Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care. Although he preached a good sermon, he relished making visits and teaching catechism. He encouraged others to seek justice, speak up for the oppressed, and be grateful in all things. Gerard, 97, died Jan. 25. “To the end, he modeled faithfulness in his
The Council of Delegates of the Christian Reformed Church met by video conference Feb. 4-6, receiving ministry reports, updates on budget projections, and matters to share with Synod 2026.Roberta Vriesema, director of partnership administration—a role that replaced that of chief administrative offic
Knowing there are Christian Reformed pastors and churches in close proximity to the turmoil, tragedy and grief in Minneapolis where public clashes with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers resulted in two deaths in January, The Banner asked, ‘How do you live in this moment as Christ's c
Leaders in the Christian Reformed Church presenting to the Council of Delegates at its February meeting stressed that the upcoming 10-year plan for church planting and renewal needs personal participation from all corners of the denomination, even as some questioned the practicality of its “aspirati
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, meeting by video conference at the beginning of February, received a report from the first meeting of the Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee, which was formed in October to better integrate diverse leaders and churches within the CRC
The Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates received a review of the work of the denomination’s Dignity Team—a group of five appointed members that serves as support to individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church and been unable to achieve resolution through other means—a
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana was published Jan. 30, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style. The Banner added related links and paragraph nine to provide context for the Christian Reformed
Six Christian Reformed congregations are part of a synchronized multi-church, community-wide effort in the Byron Center, Mich., area to read through the Bible in 2026.“One Book, One Body” is being promoted by the Byron Area Ministerial Association, an organization consisting of pastors and ministry
A much-loved pastor, Dick Stravers was a genuinely kind and compassionate man with a gentle demeanor. “His passion for justice and desire for a better world were forefront in his beliefs—and often delivered with a twinkle in his eye,” a friend remembered in tribute. Dick, 98, died Jan. 12.Dick grew
A year-old women’s evangelistic training ministry developed out of the gospel-spreading Multiplication Network is equipping participants of Global Coffee Break groups to effectively reach unchurched friends, neighbors, and family members. About 20 women at Lakeside Community Christian Reformed Churc
Neil Vriend is remembered for his kind, thoughtful, gentle demeanor and his consistent hospitality. He was genuinely interested in others and was recognized by many as a bridge-builder between those with differing perspectives. In his ministry and life, Neil lived his calling to participate in makin
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Tony Onyulo, was published Jan. 14, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been lightly edited for Banner style.MAKURDI, Nigeria (RNS) — When gunfire echoed through villages near her home last month, Grace Tyohem
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana, was published Jan. 12, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.“Do what God has called you to do,” Nicole Martin quotes her great-grandmother, Estelle Cartledg
Tony Van Zanten was founder and a longtime leader of Roseland Christian Ministries, a comprehensive ministry caring for the needs of those living in the community of Roseland on Chicago's south side. Tony, 86, died Dec. 15.Tony was born on a farm in Rock Valley, Iowa. After high school he studied fo
Joel Nederhood was a humble, faithful servant of the Lord who proclaimed the gospel for over 30 years through the Christian Reformed Church’s radio and television ministry, The Back to God Hour (now ReFrame Ministries). In a recent post, ReFrame described Nederhood as “the media voice of the CRC.” H
Pastor, evangelist, and church planter Stephen Jung was an easygoing man of quiet confidence whose kindness was evident in his care for many immigrants and newcomers. His son said one of his father’s lasting legacies was an attitude of gratitude. “My dad expressed thankfulness for the blessings that
The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This story by Bob Smietana, was published Jan. 7, 2026 on religionnews.com. It has been lightly edited for Banner style.Philip Yancey, a widely read evangelical author and speaker, will retire from public ministry after
A steering committee commissioned by Classis Quinte, a regional assembly of Christian Reformed congregations in Ontario, voted Dec. 4 to stop pursuing a Canada-wide conversation among churches. Saying, “There is insufficient evidence that classes across Canada share areas of mutual concern to substa
A unique 49-panel mural hangs on the west wall of the fellowship hall in Dresden (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church, still representing the themes of worship and community 25 years after it was created.Made by a collective of artists—both skilled and untrained—in 2001, “the goal was to create a single
Katie Day Good, associate professor of communication at Calvin University, is delivering a lecture at Redeemer University’s Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship for the university’s ongoing The World and Our Calling series next month (Feb. 2). Redeemer announced Good as the 2025 Emergi