When Synod 2026 meets on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 12-18, a report following up on a request from 2024 regarding accountability for addressing allegations of misconduct will be part of its agenda.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church
Jack Hielema’s life was marked by steadfast faith, thoughtful counsel, faithful ministry, and deep care for people. Jack, 94, died March 10.Born in Groningen, the Netherlands, the fifth of nine children, Jack immigrated to the Hamilton, Ont., area at age 19 with his older brother, Ep. He worked as a
As a missionary, Epke Vander Berg shared his gifts of faith, service, and leadership with many people around the world. “He always had time to chat and share stories. He brought light and cheer to everyone he met,” said a friend in tribute. Epke, 84, died Feb. 27.Born in Friesland, the Netherlands,
A report reflecting on the practice and purpose of membership in the Christian Reformed Church is ready to be presented to Synod 2026, as requested by Synod 2024. The Defining Membership Task Force report, 15 pages and a two-page appendix, recommends that synod “remind consistories of the privilege
A report released March 5 by Cardus, in partnership with the Canadian Bible Society, is challenging widely held assumptions about the steady decline of religion in Canada, particularly among younger generations.Drawing on three years of polling data from the Angus Reid Institute, the report, “Faith
Volunteers in Service, a connecting agency in Kent County, Mich., to mobilize congregational volunteers into community service where it’s needed, celebrates 40 years in 2026.“It is very exciting to be celebrating God's faithfulness over the past 40 years as Volunteers In Service has continued to “em
Catheryn Jo, who serves the Korean community within the Christian Reformed Church through the Office of General Secretary, had a recent trip to The Loving Church in Tucson, Ariz., and shared her experience on the CRCNA Korean Facebook page.The Banner covered The Loving Church and its pastor, Rebecca
Families at Bethel Community Christian Reformed Church in Edmonton, Alta., are gathering around “The Family Table,” a ministry launched in September 2025, to encourage parents as they disciple their children in everyday life. The initiative includes five in-person events scheduled between fall 2025
The report of a Task Force to Study Multisite Churches, to be presented to Synod 2026 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is now available online. The 18-page report with a three-page appendix will be included in the synod agenda. Requested by Synod 2024, in response to an overture fr
Just days before Matthew Le’s death, his physician asked him, “What do you do?” Matthew answered, “I am a servant.” The physician looked questioningly at Matthew’s wife, who explained that Matthew was a minister who served Jesus and a congregation. Matthew Le, 68, died Jan. 27, 2025.Born in Vietnam,
Jim Kok, who served in chaplaincy ministry for 50 years, was the first supervisor of clinical pastoral education in the Christian Reformed Church. “He stands 6′6″ but his personality is even bigger,” said a 2018 article written in the CRCNA’s The Network. “Jim was a giant of a man in both stature an
The Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance reported March 4 that Huron-Perth counties in Ontario had raised more than half a million dollars in the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year campaign that annually funds critical service providers to vulnerable people across Canada. Exeter (Ont.) Christian Reformed Chur
On Feb. 22, folks from New Life Christian Reformed Church in Abbotsford, B.C., opened their homes and hearts for “Let’s do Lunch” Sunday potlucks. Hosts and guests gathered in small groups to share food, laughter, and fellowship right where they live. It wasn’t just about a meal. It was about practi
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Yonat Shimron, was published March 3, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.The percentage of Americans who say religion is “very important” in their lives seems to have l
Peter Noteboom, a commissioned pastor of the Christian Reformed Church in Classis Toronto, who has served nine years as general secretary for The Canadian Council of Churches ecumenical organization, is leaving the role as of June 30, 2026. The Council announced the transition in its March newslette
Lorna Glesne of Bunde Christian Reformed Church in Clara City, Minn., told us about the long service of 96-year-old organist Mildred “Millie” Meyer, who has been playing for Bunde CRC for 82 years. Meyer told The Banner she began playing piano for Sunday school at age 12 and graduated to playing the
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Adelle M. Banks was published Feb. 24, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length.Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia’’s Ebenezer Baptist Church are amo
Peter Breedveld was thoughtful, patient with questions, non-judgmental, and always positive and encouraging. His desire, when he began ministry, was to be “a healer of the wounded human spirit,” said his son, John, at Peter’s memorial service. “His life, his love for Jesus, and his outlook on everyt
A group of African American Reformed pastors and allies published a letter Feb. 16 addressed to “pastors and leaders in the Christian Reformed and Reformed communities,” calling out “what appears to be an intentional diminishing—and in some cases erasing—of Black history in our national story.”The a
The Gospel Coalition, a para-church organization founded between 2005 and 2007 to help renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel, announced eight new council members Feb. 23. Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park (Ill.) Christian Reformed Church and president of the CRC synod in 2