Christian Reformed Church

Resonate Global Mission is celebrating the appointment of five new missionaries so far this year—whom the Christian Reformed Church in North America is sending to share the gospel, disciple believers, equip leaders, and strengthen the church around the world. "Seeing five new missionaries joining with Resonate in such a short period of time is a tremendous encouragement," said Resonate director Kevin DeRaaf. "These appointments reflect God's faithfulness, the denomination’s ongoing commitment to global mission, and the willingness of these individuals and their families to respond to God's call. We look forward to seeing how God will work through them as they serve alongside local ministry partners around the world." Several of these new missionaries have previously served with Resonate as...

Synod 2026 opened with a convening session online May 27 at 7 p.m. (EDT). The in-person gathering of synod will start this Friday, June 12, at 8:15 a.m. in the Calvin Chapel on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. All are welcome to attend or watch the proceedings online. The agenda for this year’s synod includes three task force reports, Resonate’s 10-year church planting plan, numerous ministry and other reports, 36 overtures, and two communications from classes, councils, and individuals ( Agenda for Synod 2026; Agenda Supplement). To help clarify the topics to be discussed at this year’s synod, a guide has been provided, in accordance with a recommendation by the Synod Review Task Force in 2019...

This year at Synod 2026, delegates will consider two significant ministry plans: a church renewal plan from Thrive and a church planting strategy from Resonate. Although these plans have distinct focal points, they share a common mission: strengthening and expanding the CRCNA’s gospel witness by revitalizing existing congregations while establishing new communities of faith. These proposals come at an important moment in the CRCNA's ministry journey and have been developed to help the denomination faithfully navigate the future through complementary approaches to renewal and growth. Church Renewal Proposal Thrive's church renewal plan was developed in response to a church renewal mandate issued by Synod 2023. It began with 10 Gather events, where church members from across North America connected to...

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...