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.Discipleship,
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.Many language
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.One of the ch
Peter and I were having our usual breakfast at the Hungry Fox early on a Monday morning. An elderly couple across the aisle from us also enjoyed their breakfast, as did a single elderly woman sitting in the booth just ahead of them, her back to their table.Our server, always a kick to be around, kib
In Part Two of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast on Synod 2026, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema continue their conversation about this Synod’s impact on the future of the Christian Reformed Church with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk. Together they reflect on the art of moder
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.“What did I g
In Part One of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema sit down with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk for a wrap-up reflection on this year’s deliberative assembly. They discuss how officers are selected and what goes into managing on-the-floor delib
Should Christians use gendered pronouns for Alexa or Siri?At a recent meeting of denominational publishers, a presentation was given by a vendor selling AI-powered software for publishers. Throughout the presentation, the salesperson talked about how our customers would be transformed if they could
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.It’s the 250t
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
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
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
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
When Synod 2026 considered the CRC’s relationship with other denominations and alliances, delegates asked deeper questions. Jim Hollandoner walks us through the CRC’s different levels of ecumenical partnership and the reasoning around Synod 2026’s decisions. The conversation explores the importance
Why do we practice child baptism?The baptism debate is often framed as an either-or: either you baptize children (paedobaptism) or you baptize those who profess faith (credobaptism—either older children or adults). For some of our brothers and sisters in Christ, as in the Baptist tradition, this is
As the primary trainer of our denomination’s pastors for the past 150 years, Calvin Theological Seminary often found itself at the center of recent conversations about CRC identity and confessional commitments. President Jul Medenblik joins The Banner Podcast to explain how the seminary understands