1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 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 discuss the theological foundations of worship renewal and strategies for forming congregations around them as a peer learning group of local Baptist ministers and church leaders.
To study the history, theology and practice of worship in an ecumenical partnership with six congregations and to plan a combined worship service that demonstrates some of the discoveries from the yearlong study.
To offer weekly worship services based on the 12 steps of addiction recovery that integrates scripture, confession and absolution, testimony, healing liturgy and public prayer in two urban churches.
To share the wealth of worship materials with deep roots in Hispanic culture and traditions and to promote critical theological reflection on these materials by bringing together Hispanic worship leaders from multiple denominations for study and worship.
To provide lunchtime and after work worship services and classes on Wall Street and in Harlem which encourage active participation of worshipers in reading scripture and leading worship and music through a multi-ethnic, multi-discipline collaborative effort.
To explore contemplation, outreach, hospitality, unity and leadership in worship through monthly seminars for the congregation and community.
To enhance capacity of students and faculty for reflective liturgical leadership and to promote worship planning and participation as an integral part of theological education at the school.
To provide student leaders the skills and experience needed to plan and lead worship services through a leadership retreat, peer mentoring program and workshops.
To reflect corporately on the meaning and purpose of worship, including worship designed for the emergent sub-culture, through a parish retreat and a diocesan-wide leadership workshop.
To learn about worship and develop practical and innovative resources for worship which use the unique and varied gifts of four diverse congregations.
To develop fresh, participatory ways to experience preaching, music, scripture and the sacraments through a series of seminars for their congregation and six nearby collaborating congregations.
To partner with a nearby congregation to equip youth and adults to plan, lead and participate in worship through a study of Reformed worship, the varied global and historical expressions of Christian worship, and how these address the unique needs of a primarily Hispanic immigrant community.
