Columns

If my prayer is answered, I want to plant a church in my parents’ hometown so that I can share the gospel with everyone. I want to tell people there is a Home far more precious than our own hometowns. 

We say it takes a village to raise a child, so what do we do when we no longer live in villages?

Uncombed gray hair falling down over wild eyes. The stench of the streets on unkempt clothes. He ordered coffee and sat in the booth next to me.

Numb by Natalie Shires. Grade 12, Covenant Day School, Matthews, N.C., a member of Christian Schools International.

Where does God live? Our quick and easy answer is almost dismissive of the question but at the same time almost staggers us with its implications.

Billy Graham’s example of working across Christian divisions to fulfill God’s mission inspires us to do likewise.

I feel torn among the demands of my family, work, and church. How can I find a balance in using my time wisely?

When the self is filled with self there is no room for God.

Warm summer nights can feel magical.

My daughter has Down syndrome. Does God have a calling for her to fulfill?

All the darkness and evil in the world cannot overcome God’s light of life with which Christians are called to shine.

Darlene and I attended the same church from birth. Yet I didn’t really notice her until she was a teenager and her swollen arm was in a sling because of a bee sting. 

The Christian community remains strangely silent about mental health issues.

My congregation does not approve of women serving as elders or ministers. Isn’t this gender discrimination?

Do we need to consider a digital-device detox?

The most poignant and thought provoking "go-to" writings in The Banner are, for me, those of editor-in-chief Shiao Chong.

It is time we determine whether our faith is shaping our politics or our politics has been shaping our faith.

It was one of those oppressively gloomy mornings—the kind where it’s difficult to rouse yourself from sleep,

What congregations can do―and avoid doing—when they’re in a transition zone.

How can we have a meaningful worship time with so many new children joining our Children’s Worship group?

My paintings explore the process and cycle of abuse based on my experiences and those of many others. Each painting has its own theme: “Abuse,” “Aftermath,” “Recovery,” and “Cycle.” 

Christians have asked this question since the early church.

How can observing the Day of Justice help my church become more missional?

When the United States celebrated the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, I was a young faculty member at Calvin College in Michigan, in my second year of full-time teaching.