March 2022
Download a full pdf of this issue below or find links to every feature, news, column, review, and Our Shared Ministry article included in this edition. Not the date you wanted? Find issues back to January 2016 here or use the search function at the top to find articles going back to 2005. To find something even older, The Banner archives are maintained at Calvin College's Hekman Library.
Features
News
- READ MORE
With votes in their congregations last fall, 43 congregations that had been part of the Reformed Church in America were released from their denominational classes (regional groups of churches) as of Dec. 31, 2021. They are now part of the Alliance of Reformed Churches.
- READ MORE
Nine years after the first Canadian Catalytic Conversation—a gathering of delegates from Christian Reformed classes across Canada—Canadian CRC members were again invited to a meeting of the minds, this time on Zoom.
- READ MORE
Last June the CRC’s Council of Delegates requested a proposal for how to hear from more LGBTQ believers as Synod 2022 debates the human sexuality report. At its February meeting it rejected that proposal and decided on an alternative.
- READ MORE
A farmer and a pastor whose preaching ‘enriched the soil of the church,’ Arlan Koppendrayer was in active ministry until a devastating stroke in December. He died Dec. 24.
- READ MORE
Pastor and chaplain, George Van Arragon was a man who made people feel welcomed, accepted, and encouraged. He died Dec. 27.
- READ MORE
After a full life of ministry and a richly productive season of retirement, Lammert Slofstra, 97, died Dec. 31, 2021.
- READ MORE
Xay Xue Yang, founding pastor of the Hmong Christian Reformed Church in Sheboygan, Wisc., died Dec. 15, 2021.
- READ MORE
In response to the conclusion of an independent investigation of abuse at one of its ministry partners, Resonate Global Mission has issued an apology and is contributing to the implementation of report recommendations.
- READ MORE
Ida Kaastra-Mutoigo, director for World Renew-Canada, is leaving to head a New York-based ministry for survivors of trafficking. Kenneth Kim will be her interim replacement.
- READ MORE
A group of students led by Emily Dimmick, a Protect Life Michigan campus activist and member of Fellowship CRC in Big Rapids, Mich., marched on Washington on Jan. 21, 2022.
- READ MORE
After 15 years of promoting the production of “content worth consuming,” Dordt University’s Prairie Grass Film Challenge mounted its final event in January 2022.
- READ MORE
Preventing flooding, filtering run-off, and attracting pollinators, rain gardens are a beautiful way to care for God’s creation.
Columns
- READ MORE
Two big musicals and an animated children’s movie showcase Hamilton creator’s exuberance.
- READ MORE
Think about the Church Order articles related to the office of deacon and how they give instruction for the healthy functioning of a church in its context, locally and at the classis level.
- READ MORE
I work for a large corporation. Recently I received a bonus in my paycheck. Though I could really use the money, I think it might have been given by mistake. Do I have an obligation to say anything?
- READ MORE
Los moderados dentro de cada grupo suelen ser los más vulnerables y aislados.
- READ MORE
Our church is filled with retired people. We don’t have many children. How can we minister to the children if there are so few of them?
- READ MORE
It feels as if the CRC is headed for a denominational divorce over LGBTQ+ concerns. Is a church split inevitable?
- READ MORE
An interview with historian Anneke Stasson on her book Women in the Mission of the Church.
- READ MORE
See how readers responded to recent Banner issues, articles, and columns.
- READ MORE
I take off my metaphorical glasses so I can’t see the problem areas in my life and the world around me.
- READ MORE
I spend a lot of time listening. But is it worthwhile?
- READ MORE
It is a ministry that bears witness to both creation and the mysteries of death—sometimes in the span of a single workday.
- READ MORE
Moderates within each party are often the most vulnerable and isolated.
- READ MORE
- READ MORE
The hopeful story of one girl’s journey through grief as she learns to celebrate her father in the midst of sadness.
- READ MORE
“Heal my sister’s cancer.” “Help my brother stop drinking.” These are the kinds of prayers that make us wonder if God is listening, or powerful, or loving.
- READ MORE
One recurring question I get as its editor in chief is whether The Banner will ever consider going entirely digital, forgoing its print form.
- READ MORE
각 그룹 내의 중도파는 대개 가장 취약하고 소외됩니다.
Our Shared Ministry
- READ MORE
Hace poco reflexionaba sobre lo fácil que puede ser perder la esperanza en una época como ésta, pero, sin embargo, nuestra esperanza es Cristo.
- READ MORE
The letters are a form of advocacy that Christians can engage in.
- READ MORE
Every week, more than 7,000 people are praying for anonymous requests from strangers who live all around the world.
- READ MORE
Burnout set in. After seven years of important but intense and sometimes draining work, Opiyo knew he needed a change.
- READ MORE
Through local partners, World Renew works to extend God’s justice and mercy to vulnerable communities around the world.
- READ MORE
I was recently reflecting on how easy it can be to lose hope in a time like this, and yet, our hope is Christ.
- READ MORE
Prayer always lies at the center of the Christian life, but there are times and seasons when this centrality takes on a deeper urgency.
- READ MORE
저는 최근 들어 이런 시기에 얼마나 소망을 잃기 쉬운지 곰곰이 생각해 보았습니다. 하지만 그래도 우리의 소망은 그리스도입니다.
