposed solution is to empower county chairs, encourage difficult but necessary conversations, and create enough trust that ordinary Republicans will be willing to contribute time, effort, and small donations. He points to the Protect Kids Colorado initiative as an example of what can happen when volunteers are given a clear goal and a strong vision, noting that thousands of volunteers helped gather more signatures than expected.
Money, Trust, and Grassroots Fundraising
The hosts press Goodall on the reality that the Colorado GOP is deeply broke and may need hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Goodall acknowledges that fundraising is difficult, especially under Colorado’s strict campaign finance limits, and says the party cannot rely only on a few wealthy donors. Instead, he argues that the party must restore confidence and build a broad base of smaller donors. The conversation frames money as tied directly to trust: if members believe the party has a purpose, direction, and integrity, they will be more likely to give. Goodall also stresses creativity, vision, and focusing on what the party can do rather than becoming paralyzed by what it cannot afford.
Brita Horn, Steve Klenda, and the Legal Crisis
A major portion of the episode centers on the hosts’ account of the legal and financial crisis involving former chair Brita Horne and attorney Steve Klenda. Julie explains that, according to their understanding, Klenda has a $231,000 judgment against the party plus 18% interest, and that this does not simply mean the party owes him money, but that he may be able to garnish Colorado Republican Party bank accounts. The hosts say party attorneys are working to stop or delay the process, but they describe the situation as dire because any stay appears to depend on a $289,000 bond that the party cannot realistically post. They argue that whoever becomes the next chair will immediately inherit this crisis and that the party must unite around survival before other disputes can matter.
The Deeper Divide Inside the Republican Party
The episode also explores the larger philosophical divide between grassroots Republicans and what the hosts describe as establishment or “RINO” Republicans. Chuck argues that the divide is not merely personal but rooted in real disagreements over how candidates should be selected and what kind of party Colorado Republicans should have. The hosts and Goodall criticize petitioning, open primaries, and donor influence, saying these systems produce candidates who are too liberal or insufficiently accountable to the Republican platform. Goodall says unity cannot mean forcing the overwhelming majority of grassroots members to submit to a small minority, arguing that true unity comes from standing with the majority rather than demanding capitulation.
A Call to Make the Colorado GOP Republican Again
Goodall closes by asking state central committee members to support him because he says he has been involved in the party’s battles since 2010 and understands the history firsthand. He frames his campaign as an effort to make the Colorado Republican Party “Republican again,” restore brand integrity, and move away from politics controlled by donor dollars. After Goodall leaves, the hosts continue discussing the Klenda judgment, the limits of appealing to the national Republican Party, and the difficulty of creating a new party or moving assets. The overall episode portrays the Colorado GOP as facing an existential test involving leadership, debt, legal threats, open primaries, and whether the grassroots can regain control of the party’s future.
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 05-03-2026
What’s Good About the Church
About The Service:
We will witness the installation of our new Elders and Deacons. Reverend Jonker will preach on Acts 11:19-30, a passage where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we see the church beginning to take form.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-5-3-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
What’s Good About the Church: Embracing the Spirit and the Institution
What’s Good About the Church?
A defense of the institutional church and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
May 03, 2026
Core Argument
"Negative stories are not our main story. We are still the bride of Christ, and the Holy Spirit still moves in us."
1
The Spirit’s Surprise
The Spirit moves beyond strategic plans (e.g., the Gentile mission in Acts, the Ethiopian revival, and modern digital shifts like livestreams).
2
Institutional Grace
Structure provides essential oversight, theological teaching, leadership training, and organized benevolence to the community.
3
The Barnabas Model
Being a "Son of Encouragement"—standing by others when they are untrusted and fostering growth in new communities.
Crisis of Trust
32%
Church Favorability (2024)
27%
Trust in Leaders (2024)
*Down from ~65% in the 1960s/90s
Key Figure: Barnabas
Meaning "Son of Encouragement." He bridged the gap for Paul when the church was suspicious and led the Antioch mission.
