1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
© 2024 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
CICW has awarded Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants for over 20 years to teacher-scholars and worshiping communities in 45+ states and provinces and across 40+ denominations and traditions—including Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, non-denominational, and other Protestant communities.
While worship styles and practices vary greatly across these traditions, the grant projects typically explore at least one of CICW’s ten core convictions related to worship. Explore the hundreds of projects we’ve funded across both streams of the program.
To equip local church leaders to worship by letting “justice roll down” in their lives, by training cohort members to address structural racial disparities, and by developing a theological framework that highlights God’s desire for shalom and the advocacy for the oppressed found in scripture.
To promote participatory intergenerational worship by creating a collaborative worship planning team and by hosting educational events about the theology of worship and the diversity of African American worship styles, including music and dance.
To encourage active participation in the rhythms of worship (gathering, thanksgiving, response, and transformation) through weekly meals, rituals of gratitude, testimonies, and exploration of varied ways to live out faith in daily life.
To explore art and creativity as an act of worship to promote shalom in the community through workshops, retreats, and learning practices of contemplative creativity.
To connect different generations through partnered experiences of varied artistic and worship expressions to promote connection, spiritual health, and joy.
Amy Whisenand
To explore the relationship between singing and reconciliation in the church through hosting workshops for scriptural study, practice sharing, and collaboration.
Sunggu A. Yang
To explore multidimensional preaching practices that meet listeners’ need to see, taste, feel, and even touch the compelling Word of the Triune God, resulting in a handbook to help preachers become more oriented to engaging contemporary listeners.
To encourage the integration of worship, Bible knowledge, and faith practices through the exploration of spiritual disciplines in multisensory and intergenerational workshops.
To explore the intersection of artistic communication, theology and Scripture through a yearlong exploration of Ezekiel 47:1-12, by creating and reflecting on art with an artist-in-residence.
To equip Hawaiian youth to be Spirit-filled worship leaders through a program focused on what worship is, who we are as worshipers, and how to build musical and creative arts skills.
To encourage baptism-oriented adult Christian formation across denominations by producing and disseminating high-quality and theologically robust training videos for congregations across North America.
Sarah Travis
To enhance the worship and self-identity of very small congregations through a theology of playfulness, by networking with leaders of small congregations, and writing a resource designed to enhance worship in small churches.
