Christian Reformed Church

In a world increasingly defined by rapid-fire news cycles and polarizing narratives, the binational justice education series Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community, and the Stories that Shape Us, offers a vital sanctuary for reflection and action. Launched through a collaboration of Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue, the series invites participants into a space rooted in faith and hopeful imagination rather than fear or division. By examining the systemic and structural roots beneath visible societal symptoms, the first two webinars, focusing on Immigration and Refugee Justice and Food Justice, began to equip believers to move beyond overwhelming headlines toward a biblically grounded understanding of shalom. The series’ inaugural session, “Immigration and Refugee Justice: Stories, Systems...

As campuses across North America quiet down in June, it seems likely that many campus ministers are packing up their offices for a three-month hiatus. But Resonate Global Mission’s campus ministries stay moving, even through the summer months. While the rhythm changes from the frantic pace of the academic year, the mission doesn't pause. In fact, summer offers a unique window for deeper relationships, community care, and creative outreach. “During the year, our students experience a deep community where they are cared for, supported, and encouraged in their walk with God,” shares Steve Kooy, campus minister with Momentum Campus Ministries at Queen’s University and other Kingston, Ont., area colleges. “The transition into summer can be really challenging to keep up...

Mount Hope (Ont.) Christian Reformed Church hosted a special service to mark the 150th year of their building and the ministry happening there. On Sunday, May 24, about 70 people gathered at Mount Hope CRC, including around 10 members of the congregation who used to call the building home—Mount Hope United Church—for a service celebrating God’s faithfulness in providing ministry in that community space for 150 years. After the service, congregants and visitors fellowshipped over refreshments, shared stories and memories, and perused photos and information boards about the building and various members through the years. Mount Hope United Church stewarded the building until their congregation disbanded in 2017. After that, Mount Hope CRC moved into the building, changing their name...

Over 100 Canadian CRC members gathered at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont., May 28-31 for the Canadian National Gathering. Springing from a 2013 report on “Cultivating Binationality in the CRCNA” (see Acts of Synod 2014, pp. 432, 440-42), the Canadian National Gathering provides a time to strategically celebrate, discern, and envision bold next steps for the CRCNA in Canada locally, regionally, and nationally. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Foundation to Future.” Al Postma, executive director-Canada of the CRCNA, spoke throughout the weekend about “Gathering the Builders” and concluded with a message titled “Sending the Builders,” challenging participants to carry the event's insights back to their home communities. Six-Stream Focus Participants at the gathering were grouped into six streams...

The Banner has launched a new video series, The Banner Synod Recap, to provide listeners with accessible coverage and analysis of Synod 2026. The first episode was released after the virtual convening session of Synod 2026 on May 27 and focuses on the officers elected to serve this year's assembly. Lora Copley, interim editor of The Banner, is hosting the series and will be joined by various guests before and during synod to discuss key topics, decisions, and developments. The May 27 video explores the role of synodical officers and introduces those elected to serve Synod 2026: President: Rev. Chad Steenwyk Vice president: Rev. Derek Buikema First clerk: Rev. Jose Rayas Second clerk: Rev. Dave TenClay Read more in The...

The latest Ebola-virus outbreak continues to spread across parts of the Great Lakes region in Africa. More than 1,000 confirmed cases in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are now linked to cross-border movement, creating a heightened public-health risk for communities in Uganda, particularly in refugee-hosting and border districts where World Renew works. Many families in these areas were already facing significant health, displacement, and livelihood challenges before the outbreak began. World Renew and trusted local partners have begun efforts to help communities protect one another and reduce the risk of transmission. World Renew’s response in Uganda focuses on community-based prevention and trusted communication, recognizing that effective Ebola response depends on local leadership and culturally respectful...

At the 40th Korean Ministry Association (KMA) Annual Gathering in April, Rev. MoonBae Kim shared critical insights from his 36 years of holistic experience leading within the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Over this span of time, as well as serving six years on the Candidacy Committee, Kim has been a vital bridge between the Korean Presbyterian tradition and CRC Reformed theology. Following is a summary of his interview on how the CRC can healthily embrace multiethnic diversity while ensuring belonging. Q1. As a Korean pastor with decades of experience in the CRCNA, do you still find Western denominational culture unfamiliar today? Even after 36 years in the CRC, the culture can still feel unfamiliar. Korean pastors are typically...

Past and present members and pastors marked the centennial anniversary of First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, Ont., with a three-day celebration of God’s faithfulness. On Friday, May 8, 2026, around 120 congregation members joined former ministers and the current pastor for a formal dinner and presentations about the history of the church, which was founded in 1926, the first Christian Reformed congregation in Ontario. On the following afternoon the church hosted an open house, inviting past members, members of nearby congregations in the CRC, and anyone else interested in celebrating the church’s history to join with them for treats and fellowship. A display of photos, historic member lists and directories, and notes about the history of the church and...

The distance between Edmonton, Alta., and San Salvador, El Salvador, is over 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). For the congregation at West End Christian Reformed Church in Edmonton, that gap is closing through a partnership, prayers, and visits. When West End CRC decided to partner with Semillas de Nueva Creación (Seeds of New Creation) in El Salvador, they anticipated a transformation. Guided by Resonate Global Mission missionary Adrianna Herrera, a small group of leaders embarked on a Witness Trip that emphasized that while teams often travel to “bless” others, they are frequently blessed just as much by visiting. Witness Trips combine service with a daily devotional curriculum designed to help groups get to know their ministry context, build relationships with their...

Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS) has held a series of special events over the past several months to celebrate its founding 150 years ago in a Christian elementary school on Williams Street in Grand Rapids, Mich. Calvin University also traces its beginning back to March of 1876, when classes began with one teacher and seven students in an upstairs classroom of the school. Given the significance of the seminary and university to the life of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, this has been a rich time in which these institutions have considered where they have been, where they are now, and where they are going. Lectures, worship services, special gatherings, podcasts—and later this year the publication of a pair...