Jon Hoekema, the CRC’s prayer shepherd, whose son is a young adult representative, says mentoring helps teach the bigger picture of the church—what it is and can be.

If councils don’t properly govern themselves, a broader body may step in, Synod 2026 affirms.

Synod 2026 agreed to maintain its broader membership criteria for the Christian Reformed Church’s governance board. While not restricted to officebearers, all members sign a statement of agreement with the beliefs of the CRC.

Rev. Lora Copley, who has served as interim editor since December, is now editor-in-chief. The first time a woman has served in the role.

Synod 2026 specifies what churches should include in worship in the Church Order. The actual change will need to be adopted by a subsequent synod.

The over-20-year-old mission and vision statements for the Christian Reformed Church will get an update. The first report is due to Synod 2027.

While officebearers face higher expectations for confessional alignment, members should be discipled, as well, through profession of faith classes and Reformed liturgies and forms.

Aaron Vriesman, Classis Zeeland, interviewed Christopher Fantuzzo, PhD prior to his approval as a new professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary.

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s second day of deliberations with Susan LaClear, the CRC’s director of Candidacy, and Jason Ruis, associate pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.

Synod agrees to make known and to reach out to Thrive ministry for its resources and church renewal support.

Charged to “faithfully carry the love and the truth of Jesus Christ into the places where God has placed them,” 36 new candidates for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church were presented to Synod 2026.

A Korean connector for the CRC, Catheryn Jo, led Synod 2026’s Tuesday afternoon worship with a choir of Korean delegates.

Synod accepted changes for the office of commissioned pastor, declared new candidates for Minister of the Word, and extended the candidacy eligibility for previously approved candidates.

Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, reviews synod’s first day of full deliberations with Jason Ruis, Associate Pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.

Synod passionately joins in Resonate Global Mission's 10-year strategic plan for church planting.

Ecumenical guests of the CRC’s Synod 2026 gave uplifting presentations of unity and growth, along with the heart to share the gospel in their denominations and organizations.

Synod 2026 spent time celebrating milestones of its affiliated Christian colleges and universities and recognized the 2026 closure of Trinity Christian College.

Synod says a study to articulate CRC ecclesiology is not necessary.

Synod 2026 voted to extend a church in cooperation relationship with the Nederlandse Gereformeerde Kerken, a new Dutch Reformed denomination that formed in 2023. Synod also provided directions for a memorandum between the denominations.

Lee Carter, newly ratified director of the CRC’s Thrive ministry, told Synod 2026 that the agency’s mandate is to be a companion and guide for churches.

Darrell Delaney told delegates ReFrame’s digital ministry is a way into the world’s darkest corners.

Synod 2026 ratified changes the CRC Loan Fund made to its articles of incorporation, expanding lending eligibility to CRCNA-related organizations.

The Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee of the Christian Reformed Church’s report to Synod 2026 included joy over a communion relationship with the Alliance of Reformed Churches and prayers for the CRC in Nigeria experiencing violence and persecution.