Synod 2026 voted to not apply the term “church” to exclusively digital forms of ministry for now. The decision comes after Synod 2025 called for further study on the matter and said it was “premature” to make a decision about whether a purely digital congregation constitutes a church. Synod 2026, ho
For many years, Dave and Cindy Gritters served as dedicated volunteers for New Life Prison Community, a CRC church plant serving the men at the Newton Correctional Facility and Release Center. Along with other motivated volunteers, they used their musical talents to share a message of hope. A defini
“Renewal has been happening within the Christian Reformed Church. Right now 30% of the Christian Reformed Church ain’t white. That's a good thing,” Reggie Smith, diversity consultant with Thrive, began a presentation of the Diversity Connection Advisory Committee, near the close of Synod 2026.Smith’
Synod 2026 came to a close with multilingual prayer, a meditation from parliamentarian Michael Winnowski, and a final sermon and blessing from president Chad Steenwyk.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It met June 12-18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mic
In response to a request to require all denominational employees and those on volunteer boards to show that they are professing members of a congregation in the CRCNA who fully support and defend the fullness of God’s Word and that the creeds and confessions of the CRCNA faithfully reflect Scripture
In a conversation about the financial health of the Christian Reformed Church, Synod 2026 recognized that the conversation shows the need to rebuild trust in the ministry share system and how those funds are allocated.In 2020, the denomination went from expecting a certain amount of money from each
Synod 2026 removed mention of contemporary testimony “Our World Belongs to God” from the Covenant for Officebearers that elders, deacons, and pastors must sign to signify their agreement with the ecumenical creeds and Reformed confessions of the Christian Reformed Church.One of the reasons given was
Synod 2026 was asked by churches in Classis Grand Rapids East (a regional group of churches) for clarity for local church councils when a proposed officebearer has a difficulty with one of the Christian Reformed Church’s doctrinal confessions. “That will increase the opportunity and expectation that
Synod makes a point to welcome each year seven young adults between the ages of 18-26 to attend, contribute to advisory committees, and be informed of the decisions and inner workings of the deliberative assembly of the Christian Reformed Church. This year’s young adult representatives expressed bei
“God should have a nicer house,” thought David as he admired his own upgraded cedar-built accommodations. He felt embarrassed to be living in a swanky new house while the ark of God’s presence still dwelled in a shabby little tent. After a long period of fighting battles and living on the run, David
I enjoy my job, but my company is making it harder to combine work with a young family. Should I look for a new job?We often think of vocation as our paid work, but a job is also a business contract. Furthermore, vocation is more than our jobs: God calls us to faithfulness in every area of life. Whi
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s last day of deliberations with Sarah Zylstra, a member of New City Church (Kansas City, Mo.) and Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC (Orland Park, Ill.).
Synod 2026 accepted a review of the work of World Renew, part of a rotating evaluation schedule of Christian Reformed agencies adopted by Synod 2025.Synod recommitted to its covenantal relationship with the relief and development agency and encouraged congregations to create opportunities for World
The invitation floated into my social media inbox, evoking the same feelings as beautifully inked, ribbon-tied stationery.Titled The Aunties + Maddie, the invitation came from my almost 12-year-old niece, Maddie, who lives across the country; she had created a chat group to connect with her five aun
First Christian Reformed Church in Everett, Wash., hosted the 100th anniversary celebration for Everett (Wash.) Christian School on May 15, the culmination of a year of special events. Melissa Patton, secretary of the Everett Christian School board and on the centennial committee, said the church’s
The members of Big Big Train were inspired by seeing woodcuts on a visit to the Munch museum while on tour in Oslo. They developed a story of an artist who struggled with his life’s work only to find freedom in creativity. The resulting album, Woodcut, the band’s 18th, is among their best work. In t
Young Andrew loves flowers and growing things, but when he looks at the gardens in his neighborhood, he’s astounded at how big they are. At first, he’s overwhelmed, but then he makes a decision. He will make a garden in his own way.With a small shovel, Andrew digs up a tiny rectangle in his front la
In Feasting on Hope, author Hannah Miller King, a priest in the Anglican Church in North America, shares her story of childhood trauma within the framework of her experience of finding God’s gift of hope while participating in the Lord’s Supper, first as a young adult congregant receiving Communion,
Synod 2026 approved several changes to how the annual synod of the Christian Reformed Church operates. The CRC’s Office of the General Secretary completed a review at the request of last year’s synod.The most debated item was the role of a parliamentarian at each synod, a role that was established i
Following passionate speeches from the floor, Synod 2026 voted to leave the World Communion of Reformed Churches, an ecumenical organization the CRC has belonged to since its founding in 2010. Delegates to synod expressed concern over some of the organization’s statements on moral, theological, and