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:Faith Matters: When It Is Not Well With My SoulOn Air: Exploring Synod 2026Streaming series review: The Other Bennet SisterRead 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?
Discipline is often handled like a hot potato–something we’d rather not touch. Yet when Synod 2026 adopted recommendations on church discipline and accountability, it addressed questions that have existed in the Reformed tradition for centuries. Rev. Ken Benjamins joins the Banner Podcast to explain
Epistolary novels rarely succeed—they’re notoriously difficult to write without feeling dry—but Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent is a striking exception. A novel written entirely in letters, it stands in the tradition of modern classics like Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead and popular bestsellers like
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 months
The hymn began just as it always does.“When peace like a river attendeth my way … .”The congregation's voices swelled, the organ warmed the sanctuary, and something familiar rose up like the tide. I’ve sung this song dozens of times, maybe more. It’s one of the great hymns of the faith, one I love d
Most nights I forget the moon is there, but every once in a while it winks out from behind a cloud, and I marvel at this part of God’s good creation.The Bible and science tell us the moon was created after the earth. Genesis describes the moon as a “lesser light to rule the night” that was created o
Reports to Synod 2026 show the CRC becoming increasingly diverse through immigrant congregations and mission. Brazilian pastor Jean Gomez joins the Banner Podcast to share his journey to the CRC and to reflect on these developments. This episode explores cultural identity, evangelism, and how remain
Author Ragan Sutterfield, a priest in the Episcopal Church who serves a parish in his native Arkansas, became a passionate birder in his preteens. Over time, he began to contemplate the connection between birding and spiritual practices that draw the observer into a closer relationship with God. He
My Wednesday evenings seem a dull affair indeed after the glimmers and laughter of watching 10 episodes of The Other Bennet Sister.Based on the book by Janice Hadlow, the series invites viewers to Jane Austen’s world of Pride and Prejudice and the Bennet sisters. Unlike most adaptations and spinoffs
In this first book of three in the Sensate Saga series written for children ages 10 to 14, readers encounter 13-year-old Oscar who lives with his white father, Mexican stepmother, and Abuela. A few years ago, Oscar was in a car crash that forever changed his life. One leg is now shorter than the oth
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.Today, if you
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Aleja Hertzler-McCain, was published July 2, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added the fifth and sixth paragraphs and the last four paragraphs to provide
Teens in Classis Columbia, a regional group of Christian Reformed churches in the western U.S., have counted on Camp Calvin’s volunteer teachers and other professionals for opportunities in spiritual growth, friendship, and leadership since 1975.Preschool teacher Amy Toornstra, a member of Sunnyslop