The Banner

The executive officers of Synod 2008 had a lot of synod experience—24 years in all. But only Rev.

Synod president Rev. Joel Boot chose Rev.

Katrine Van Houten grew up in the Christian Reformed Church, went away to college at Michigan State University, and then returned to her

Synod 2008 was a momentous occasion, historic no matter how you feel about women being delegated to synod for the first time.

Ever heard of a “tween?” If not, just chillax and let me explain.

Hearing a radio preacher recently, I took note of his prayer to God to send a revival to our land.

I love pigs. I became fascinated with them when I first saw them as a 12-year-old.

Something’s wrong with our honeybees. Millions of them have disappeared.

A mother of 3-year-old twins believes she has to play with her children most of the day or they won’t grow and develop properly.

Every night around 11:00, I do a “bed check.” I check to see if our kids are too warm or too cold, and that all their limbs a

Calling/Mission

Q Is it ever possible to be unloving in our evangelism?

These pages introduce the 53 people declared by Synod 2008 to be candidates for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church.

It was too beautiful a day for something to die. But it did. There was nothing I could do about it.

This year’s synod (the denomination’s leadership convention, held annually in June) was a joy to behold.

Editor’s Note:

Rev. Donald J. Van Beek, faithful believer, devout family man, care-giver, and diligent pastor, preacher, and teacher, passed away Feb.

Three days of food, concerts, ceremonies, games, prayers—and lots of time for meeting and celebrating Native heritage—will ta

The kidnapping and murder of a Chaldean Catholic archbishop has made Iraq even more unsafe for Christians, says Jacob Kramer (left), inte

Each summer, in the July issue, The Banner publishes pictures of and information about men and women whom synod has declared to be candid

On a November day almost three years ago, Mary C. pulled the trigger of a 12-gauge shotgun.

Most folks in Britt, Iowa, know each other. Many are related to each other. You don’t have to lock your doors.

One of the most delightful aspects of spring is new growth.