Hearing that Cornerstone Prison Church plays Bingo for Bibles sounds strange at first, but because prison rules restrict the giving of items of value to individuals except by chance, the game is a way to have inmates “win” the Word.

A review of the team created to support individuals who have experienced abuses of power in the church suggests extending the mandate while equipping other resolution-seeking structures.

Synod 2026 anticipates a 10-year planting and renewal plan for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. The Council of Delegates glimpsed the renewal pathway at its February meeting.

The recently formed Diaspora and Ethnic Ministry advisory committee of the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates will be the mechanism for diverse networking groups, such as Consejo Latino, to share reports with synod.

Founder and a long-time leader of Roseland Christian Ministries, who “bore witness to the heart of the gospel,” Tony Van Zanten died Dec. 15 at age 86.

Remembered as a bridge-builder with a kind, thoughtful demeanor, Neil Vriend’s ordained ministry included churches in Ontario and Alberta. He died Dec. 18 at age 93.

A much-loved pastor with a passion for justice and desire for a better world, Dick Stravers was a kind and compassionate man. He died Jan. 12 at age 98.

A humble, faithful servant of the Lord who proclaimed the gospel over radio and television for more than 30 years, Joel Nederhood died Dec. 2 at age 94.

A pastor turned chaplain, Gerard Ringnalda had a gift for pastoral care and modeled faithfulness in his walk with Jesus. He died Jan. 25, at age 97.

A pastor, evangelist, and church planter known for his kindness, Stephen Jung was a man of quiet confidence who cared for many. He died Nov. 30 at age 100.

Incorporating workshops offered by its own congregants, Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich., forgoes a traditional Vacation Bible School with an annual summer Praise Days program.

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.

Martin, a former leader at the American Bible Society who was named CEO in November, says the magazine will focus on building a healthy culture, telling redemptive stories, and pursuing civil dialogue in evangelicalism's big tent.

Sixteen congregations from nine different denominations or church networks are part of a community-wide effort to read through the Bible in 2026.

As of the beginning of February, the number of Christian Reformed churches with a pastoral vacancy—those actively searching to fill it—is about 18% of the total number of organized congregations.