Jerry DeVries, who died May 30, was a gentle and humble pastor who served Christian Reformed congregations in the U.S. from coast to coast for over four decades.Jerry grew up on a farm in Princeton, Minn. He contracted polio at age 7. When he left the hospital after six months of therapy, Jerry was
Nola Galluch has been described as having a big personality. “She had this big bravery to do what others wouldn’t even think of trying, a strong perseverance despite many odds and barriers against her along the way, and a big, nonjudgmental love for people,” said one of her brothers.Nola, 76, died M
Shiao Chong, editor-in-chief of The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church, tendered his resignation with the publication June 23. His last day as editor will be July 11. Shirley De Vries, chief administrative officer for the CRC, is “working with the Office of General Secretary, Bann
This was my fourth synod as news editor—sixth in a reporting capacity. Titles of my “In Our View” reflections have been “In Person, But Not Together,” “Incomplete and Broken,” and “Resounding Words.” As I witnessed discussions, deliberations, and decisions of the Christian Reformed Church synod this
A request from Classis Zeeland to appoint a study committee to evaluate and clarify the Christian Reformed Church’s polity surrounding the relationships among local church councils, classes (regional groups of churches), and synod has been passed on to Synod 2026. It was originally sent to Synod 202
Synod 2025 concluded with a word of encouragement from president Steven Terpstra and worshipping together in song.Terpstra, preached from the end of the Luke 24:13-35 passage, the Emmaus Road story that synod used through the week in its theme “Journey with Jesus.”Focusing on the phrase “their eyes
Synod 2025 heard from the directors of Resonate Global Mission and ReFrame Ministries about their work in missions, media ministry, and church building, and recognized the global impact of World Renew, the Christian Reformed Church’s relief and development agency.Synod is the annual general assembly
Synod 2025 delegates decided that the content of The Banner must “speak from a distinctly Reformed perspective in line with our confessions and synodical decisions, representing the CRCNA as its official publication.”In presenting issues pertinent in the life of the church, The Banner will no longer
Synod 2025 had a request “to prioritize church planting within the denominational budget”—a matter it considered at length. Without being able to make direct budgetary decisions, the assembly affirmed that church planting is a key strategy in building the health and vitality of the denomination and
After much discussion, Synod 2025 decided to maintain its close ecumenical relationship with the Reformed Church in America, but the relationship will be reevaluated over the next five years.For more than a decade, the relationship between the denominations has been guided by the Pella Accord, made
Somewhat divided on the matter, Synod 2025 decided 91 to 67, with two abstentions, to accept six recommendations for the operation of digital ministries and virtual churches within the Christian Reformed Church in North America and concluded the work of the Virtual Church Task Force, established by
Synod 2025 welcomed seven young adult representatives, all who were attending for the first time. Sharing thoughts with The Banner they expressed having open minds, despite being unsure of what to expect, and that they found encouragement and inspiration in the conversations and connections.Synod is
Synod 2025 wants to see more well-trained officebearers and exhorters of the Word in the churches of the Christian Reformed Church. It’s encouraging regional groups of churches to help prepare more individuals with a license to exhort, using Church Order Article 43-b, over the next two years. And sy
In receiving reports from Calvin Theological Seminary, Synod 2025 recognized several positive milestones, commended the school for training pastors and church leaders who uphold the Word of God and who support and defend the creeds and confessions of the CRCNA, and requested that the Board of Truste
Synod decisions are binding on Christian Reformed congregations, but Synod 2025 decided there are four different categories for those decisions.Any decision by a synod that clarifies which doctrines are contained in the creeds and confessions of the church are “confessional interpretations” that req
Synod 2025 agreed to pursue a church in communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches. It’s the closest ecumenical category of relationships the Christian Reformed Church has.The Alliance is made of congregations that have left the Reformed Church in America because of disagreement w
The Christian Reformed Church’s Bible Translation Committee said that the Easy to Read Version (ERV) is suitable for new believers and children’s worship but not for public worship. Synod 2025 agreed.The translation committee said the ERV does a good job of rendering biblical text for “those who hav
Synod 2025 affirmed that the responsibility for granting baptism rests with the local consistory, as outlined in Church Order Article 55 and previous synod decisions. It also voted to remind churches that “baptismal rites are not to be used to affirm that same-sex marriage is ecclesiastically valid.
Synod wants to know more about board member nominees that it has to vote on. It tasked the general secretary with acquiring from the various boards rubrics that would list the gifts and qualifications expected of board and committee nominees and to provide information addressing those criteria to th
Synod 2025 changed some of the rules regarding commissioned pastors called to serve as solo or lead pastors in an established church including requiring theological education in line with what is required to be a minister of the Word. That education process is part of a program known as bridge ordin