The Banner Podcast

Banner On Air: What’s Next?

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:06:30 -0400

What a run! 20 episodes, 16 guests and folks around the denomination joining in the conversation. In this quick update, Banner editor Lora thanks everyone who listened, produced and supported our first season. She also shares the exciting news that the podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And she invites listeners to help shape our next season by giving feedback and ideas.

If you like what we’re doing and would like to see more content like this, please support us at thebanner.org/gift.

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 8: Wrap-Up with the President (Part 2)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:30:35 -0400

In Part Two of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast on Synod 2026, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema continue their conversation about this Synod’s impact on the future of the Christian Reformed Church with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk. Together they reflect on the art of moderating debate, the duties of preparing for Synod 2027 and what matters will carry over into next year’s agenda. On a personal note, Chad and Derek share why they said yes to leadership and they offer advice for future officers of synod.

As we conclude this pilot season of Exploring Synod 2026, the hosts and staff of the Banner Podcast thank you for joining us as we looked at God’s faithfulness through the people, processes and prayers of the Synod 2026.

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributor

Chad Steenwyk, pastor of Central Avenue CRC in Holland, Mich; president of Synod 2026.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026: Wrap-Up with the President (Part 1)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:23:13 -0400

In Part One of our final two-part episode of The Banner Podcast, hosts Sarah Zylstra and Derek Buikema sit down with Synod 2026 president Chad Steenwyk for a wrap-up reflection on this year’s deliberative assembly. They discuss how officers are selected and what goes into managing on-the-floor deliberations. The episode also reflects the changing nature of Synods—from the emotionally intense assemblies in 2022–2024 to the hopeful spirit that characterized Synod 2026.

Go behind the gavel and explore the role of gospel-centered discipleship, simple worship, and the growing presence of younger delegate voices on this Synod.

If you like our work and would like to see more content like this, please support us at thebanner.org/give. Thank you!

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributor

Chad Steenwyk, pastor of Central Avenue CRC in Holland, Mich; president of Synod 2026.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 7: Multi-Site Churches—Not What You Think

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:50:14 -0400

What options do declining churches have? What might it look like to covenant with a neighboring Christian Reformed congregation for mission and renewal? How can churches cooperate to support one another in a time of shrinking memberships and vacant pulpits?

After two years of study, Synod 2026 adopted a framework for multi-site ministry. Derek Buikema—who helped shape that work—shares the story of one congregation's encouraging turnaround through a multi-site partnership. This episode explores this question: could multi-site expressions of the church become another valued tool towards renewal and growth in the CRCNA in this next decade?

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Contributor

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.; chair of the Multi-Site Task Force.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 6: “The Big Word is Covenant” – So what about Church Discipline?

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:08:57 -0400

Discipline is often handled like a hot potato–something we’d rather not touch. Yet when Synod 2026 adopted recommendations on church discipline and accountability, it addressed questions that have existed in the Reformed tradition for centuries. Rev. Ken Benjamins joins the Banner Podcast to explain the theological vision behind the task force’s report, why covenant is central to the matter, and how discipline is about holiness, integrity, and gospel-formed restoration.

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Ken Benjamins, pastor of Riverside CRC in Wellandport, ON.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 5: How Gospel Centrality Grows a Diverse Church

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:26:16 -0400

Reports to Synod 2026 show the CRC becoming increasingly diverse through immigrant congregations and mission. Brazilian pastor Jean Gomez joins the Banner Podcast to share his journey to the CRC and to reflect on these developments. This episode explores cultural identity, evangelism, and how remaining rooted in Christ’s gospel helps the church faithfully draw people from every nation.

Interested in more? Click here for additional reflections: https://youtu.be/c1uM9qt2xwo

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributor

Jean Gomez, pastor of First Byron CRC in Byron Center, Mich.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Extra from Episode 5: How Gospel Centrality Grows a Diverse Church

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:12:16 -0400

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributor

Jean Gomez, pastor of First Byron CRC in Byron Center, Mich.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 4: Communion, Cooperation, & Conviction—Synod on Church Relationships

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:42:38 -0400

When Synod 2026 considered the CRC’s relationship with other denominations and alliances, delegates asked deeper questions. Jim Hollandoner walks us through the CRC’s different levels of ecumenical partnership and the reasoning around Synod 2026’s decisions. The conversation explores the importance of denominations stewarding relationships with clarity and charity in the context of a rapidly changing world.

Notes

1. Listing of the CRC’s Ecumenical Relationships: https://www.crcna.org/eirc/ecumenical-relations/relationships

2. Correction: [08:35] The EIRC reports directly to Synod. The Council of Delegates does not determine “in cooperation” status. Those decisions are made within the EIRC itself, in conjunction with the General Secretary.

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributors

Jim Hollendoner, pastor of Munster CRC, in Munster, Indiana

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 3: The Synod and the Seminary

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:37:40 -0400

As the primary trainer of our denomination’s pastors for the past 150 years, Calvin Theological Seminary often found itself at the center of recent conversations about CRC identity and confessional commitments. President Jul Medenblik joins The Banner Podcast to explain how the seminary understands its role, why Synod 2026 affirmed its work, and how this “hub of the church” is preparing new pastors and leaders to serve our churches.

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributor

Jul Medenblik, president of Calvin Theological Seminary

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 2: A Decision to Study Christian Nationalism

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:32:20 -0400

Christian nationalism means different things to different people, making thoughtful reflection difficult. Rev. John Lee joins the Banner Podcast to explain why Synod 2026 commissioned a study committee, why clear definitions matter, and how the CRC hopes to provide “more light than heat” – offering biblical guidance for faithful engagement, without making politics ultimate.

Hosts

Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributors

John Lee, pastor of Bethel CRC in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra

Exploring Synod 2026, Episode 1: Synod’s Most Consequential Decision?

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:01:40 -0400

What decision received unanimous approval at Synod 2026? What plan signaled a renewed sense of mission and hope for the CRC’s future? Guests Scott VanderPloeg and Tim Sheridan join our hosts in exploring the CRC’s new 10-year plan of prayer, disciple-making, leadership investment, church planting, and renewal. This grassroots vision is about the local church being “all in.”

Impact Roadmap 2026: https://www.thebanner.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/Impact%20Roadmap%202026.pdf

Hosts

--Sarah Eekhof Zylstra, of New City Church (CRC) in Kansas City; senior writer and editor for the Gospel Coalition

--Derek Buikema, pastor of Orland Park CRC in Orland Park, Ill.

Contributors

--Tim Sheridan, director of church planting at Resonate Global Mission

--Scott VanderPloeg, pastor of Sunlight Community Church (CRC) in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Video editing - Noah Zylstra