The Banner

Darrell Delaney told delegates ReFrame’s digital ministry is a way into the world’s darkest corners.

Synod 2026 ratified changes the CRC Loan Fund made to its articles of incorporation, expanding lending eligibility to CRCNA-related organizations.

The Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee of the Christian Reformed Church’s report to Synod 2026 included joy over a communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches and prayers for the CRC in Nigeria experiencing violence and persecution.

Responding to a request from a regional assembly, the Christian Reformed Church’s synod affirmed its historic teaching on church and state and approved a study committee to define the parameters of Christian Nationalism and offer pastoral response and guidance.

Responding to a request from Classis Red Mesa, Synod 2026 agreed to remove no-longer-relevant text from two articles in Church Order.

Future synods will continue to convene on Friday and conclude the following week on the fourth day of plenary sessions.

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, talks with guest Tim Blackmon, pastor of Second CRC (Grand Haven, Mich.), the convening church of this year’s synod. Lora and Tim talk about the important vision put forward through the four plenary messages of Saturday evening and Sunday’s joint worship.

Drawing from the parables of the leaven and the mustard seed, pastor Tim Blackmon reminded Synod 2026 that the Kingdom of God operates on a radically different scale.

Imagine your body is a castle. This castle is amazing, but sometimes sneaky invaders called germs try to get in.

Tim Sheridan presented to Synod 2026 the 10-year strategic plan for church planting, requested by Synod 2025.

Reminding that Jesus is at the center and every church has a place in God’s mission, Thrive’s Elaine May led Synod 2026 through the ministry’s plan to help churches learn and discern.

Delegates rising to their feet after a speech is rare in the Christian Reformed Church, but that’s how Synod 2026 reacted to general secretary Zach King’s encouragement to embrace God’s mission.

Dawn and Gary Brouwers started a trend 22 years ago when they brought their kids to synod while Gary was a delegate. In 2026, son Will is back as a delegate, kids in tow.

“The Lord be with you, And also with you; El Señor esté contigo, Y también contigo; 주께서 우리와 함께하시나니, 항상 함께하시리이다,” Synod 2026 delegates greeted one another Saturday.

Synod’s annual women’s dinner was a time of fellowship, encouragement and reflection.

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, talks with guest Joshua Jiang, a first-time observer of synod, to get his take on the proceedings so far. Jiang is a member of Princeton CRC (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and a South Korea-based Chinese pastor working with Resonate Global Mission.

Synod’s first plenary session began with worship, thanksgiving, and an encouragement to be conscious of power and privilege dynamics when deliberating

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, and guest John Hoekema, pastor of Horizon Community Church (Downers Grove, Ill.) and the denomination’s prayer shepherd, talk about the foundation of prayer laid before and during this year's synod.

The cathedral blessed and inaugurated its tallest tower June 10, marking 100 years after Gaudí’s death.

Based on the bestselling book by Shelby Van Pelt comes the movie about Tova, a widow who forms an unlikely friendship with the curmudgeonly Marcellus—a giant Pacific octopus that lives at the aquarium where she works.

Foster curiosity, creativity, outdoor adventures, and faith with God of Wonders—a beautiful picture book filled with wonders of the sea, sand, and sky.

Jerry Dykstra, who lived, worked, and served in lay ministry in Arizona after leaving CRC denominational leadership in 2011, died April 27. He was 76.

The world does not need more Christians who blend in so completely that there is no visible difference.