A year-old women’s evangelistic training ministry developed out of the gospel-spreading Multiplication Network is equipping participants of Global Coffee Break groups to effectively reach unchurched friends, neighbors, and family members. About 20 women at Lakeside Community Christian Reformed Churc
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.When I was gr
When author Shelly Sanders learned about the Central Women’s Sniper Training School, established in 1942 in Moscow during what the Soviets called the Great Patriotic War (WWII), she felt compelled to research the lives of the little-known, courageous women who attended the school and fought the Nazi
When author Leyla King, a Palestinian American Episcopal priest, was 14 years old, she began to be aware of her Palestinian heritage, something she had always been oblivious to. In the following years as she attended high school and college, she listened with avid interest to the recollections of he
The musical animated movie “David” charts the biblical character’s rise from a shepherd boy tending sheep to a young king over Israel based on 1 and 2 Samuel. 1 Samuel 13:14 serves as the backdrop: “The Lord has sought for himself a man after his own heart.”Young David doesn’t desire kingship becaus
My favorite kind of test is multiple choice (or, as it is sometimes called, “multiple guess”). “Fill in the blank” tests are much tougher. So here’s one for you: “_____ by itself, if not accompanied by _____, is dead.”This phrase from James 2:17 is one of the many verses in which James “fills in the
This new edition of the Bible exists to make Bible-reading more accessible to readers of all ages and abilities. This Bible is ideal for people who get easily distracted, lose focus, or become frustrated during their quiet times. It is designed to be specifically helpful for those who have dyslexia
Should Christians watch MA-rated TV shows or R-rated movies?It is said that we are living in the golden age of television. Never before have TV shows been so well made and so readily accessible. Even movies, while perhaps struggling at the box office, are just a few clicks away on our smart TVs. At
Take my life and let it beconsecrated, Lord, to thee.Take my moments and my days;let them flow in endless praise,let them flow in endless praise.On Feb. 13 I walked through the front door of the cozy split-level home that hosted our monthly women’s book club, and I noticed the atmosphere was somber,
Author Jenn Suen Chen masterfully utilizes the metaphor of people gathering around a dim sum table in her gentle, engaging invitation to readers to awaken their hearts to God’s love and presence in their lives. Suen Chen envisions that, at the dim sum table, a steamed and baked meal of sweet and sav
Wake Up Dead Man, the third Knives Out mystery, plunges us into an interesting faith conversation: Shall you know them by their love—or by their power?The story’s protagonist, young Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), finds penance costly. A former boxer, he’s punched a deacon and is sent away to
While many Christian adults might be familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada’s story, young children and middle-grade readers might not be acquainted with it. A biography written for a middle-grade audience, A Paintbrush for Joni fills in the gap by narrating the story of Joni’s childhood experiences, the
Neil Vriend is remembered for his kind, thoughtful, gentle demeanor and his consistent hospitality. He was genuinely interested in others and was recognized by many as a bridge-builder between those with differing perspectives. In his ministry and life, Neil lived his calling to participate in makin
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Tony Onyulo, was published Jan. 14, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been lightly edited for Banner style.MAKURDI, Nigeria (RNS) — When gunfire echoed through villages near her home last month, Grace Tyohem
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana, was published Jan. 12, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.“Do what God has called you to do,” Nicole Martin quotes her great-grandmother, Estelle Cartledg
Walk As We is a small but growing urban, ecumenical, Indigenous ministry in Calgary, Alta., that is rooted in friendship, humility, and a shared journey toward reconciliation. While not one of the three official Urban Indigenous Ministry Centers supported by the Christian Reformed Church (in Winnipe
Weekly on “Banner day,” my grandma Byker sat by the window watching for the mail. Besides the Lyon County Reporter, The Banner was about her only outside news.Today, I get The Banner instantly, along with many competing publications. The only windows involved are the Microsoft kind.Yet Grandma and I
Even if you have been barely listening to decisions made in the Christian Reformed Church over the past several years, you have heard the term “confessional church” tossed around. You might have quietly wondered what exactly this means. What does it mean to be “confessional”? What are these document
It was a busy Saturday morning, and Safeway was packed with grocery shoppers. Like all the rest I prowled the aisles filling my cart and checking things off my list. After 45 minutes of hustling I had completed my list and headed to the checkout lanes. There was only one lane open, and there were a
When Baba wakes up his two sons early one morning, they are excited. Today is a special day because they will be accompanying Baba and Mama on a trek to their mountaintop tea garden to pick tea leaves. Usually Baba goes on his own, but today the journey will be a family affair.The boys’ loving paren