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 reflect on the intersection of worship and culture and compose multiculturally accessible songs for worship to promote unity among diverse congregants and overcome racial and ethnic barriers.
To equip ecumenical cohorts of laypersons through online theological instruction and ecumenical conversations so they can lead small congregations in meaningful worship and mission.
To train members of four churches to tell their stories of faith in order to strengthen each congregation’s local worship practices and deepen a shared identity in an ecumenical, multicultural alliance.
To facilitate culturally-varied worship experiences that will engage students in grades four through eight to make real connections with God in worship.
To promote active participation of all ages in worship through intergenerational activities throughout the liturgical calendar that tell the stories, customs and traditions of African American culture.
To listen to scripture and compose stories and songs that will promote a more collaborative, trusting, vulnerable and Spirit-filled worshiping environment.
To invite people of all ages and backgrounds into a deeper spirit of contemplation, especially througn outdoor worship that emphasizes the beauty and wonder of God's creation.
To nurture the gifts of the often-excluded community of those with special needs and promote a vibrant worship celebration that embraces the gifts of all.
To focus on the seasons of the Christian year through worship, study, and art, in order to promote a greater sense of God’s presence in worship and daily life.
To cultivate youth to lead as well-formed liturgical musicians and ministers, expanding their knowledge of worship in music, ritual, and text.
To educate the congregation about how to better welcome people of all abilities into the full worshipping life of the church.
To unite congregations of free and incarcerated worshippers through music, by composing worship songs that emerge from the experience of incarcerated men and women.
