The Banner

Synod 2026 came to a close with multilingual prayer, a meditation from parliamentarian Michael Winnowski, and a final sermon and blessing from president Chad Steenwyk.

From rejecting a request to require all denominational employees to be confessing members of a Christian Reformed congregation, to no longer requiring the publication of a printed yearbook, some decisions of Synod 2026 passed without much discussion.

Delegates asked for more financial information and explanation from the denomination and gave guidance for church giving.

Although appreciative of the 2008 expression of faith “Our World Belongs to God,” delegates to Synod 2026 recommended taking it out of the Covenant that binds pastors, deacons, and elders to the creeds and confessions of the church. A future synod must ratify the change.

Churches need clarity for members who are uncertain about the Christian Reformed Church's expectations for confessional alignment, synod said.

Synod 2026 young adult reps were thankful and encouraged by their experiences.

If “God is the builder” of his house (Heb. 3:3), what role do church leaders play in that great project?

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?

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s last day of deliberations with Sarah Zylstra, a member of New City Church (Kansas City, Mo.) and Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC (Orland Park, Ill.).

Synod 2026 accepted a review of the work of World Renew and recommitted its covenantal relationship with the relief and development agency.

Encouragement is one way God gives strength to his weary people.

The 100th graduating class of Everett (Wash.) Christian School received diplomas and Bibles at First Christian Reformed Church on June 3. On May 15 the church hosted a centennial celebration for the school.

Prog rock outfit Big Big Train releases their 18th album, inspired by a woodcutting artist’s work.

On a street with big, showy gardens, Andrew sets out to grow his own tiny garden in this picture book about slowing down, appreciating the little things, and staying true to yourself.

How can we live as people of hope in the midst of unmet longings, unanswered prayers, and seemingly unresolvable pain?

Synod 2026 reviewed some changes to rules that govern how the annual synod operates and chose to keep the recent practice of having a parliamentarian.

Synod 2026 voted to leave the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a group the CRC helped inaugurate in 2010. Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, the WCRC general secretary, expressed sadness at the decision and read a letter of farewell.

Calvin University continues to pursue full confessional alignment with the CRC doctrine, but the presence of a Pride flag in the faculty wing caused consternation.

Synod 2026 no longer sees the need for the Dignity Team, a group established in 2022 to help support people who feel they have been victimized by abuses of power in the church.

While seeking to cut costs, Synod 2026 decided to maintain an annual synod but will look at classis restructuring.

Following extended debate on the purpose and governance of multisite churches, Synod 2026 passed new guidelines for the creation, support, and governance of several kinds of multisite congregations in the CRC.

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s third day of deliberations with David Bosscher, pastor of Lakeside CRC (Alto, Mich,) and Petr Kornilov, with Resonate Global Mission.