In Part Two of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast on Synod 2026, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema continue their conversation about this Synod’s impact on the future of the Christian Reformed Church with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk. Together they reflect on the art of moder
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.“What did I g
A few years ago, I visited the real Little House on the Prairie outside of Independence, Kans. It was my second visit (I’m a serious fan, and also my son lives in Kansas), and I was surprised and delighted to see that this time, the gift shop was carrying books such as the Birchbark series by Indige
In this enlightening and inspiring sequel to Surprised by Hope, renowned Christian theologian N.T. Wright continues to confront and challenge what he asserts is the church’s misunderstanding and confusion about Jesus’ second coming. He offers sound biblical insights, historical explanations about wh
Kind, encouraging, thoughtful, a deep thinker, a great listener—these are all recurring words in tributes to pastor, chaplain, and licensed psychotherapist Bill Stroo, who died June 22 at age 83.After graduation from Calvin Theological Seminary and ordination in 1969, Bill served Appalachian Regiona
In what ways does World Renew equip local CRC people and churches to do kingdom work?Carol Bremer-Bennett: World Renew helps Christian Reformed congregations recognize that kingdom work is already happening in their churches, neighborhoods, and communities around the world. Our role is to connect gi
In Part One of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema sit down with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk for a wrap-up reflection on this year’s deliberative assembly. They discuss how officers are selected and what goes into managing on-the-floor delib
Repressive regimes always want their citizens to feel one thing: fear.It’s an emotion that’s present from the opening pages of Astronaut! All 8-year-old Lia wanted to do was buy a pretty yellow vase, and before she knows it the angry shopkeeper is marching her home, interrogating her parents about t
Should Christians use gendered pronouns for Alexa or Siri?At a recent meeting of denominational publishers, a presentation was given by a vendor selling AI-powered software for publishers. Throughout the presentation, the salesperson talked about how our customers would be transformed if they could
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.It’s the 250t
Theo who?Readers of this No. 1 New York Times-bestselling novel don’t find out his last name until the very end of the book, and for good reason. We just know this 86-year-old character as Theo of Golden, a fictional town in the South where he moves to quite mysteriously from his New York City home.
The Me That RemainsBy Amy GrantReviewed by Robert J. KeeleyIt has been 13 years since Amy Grant released new music—eventful years for the singer songwriter who became a household name when Age to Age released 44 years ago.But heart surgery and then a bicycle accident and head injury required her to
What options do declining churches have? What might it look like to covenant with a neighboring Christian Reformed congregation for mission and renewal? How can churches cooperate to support one another in a time of shrinking memberships and vacant pulpits?After two years of study, Synod 2026 adopte
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.“Road Trip!”H
Singer, songwriter and American Idol alum (season 14) Clark Beckham puts his spin on six modern worship tunes with his project, “Acoustic Worship Sessions.” It’s Beckham’s first offering in about six years and features his dazzling piano and vocal abilities.“I think the elements of this record have
Two or three times each year, Christian Reformed churches send representatives to their classes, regional assemblies of churches.Many of the actions taken by classes are governed by the CRC’s Church Order, the rules that govern denominational life. Here are some of the actions by classes in the past
Ken Vanderwal will be remembered for his exuberant spirit, his love of adventure, and his sense of humor. “He spent his life serving others and sharing God’s love in Honduras, Costa Rica, and wherever God called him,” said a daughter at his funeral. Ken, 85, died June 8 in Grand Rapids, Mich.Born in
Don’t miss these suggested articles:Golden Insights Await Theo ReadersOn Air: Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 5: How Gospel Centrality Grows a Diverse ChurchHealed Minds Bend Toward JusticeRead entire current print issue »
When I met Joyce, she was a 19-year-old single mother of a 4-year-old who had been living in an under-resourced township in Zambia. As she was finishing a two-year agriculture and entrepreneurship certificate, Joyce confidently shared with me about her studies and her dreams. But her journey up to t
The Banner editors have chosen the winners of this year’s Young Adults Writing Contest.This year, the biennial contest, with the theme “Sustaining Faith,” is sponsored by Plough Publishing HouseImage:“What does sustaining faith look like? What does it mean to be sustained in faith in today’s world?