Should we pray for our nation’s victory in war?On Feb. 28, the United States began a massive air offensive against Iran. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he supported the U.S. strikes, albeit “with regret.” The war placed many of our Christian brothers and sisters in harm’s way, including th
Back when I was a student at Dallas Theological Seminary, I would sometimes get stressed to the point of almost erupting. When I couldn’t stand myself any longer, I’d decide to temporarily leave my desk and my apartment. I’d take a deep breath, lace up my shoes, step into the hallway, and leave my b
In New York City, young Faith and her mother return home on the train from Grandma’s house. Faith passes the time munching on a delicious sandwich, gooey with honey from Grandma’s beehive.Suddenly, Isaiah, her former neighbor, calls out, “Good evening! My son and I have fallen on hard times. Could a
It has been 13 years since Amy Grant has released new music. These have been eventful years for the singer and songwriter who became a household name when her fourth album, Age to Age, was released 44 years ago and became one of the biggest sellers in the still-young Christian music industry. Grant
Sarang loves her Korean seaside village's elementary school. She’s not bothered by the small class size and unoccupied desks. With fewer students in the classroom, she’s able to ask more questions and receive additional attention from the teacher.But when Sarang hears the village gossip that the sch
Pastor and chaplain Peter W. De Bruyne is described as a compassionate, humble, and selfless man with a pastoral heart who blessed all who knew him. He saw the brokenness and suffering around him and stepped into it, walking alongside and loving people through difficult journeys. De Bruyne, 93, died
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Yonat Shimron, was published May 29, 2026, on religionnews.com. It has been edited for Banner style. The fifth paragraph, with context for the Christian Reformed Church, has been added.(RNS) — Samaritan’s P
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.As a CRCNA ch
“There’s a ‘u,’” a chorus of voices rang out from the back of the room, wanting to be clear on the Canadian spelling as notes were jotted down from reporters sharing wisdom and challenges from their particular focus area to the gathering of Canadian Christian Reformed Church in North America members
John 15 reminds us that God is the vine into whom we are all grafted. While we might undergo pruning from time to time, if we remain faithful, keep his commands, and love one another, we will bear fruit and be filled with joy. In fact, John 15:11 promises that our joy will overflow. With that in min
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.Speak up for
For more than 15 years, author Joshua Becker has been promoting “God-motivated minimalism” in his books, websites, blog, and public speaking. Uncluttered Faith is a synopsis of what he learned through his wife’s and his choices to embrace minimalism and the experiences of countless others who, throu
In this first episode of The Banner Synod Recap, host Lora Copley talks with guest Nate Van Denend about the officers chosen for the Christian Reformed Church’s Synod 2026, what the officers’ roles are, and what to look forward to at this year’s annual gathering.Van Denend was Synod 2025’s president
We move this week to what is likely the most well-known of the three forms of unity—the Heidelberg Catechism. If you have been around the Christian Reformed Church for many years you likely studied it, perhaps memorized parts of it, and might have heard sermons on some of the topics within it. This
Unbreakable is the somber account of author Minoru Tonai’s (1929-2023) experience as a Japanese American boy imprisoned with his family in an American incarceration camp after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941.In a coauthor note, Jolene Gutierrez writes, “My friend Minor
George Clooney’s latest movie, Jay Kelly, brings two potent words to mind: “Richard Cory.” The latter was a 20th-century poem—and later a Simon &Garfunkel song—that helped poet E.A. Robinson secure a Pulitzer Prize.“Richard Cory” rocked notions of what celebrity power gave celebrities. Richard Cory
Colossians 3:23 might just be the most well-known Bible verse about a Christian view of work. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” the NIV translation says. Elaine Howard Ecklund, a sociology professor at Rice University, and Denise Danie
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.“The soothing
The Evangelical Press Association and the Associated Church Press, two professional organizations for Christian publishing, had their annual conventions in May, distributing awards for work produced in 2025. This year the ACP hosted its convention jointly, in Toronto, Ont., with the Canadian Christi
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Fiona Murphy, was published April 27, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added the last three paragraphs to provide context for the Christian Reformed Churc