#Acts11 #HolySpirit #Ordination #Leadership
Source: LaGrave Avenue CRC Service TranscriptEst. Reading Time: 12 min
This worship service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the ordination and installation of new church officers while addressing modern skepticism toward religious institutions. The message highlights how the Holy Spirit works through both spontaneous movement and organized church structures to foster encouragement and benevolence.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Servant Leadership and Ordination
The service emphasizes that leadership within the church is defined by servanthood rather than the exercise of authority, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and give his life as a ransom. During the ceremony, several individuals were ordained and installed into the offices of elder and deacon, committing to oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and promote ministries of service. These leaders are charged to be mature in faith, exercising their duties with prayer, patience, and humility while supporting the pastors and the community.
The Ministry of Encouragement
A central theme of the service is the biblical figure Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Through the children's message and the subsequent sermon, the congregation is reminded that encouragement is a vital tool for helping others persevere through difficulties. Barnabas serves as a model for the church because he stood by those whom others mistrusted, such as the apostle Paul, and empowered new faith communities to remain true to the Lord.
The Decline in Public Trust (1965 vs. 2024)
Reflecting on the sermon's data regarding the general public's perception of the church and its leaders.
65%
1965 Favorability
32%
2024 Favorability
Trust in church leaders has similarly dropped from 65% to 27% in the same period.
The Synergy of Spirit and Institution
The sermon addresses the tension between the "organic" movement of the Holy Spirit and the "institutional" nature of the church. Using the growth of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and modern examples like the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, the message argues that while the Spirit often initiates surprising new directions—such as LaGrave’s unplanned adoption of livestreaming and property acquisition—the institution provides the necessary framework to sustain that growth. The institutional church functions through oversight, teaching, the training of leaders, and the organized response to community needs.
Four Pillars of the Institutional Church
⚖️ Oversight: Discerning the spirits to ensure movements are of God.
📖 Teaching: Providing theological formation beyond mere enthusiasm.
🎓 Training: Encouraging and equipping new leaders for ministry.
🤝 Benevolence: Recognizing community needs and responding with resources.
Community Prayer and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive intercessory prayer, covering local health needs, the celebration of new births, and the support of missionaries. The prayer also extended globally, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran, and requesting protection for persecuted believers in nations such as Sudan, Nigeria, China, and North Korea.
Key Data
Public Perception: Favorable impression of the church has declined from 60-65% in the mid-1960s to 32% in 2024.
Trust in Leaders: General trust in church leaders has fallen from 65% in 1990 to 27% today.
Historical Growth: The Ethiopian Lutheran Church grew from 100 to 10,000 members between 1938 and 1945 without foreign missionaries.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members should check the bulletin for events occurring during the 10:00 hour following the service.
Attend the evening service recognizing graduates tonight at 5:30 PM (note the earlier start time).
Submit prayer requests using the cards in the pew racks and drop them in the wood box outside the chapel.
Participate in the National Day of Prayer noontime gathering this coming Thursday.
Conclusion
Despite the prevailing cultural cynicism toward organized religion, the church remains a vital vessel for the Holy Spirit’s work. By balancing spontaneous spiritual movement with institutional stability and a commitment to servant leadership, the community continues to offer a unique narrative of hope, healing, and benevolence to the world.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 05-03-2026
What’s Good About the Church
About The Service:
We will witness the installation of our new Elders and Deacons. Reverend Jonker will preach on Acts 11:19-30, a passage where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we see the church beginning to take form.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-5-3-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
What’s Good About the Church: Embracing the Spirit and the Institution
What’s Good About the Church?
A defense of the institutional church and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
May 03, 2026
Core Argument
"Negative stories are not our main story. We are still the bride of Christ, and the Holy Spirit still moves in us."
