Modern American evangelicalism often implicitly (and at times explicitly) suggests the church should play an all-encompassing role in the life of the Christian.
Columns
Read our regular columns on Faith Matters, Big Questions, Christian apologetics, Shiao Chong's monthly Editorial, the Discover page (especially for kids), the Vantage Point, the Other Six, and letters from Christian Reformed Church members and our readers. Our online-only columns are As I Was Saying and Behind the Banner.
- READ MORE
- READ MORE
Are children capable of taking on lead roles in our worship services, such as in reading Scripture, praying, blessing, or ushering? If so, how might we encourage this?
- READ MORE
I have multiple jobs. I don’t think I can afford to give any of them up, but I feel like I’m being pulled in different directions. Is there anything I can do?
- READ MORE
Cathy sat on a bench by the library, smoking a cigarette and clutching a cup of coffee.
- READ MORE
Because God is so good, God has orchestrated creation to take care of its own dead bodies.
- READ MORE
There are times when we are the ones who are hiding. But there are also times when God’s people trust and obey yet still feel empty and forgotten.
- READ MORE
If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that a church needs durable forces to counter its own worst tendencies.
- READ MORE
There’s nothing like a crisis to expose the weaknesses in any system—and that includes family communication systems.
- READ MORE
We all praise God for designing and creating the amazing plants and animals we see around us. But Christians disagree on how God created.
- READ MORE
We live in a time that encourages anything and everything but reflection.
- READ MORE
Here’s how I approach making new friends at church.
- READ MORE
I spied a mother and her two little boys pushing a loaded cart toward the exit.
- READ MORE
Psychologists suggest that empathy is crucial in helping people who are struggling. Can we truly love our neighbor as ourselves if we do not have some level of empathy?
- READ MORE
Jesus told us how to handle our differences, and it’s not chaotic or complicated.
- READ MORE
It happened in an instant at a moment when I least expected it.
- READ MORE
Overwhelm is so pervasive in our world as a whole, including within the church.
- READ MORE
See how readers responded to recent Banner issues, articles, and columns.
- READ MORE
While it contains deep wisdom on life, the book is easily passed over because of the unsavory negativity.
- READ MORE
In light, earthquakes, sound, and water, waves are very similar.
- READ MORE
One of those things we’ve started to worship is politics.
- READ MORE
Naturally, we want to showcase our strength. But Paul reminds the whole church that the good news resonates best when we are weak, needy, vulnerable, and unpolished.
- READ MORE
All of us have discussed sermons—at Grandma’s house, in church meetings, or in conversation with family or friends.
- READ MORE
Eighty years ago, as a little boy, I experienced the sadness and the sin of a church split.
- READ MORE
We all want God’s help, but something deeper in our hearts must happen to us to be able to want God’s hold.