Resource Library

Church Military Support that Any Congregation Can Do

Even if you agree that churches should reach out to armed forces members and their families, you might think your church isn't up to the job. But don't discount what your congregation can do in military ministry.

Feature Story | October 15, 2008

Healing in Worship: Hospitality that welcomes everyone as they are

Though you might associate "heal" with "cure," healing in worship is broader. Whether through prayer, hospitality, communion, or laying on hands, it helps people become more whole.

Feature Story | February 01, 2008

Overcoming Challenges to Racial and Ethnic Diversity

By looking at successfully diverse churches across the nation, this session revealed critical attitudes for cultivating a hospitable church, perspectives on recent immigration and the neighborhood church, and experiments on musical variety and global awareness.

Audio | January 01, 2008

Hospitality Is Messy

These days hospitality may most often be associated with a Martha Stewart-esque home decor complete with fluffed pillows and fresh flowers placed just so. In Scripture, though, it means something quite different than creating the perfect environment. Instead, hospitality refers to creating a space in which relationships can develop.

Article | September 01, 2007

Providence, Preaching, and Pastoral Care

In this session philosopher John Cooper presented key points in the theology and philosophy that undergirds our understanding of God's providential care in a world where terrible things happen all the time. Why do bad things happen to good people? Scott Hoezee connected these thoughts to the pastoral care that preachers can provide from the pulpit. This session aimed to be both rigorously thoughtful and pastorally practical for the life of the church.

Audio | January 01, 2007

How to Welcome Guest Preachers

The way your church welcomes - or fails to welcome - a guest preacher also says something about how visitors experience your church. And if you're the pulpit supply, the way you prepare makes a big difference. A feature story exploring how to welcome guest preachers.

Feature Story | October 13, 2006

Profile: How to Prepare When You're the Pulpit Supply

There’s no need to sit back and wait for a congregation to clue you in about your upcoming guest sermon arrangements. Take the initiative to find information that will help you enter a new church feeling confident, prepared, and on time to bring God’s Word.

Feature Story | October 13, 2006

All God's Children Have Gifts: Disability and worship

How do you recognize each other's gifts and support each other's needs while avoiding a "you're not like us"? attitude? A feature story exploring ways to be inclusive in worship and make room for those with or without special needs.

Feature Story | January 06, 2006

Symposium 2006 - Conversation with Eugene Peterson

This conversation between spiritual friends explored the art of writing, hospitality, and the pastoral life. Presented at the 2006 Calvin Symposium on Worship.

Audio | Conversation | January 01, 2006

Helping People Include People with Disabilities

This workshop provided practical ideas for including persons with disabilities in Sunday School classes, youth groups, and adult small groups, based on the speaker's book of the same title.

Audio | January 01, 2006

Practical tips for introducing peacemaking into worship services

These tips provide a practical application of peacemaking to worship services.

Feature Story | May 28, 2004

Peace and Justice in Worship

We worship someone who came "to preach good news to the poor and to release the oppressed."