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 deliberations. The episode also reflects the changing nature of Synods—from the emotionally intense assemblies in 2022–2024 to the hopeful spirit that characterized Synod 2026.
Go behind the gavel and explore the role of gospel-centered discipleship, simple worship, and the growing presence of younger delegate voices on this Synod.
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Hosts
Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition
Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.
Contributor
Chad Steenwyk, pastor of Central Avenue CRC in Holland, Mich; president of Synod 2026.
Video editing - Noah Zylstra