Reeling From Venezuela's Earthquakes, Churches Inspect Buildings, Distribute Supplies

07/08/2026

The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Aleja Hertzler-McCain, was published July 2, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added the fifth and sixth paragraphs and the last four paragraphs to provide

Over 50 Years for Volunteer-run Summer Camp

07/08/2026

Teens in Classis Columbia, a regional group of Christian Reformed churches in the western U.S., have counted on Camp Calvin’s volunteer teachers and other professionals for opportunities in spiritual growth, friendship, and leadership since 1975.Preschool teacher Amy Toornstra, a member of Sunnyslop

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 4: Communion, Cooperation, and Conviction—Synod on Church Relationships

07/07/2026

When Synod 2026 considered the CRC’s relationship with other denominations and alliances, delegates asked deeper questions. Jim Hollandoner walks us through the CRC’s different levels of ecumenical partnership and the reasoning around Synod 2026’s decisions. The conversation explores the importance

God Won’t Leave You There: Joseph’s Story

07/07/2026

This new book, by Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, reminds readers through the story of Joseph that God has much to teach people through their experiences of suffering and hardship.God does not want people to be “pulled toward” the things of this earth because the things of

Why Do We Practice Child Baptism?

07/06/2026

Why do we practice child baptism?The baptism debate is often framed as an either-or: either you baptize children (paedobaptism) or you baptize those who profess faith (credobaptism—either older children or adults). For some of our brothers and sisters in Christ, as in the Baptist tradition, this is

When Divorce Feels Like Losing the Church Too

07/06/2026

“I didn’t just lose my spouse; I didn’t just lose my marriage—I feel like I lost my church, too.” That’s the heartbreaking cry of many who’ve walked through divorce. The question we as the church must ask is, “How do we respond? How do we minister to hurting people well?”Twenty years of Christian co

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 3: The Synod and the Seminary

07/04/2026

As the primary trainer of our denomination’s pastors for the past 150 years, Calvin Theological Seminary often found itself at the center of recent conversations about CRC identity and confessional commitments. President Jul Medenblik joins The Banner Podcast to explain how the seminary understands

World Refugee Day is Recognized in June: 5 Things To Know

07/02/2026

The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by David Katibah, was published June 18, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added a sentence to the third paragraph and added the last paragraph to provide con

RIP Classis Yellowstone?

07/02/2026

Synod 2026 delegates Andy Sytsma and John Sinnema from Classis Yellowstone carried a memorial “yellow stone” with them when they attended the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church June 12-18 on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. The painted rock displayed “RIP

The Origin of Hymns: It is Well with My Soul

07/02/2026

Author Robert J. Morgan, well known for his Then Sings My Soul series, combines in The Origin of Hymns 50 hymn stories curated from that series; a short history of Western hymnody; a reflection on the little-known conclusion of the life of Horatio Spafford, author of “It is Well with My Soul”; and e

Memory of a Killer

07/02/2026

If it were just another thriller drama series about a hitman working for the mob, I would have given Memory of a Killer a pass.But a fascinating twist reeled me in: Patrick Dempsey’s Angelo Flannery is not only living a double life, as a slick, Armani-clad hitman for a crime boss and a cardigan-wear

A Kingdom of Shadows

07/02/2026

In this first book in the Lightseekers series for children ages 8 to 12, readers are catapulted into the kingdom of Wildfel. Ever since the Great Betrayal 10 years ago, intrigue and suspicion plague the kingdom that is slowly losing its light.Twelve-year-old orphan Finn wants only to take care of hi

Beyond Assumptions

07/02/2026

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.Assumptions c

A Personal Psalm of Lament

07/02/2026

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.This is the p

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 2: A Decision to Study Christian Nationalism

07/01/2026

Christian nationalism means different things to different people, making thoughtful reflection difficult. Rev. John Lee joins the Banner Podcast to explain why Synod 2026 commissioned a study committee, why clear definitions matter, and how the CRC hopes to provide “more light than heat” – offering

Was Paul a Narcissist? His Bold Call for Imitation

06/30/2026

As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.My dad had so

Traumatized Church: What Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who Are Hurting

06/30/2026

Traumatized Church is a book worthy of group study and discussion at church and Christian institutions. Why? Therapist Adrienne Gibson and the prolific New Testament scholar Scot McKnight explain and explore symptoms of trauma in the church and how to thrive through it.The book’s goal is to aid chur

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 1: Synod’s Most Consequential Decision?

06/29/2026

What decision received unanimous approval at Synod 2026? What plan signaled a renewed sense of mission and hope for the CRC’s future? Guests Scott VanderPloeg and Tim Sheridan join our hosts in exploring the CRC’s new 10-year plan of prayer, disciple-making, leadership investment, church planting, a

Synod 2026’s Agenda

06/29/2026

Here's a thumbnail of what synod covered:424 pages173 supplemental pages4 task force reports52 recommendations from the Council of Delegates40 overtures + 1 (deferred)2 communications9 agency, institution, and ministry reports5 related educational institution reports4 standing committee reports1 10-

Magnify the Lord: The Big Vision of Synod ’26

06/29/2026

My dad used to say, “Lora, there’s an invisible magnifying glass in your hand. You can put it on yourself and your problems look real big. Or train that glass upon your Savior. Magnify the Lord. Everything gets in perspective.”I pray Synod 2026 will be remembered for a magnifying glass put on Jesus