“Truly God has more for this denomination instead of an ongoing church decline. The question is what are we going to do collectively?” Tim Sheridan, director of church planting for Resonate Global Mission, said that was the question of Synod 2025, and it only gave a year to have a plan for a 10-year
Elaine May, congregational renewal consultant for Thrive ministries, gave an impactful presentation to Synod 2026 of Thrive’s newly developed resources for church renewal across the Christian Reformed Church.Thrive is the CRC’s congregational support ministry that equips and encourages churches and
Delegates rising to their feet with applause after a synod speech is rare in the Christian Reformed Church, but that’s how Synod 2026 reacted to general secretary Zach King’s address this year—one where he encouraged the church to embrace its moment for mission.“I think they said ‘thanks,’” synod pr
Will Brouwers, a delegate to Synod 2026 from Classis Rocky Mountain, says he’s nostalgic for synod, despite this being his first time as a delegate. His first experiences of the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church were as a son tagging along with his pastor dad, Gary Brouwers, m
Psalm 117, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples,” opened worship for Synod 2026 on June 13, as delegates met in plenary session before returning to advisory committee deliberations for most of the day.The assembly sang in Spanish and English, with worship leader Rachel Bouwk
The Alumni Association board room, on the upper floor of Calvin University’s Commons building, typically hosts two things when the Christian Reformed Church’s synod meets at Calvin: early morning prayer and specialty dinners. Deacon delegates have one. Korean delegates, ecumenical guests and the com
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, talks with guest Joshua Jiang, a first-time observer of synod, to get his take on the proceedings so far. Jiang is a member of Princeton CRC (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and a South Korea-based Chinese pastor working with Resonate Global Mission.Synod
The first plenary session of Synod 2026 opened with worship, thanksgiving, and the opening exercises familiar to the Christian Reformed Church’s annual general assembly: roll call, speeches, and welcomes. Synod president Chad Steenwyk, elected in an online convening two weeks ago, along with three o
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, and guest John Hoekema, pastor of Horizon Community Church (Downers Grove, Ill.) and the denomination’s prayer shepherd, talk about the foundation of prayer laid before and during this year's synod.Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the
This spring, I had the opportunity to visit Spain for two weeks. Even though I didn't go to Barcelona or even the region of Catalunya, more than one conversation during my trip was about the long-awaited opening of the city's La Sagrada Familia cathedral, the building of which has been over 100 year
Before reading Shelby Van Pelt’s glorious 2022 book, Remarkably Bright Creatures, I had zero interest in the octopus. It just goes to show how reading can awaken curiosity about any topic, because I was just a little bit in the book—my number one book for 2022—when I began googling the eight-tentacl
With rhyming text and vivid artwork, author Dominique Okonkwo and illustrator Sarah Ugolotti bring to life God’s truth as revealed in Romans 1:20—“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his e
Jerry Dykstra, a pastor who served congregations in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Walnut Creek, Calif., before working in denominational leadership, lived, worked, and served in lay ministry in Arizona after leaving CRC service in 2011. He died April 27 after a 19-month illness. He was 76.Dykstra was bor
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.A few years a
Don’t miss these suggested articles:News: ‘There’s a ‘U’ (in Neighbour)’ And Other Observances from the Canadian National GatheringStill: Two Blocks and a CheeseburgerBook Review: The Me That Remains, by Amy GrantRead entire current print issue »
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 other day
Veteran fiction writer Melody Carlson offers a delightful story readers will love. First of all, protagonist Rita Owen is an older woman, which is nice to see when it comes to life and romance. Second, there are so many books!Rita, who doesn’t want to give up her home and, more importantly, her libr
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