1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
© 2025 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 educate individuals who lead worship and music in their churches on the practical aspects of leading worship and music in a church setting and the theological foundation of worship.
To initiate the Leadership Program for Musicians Serving Small Congregations to prepare persons to be capable and confident musical leaders.
To support a conference on programs to integrate worship, evangelism, hospitality, and small group ministries in the process of welcoming new members to a congregation.
To train teams from 10 target congregations on the catechumenate model which includes scripture reading, prayer, mentoring, mission and welcoming new Christians.
To sponsor a Worship Renewal Weekend for adults and children to provide multi-level learning experiences in which the theology of worship is applied using a variety of worship styles and forms
To develop "The Worship Outreach Pilot Series," consisting of creative biweekly communion services and a summer worship conference that explores various worship styles as outreach to those who have spiritual longings but no faith community.
To offer Worship Alive! Workshop, a series of weekend events designed to educate, equip, and energize worship planners and leaders serving small churches in ten different locations in Utah.
To launch a Summer Institute for Liturgical Studies to enable leaders for worship in the ecumenical and multicultural context of today's American culture, particularly in the Pacific region.
To develop curricular and training materials, courses, workshops, and programs to enhance the musical and theological training of young adults engaged in the leadership of contemporary worship services.
To convene a gathering of pastors and other leaders from three congregations which have similar histories and face similar challenges in renewing their worship while remaining faithful to their heritage.
To plan an event for musicians, ministers, and congregational leaders that will train them in planning and leading worship.
To develop excellence in liturgy by training lay worship leaders, including cantors, lectors, adult and children's choirs, by providing days of retreat and reflection, and by educating liturgy and music personnel to use use music software.