1
The Spirit’s Surprise
The Spirit moves beyond strategic plans (e.g., the Gentile mission in Acts, the Ethiopian revival, and modern digital shifts like livestreams).
2
Institutional Grace
Structure provides essential oversight, theological teaching, leadership training, and organized benevolence to the community.
3
The Barnabas Model
Being a "Son of Encouragement"—standing by others when they are untrusted and fostering growth in new communities.
Crisis of Trust
32%
Church Favorability (2024)
27%
Trust in Leaders (2024)
*Down from ~65% in the 1960s/90s
Key Figure: Barnabas
Meaning "Son of Encouragement." He bridged the gap for Paul when the church was suspicious and led the Antioch mission.
#Acts11 #HolySpirit #Ordination #Leadership
Source: LaGrave Avenue CRC Service TranscriptEst. Reading Time: 12 min
This worship service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the ordination and installation of new church officers while addressing modern skepticism toward religious institutions. The message highlights how the Holy Spirit works through both spontaneous movement and organized church structures to foster encouragement and benevolence.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Servant Leadership and Ordination
The service emphasizes that leadership within the church is defined by servanthood rather than the exercise of authority, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and give his life as a ransom. During the ceremony, several individuals were ordained and installed into the offices of elder and deacon, committing to oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and promote ministries of service. These leaders are charged to be mature in faith, exercising their duties with prayer, patience, and humility while supporting the pastors and the community.
The Ministry of Encouragement
A central theme of the service is the biblical figure Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Through the children's message and the subsequent sermon, the congregation is reminded that encouragement is a vital tool for helping others persevere through difficulties. Barnabas serves as a model for the church because he stood by those whom others mistrusted, such as the apostle Paul, and empowered new faith communities to remain true to the Lord.
The Decline in Public Trust (1965 vs. 2024)
Reflecting on the sermon's data regarding the general public's perception of the church and its leaders.
65%
1965 Favorability
32%
2024 Favorability
Trust in church leaders has similarly dropped from 65% to 27% in the same period.
The Synergy of Spirit and Institution
The sermon addresses the tension between the "organic" movement of the Holy Spirit and the "institutional" nature of the church. Using the growth of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and modern examples like the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, the message argues that while the Spirit often initiates surprising new directions—such as LaGrave’s unplanned adoption of livestreaming and property acquisition—the institution provides the necessary framework to sustain that growth. The institutional church functions through oversight, teaching, the training of leaders, and the organized response to community needs.
Four Pillars of the Institutional Church
⚖️ Oversight: Discerning the spirits to ensure movements are of God.
📖 Teaching: Providing theological formation beyond mere enthusiasm.
🎓 Training: Encouraging and equipping new leaders for ministry.
🤝 Benevolence: Recognizing community needs and responding with resources.
Community Prayer and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive intercessory prayer, covering local health needs, the celebration of new births, and the support of missionaries. The prayer also extended globally, seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and Iran, and requesting protection for persecuted believers in nations such as Sudan, Nigeria, China, and North Korea.
Key Data
Public Perception: Favorable impression of the church has declined from 60-65% in the mid-1960s to 32% in 2024.
Trust in Leaders: General trust in church leaders has fallen from 65% in 1990 to 27% today.
Historical Growth: The Ethiopian Lutheran Church grew from 100 to 10,000 members between 1938 and 1945 without foreign missionaries.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members should check the bulletin for events occurring during the 10:00 hour following the service.
Attend the evening service recognizing graduates tonight at 5:30 PM (note the earlier start time).
Submit prayer requests using the cards in the pew racks and drop them in the wood box outside the chapel.
Participate in the National Day of Prayer noontime gathering this coming Thursday.
Conclusion
Despite the prevailing cultural cynicism toward organized religion, the church remains a vital vessel for the Holy Spirit’s work. By balancing spontaneous spiritual movement with institutional stability and a commitment to servant leadership, the community continues to offer a unique narrative of hope, healing, and benevolence to the world.
