Synod 2026 commended a task force report on multisite churches to congregations considering multisite developments.The report, requested by Synod 2024, offers multiple possible pathways for “multisite expressions” of church to relate to one another. Additionally, the report provides advice on multis
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s third day of deliberations with David Bosscher, Lakeside CRC (Alto, Mich.) and Petr Kornilov, with Resonate Global Mission.
As this synod makes decisions of generational impact, there are at least four groupings of two-generational families represented at Synod 2026.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is meeting June 12-18 in Grand Rapids, Mich.Will Brouwers, Classis
Synod 2026 received the report of a task force that recommended procedures for the discipline of officebearers. The task force resulted from confusion about how or if a church council or classis can be disciplined by a broader assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, namely synod. Its report came
Synod 2026 said that even though the Council of Delegates acts in an ecclesial fashion, the members do not need to be officebearers in the church. The Council acts in the interim of annual synods. Delegates to synod must be currently serving officebearers who have signed the Covenant for Officebeare
Synod 2026 approved the appointment of Rev. Lora Copley as editor-in-chief of The Banner, magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Copley has served as interim editor since December.The magazine was in need of a new editor after the resignation of its previous editor, Shiao Chong, who left the pub
A change of Church Order was brought to Synod 2026, to include specifics for Reformed worship directly as a supplement. The principles—to be centered around God’s Word, encouraging the singing of psalms, and being sacramental, not performative—were previously referenced in the order, but not written
Synod 2026 agreed that the Christian Reformed Church in North America needs vision and mission statements that are more specific and better reflect the Christ-centered vision of the CRCNA. It asked the general secretary to form a group to work on this over the next year.The decision came in response
On a basic human level we know we demonstrate our values by what we spend our time and money on. If you value education, you might spend time educating yourself or educating others, donate to educational institutions, or pay for school for your children. Indeed this truth is called out by Jesus in t
Synod 2026 noted that the expectation of commitment to our Reformed creeds and confessions (doctrinal standards) is higher for officebearers than for members, and consistories have the privilege and responsibility of discipling members “faithfully towards a deeper understanding of the gospel as arti
Synod 2026 voted to approve Christopher Fantuzzo, Ph.D., to a position as professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. Among other positions, Fantuzzo previously served as a lecturer in Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and as a visiting professor of Old
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s second day of deliberations with Susan LaClear, the CRC’s director of Candidacy, and Jason Ruis, associate pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.
Synod 2026 reminded the Christian Reformed Church of the resources of Thrive, the denomination’s congregational support ministry, and encouraged church leaders to reach out to Thrive for support. Synod also invited churches to make use of the ministry’s church renewal plan and made note of the staff
On Tuesday morning, Synod 2026 hosted a presentation ceremony for 36 new candidates for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. Fourteen of those candidates were present in person for the liturgy and celebration; others joined by livestream.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Re
Korean delegates and staff to Synod 2026 opened worship Tuesday afternoon with a choir led by Catheryn Jo, communications specialist and Korean connector with the Office of General Secretary.Jo played guitar and led in the singing of “Blessed Assurance” in Korean and English. Yoojin Song played pian
Just before adjourning the Monday evening session, Synod 2026 worked through recommendations from the denomination’s Candidacy Committee, adopting changes for commissioned pastors, declaring 36 new candidates for the position of Minister of the Word, and extending the candidacy eligibility for seven
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, reviews synod’s first day of full deliberations with Jason Ruis, Associate Pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.
In keeping with the tone set Saturday evening with Resonate Global Mission’s presentation on church planting and Zach King’s “Antioch Moment” address, Synod 2026 enthusiastically approved the 10-year strategic plan for church planting Monday evening, with a standing applause after a unanimous vote.S
Synod 2026 welcomed three ecumenical guests from India, the Dominican Republic, and the United States to bring greetings and receive prayer at Synod 2026. The presentation was led by Shirley Roels, chair of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee.Synod is the annual general assembly of the
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.Two weeks ago