Alissa Vernon

3 weeks ago | thebanner.org | Alissa Vernon

The 179 delegates heading to the Christian Reformed Church’s annual synod next week have more on their agenda. Released by synodical services over the past few weeks, after the May Council of Delegates meeting, the supplement includes material from the Council, most of the denomination’s ministries and agencies, and a few classes responding to material already on the agenda.

1 month ago | thebanner.org | Alissa Vernon

For the third time in its history and as a practice that it will carry forward, the annual synod of the Christian Reformed Church in North America had a virtual convening May 28. The denomination’s general secretary, director of ecclesiastical governance, several more staff, a few guests, and 168 delegates assembled by Zoom video conference to work through opening devotions, announcements, and the election of officers. The bulk of the work of synod will continue in person June 13 to 19.

1 month ago | thebanner.org | Alissa Vernon

Delegates to Synod 2025, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, elected pastors Stephen Terpstra as president, Ken Benjamins as vice president, Josh Christoffels as first clerk, and Gary van Leeuwen as second clerk at a virtual convening May 28. The officers will serve synod as it gathers June 13-19 in Ancaster, Ont. Terpstra is a pastor at First CRC in Orange City, Iowa, and served as vice president of Synod 2024.

1 month ago | thebanner.org | Alissa Vernon

Sharing a series of charts and graphics with the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, chief administrative officer Shirley DeVries portrayed particular facts: what CRC agencies are able to spend on missions based on the giving from churches; trends in giving; how agencies are experiencing the drop in ministry shares; and despite the picture of valued mission, “how long before all ministry shares will be consumed by governance?” A downward trending red line depicted straight...

1 month ago | thebanner.org | Alissa Vernon

The U.S. Ministry Board of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, in a statement shared with the Canada Ministry Board, committed to “making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit with believers from every nation … valuing doctrinal ties … (and) striving towards greater unity by seeking reconciliation when sin threatens our relationships.” The board adopted the four-paragraph statement May 8 during its spring meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., the same week as meetings of the...