Ever wondered what synods are like from an officer’s perspective? President Chad Steenwyk and Vice President Derek Buikema give a personal, inside look at this year’s Synod from a unique vantage point.
Columns
Read our regular columns on Faith Matters, Big Questions, Christian apologetics, Editorials, 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.
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Studies show that the words we use for something affect how we think of that thing.
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The “semiquincentennial” is a mouthful, but 250 years is a big number!
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Multi-site churches might bring to mind celebrity pastors, streaming screens and mega-vibes. But what if multi-site means cooperation? Could this model help our struggling churches?
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Despite the expected blessings, sometimes the road can be rough. This merging of joy and suffering is likely why the Christian’s life of faith has often been compared to a journey.
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Can Synod discipline a classis or congregation? What does healthy accountability look like in our covenant community?
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I didn’t know this would lead to my own heart-rending walk down memory lane.
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“The words just didn’t fit that Sunday. My body tried to sing, but my soul could not utter the words.”
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Not only does the moon reflect the sun's light, it causes the tides, protects us from meteors, and is a sign to some animals for movement and breeding.
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What did Synod 2026 reveal about the CRC’s changing demographics? What role are immigration and church planting playing? Why might diversity grow best when the gospel- not diversity itself- is at the center?
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At 18 years old, Terry Fox, named athlete of the year in grade 12, was diagnosed with an aggressive malignant type of bone cancer. Then he inspired a nation.
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Why did Synod 2026 leave the World Communion of Reformed Churches while maintaining other church alliances? What does this reveal about CRC-priorities for church partnerships?
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Why do we practice paedobaptism instead of credobaptism?
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How has our seminary related to the past few years’ conversations about confessional integrity? Why did Synod 2026 express renewed confidence in its work? And what is this talk about ‘a book’?
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The danger of assumptions has existed throughout human history. I wonder if assumptions were at the heart of one of the great spiritual tragedies recorded in Scripture.
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July 3 is Global Bereaved Parent Day.
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Why did Synod 2026 create a study committee on Christian nationalism? What's the church hoping to learn?
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We cannot help imitating those around us. From accents and food preferences to spending habits and character traits, we become like those around us.
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Could Synod 2026’s unanimous vote on a new 10-year plan mark a turning point for the Christian Reformed Church? What's this all about?
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I pray synod will be remembered for a magnifying glass put on Jesus and his gospel. I pray it will be recalled for a bigger vision and a burning focus that resulted.
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Being preoccupied with death is not the biblical way for the people of God.
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Faith is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation that culminates in being conformed into the likeness of Christ.
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I enjoy my job, but my company is making it harder to combine work with a young family. Should I look for a new job?
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Encouragement is one way God gives strength to his weary people.