Summary

Drawing from their diverse ministry experience, Jim and Rose Dekker --in Latin American ecumenical and spiritual direction-- and Jonathan Bradford --in a U.S. urban context-- explored the biblical concepts of knowing Christ the servant and serving Christ the Sovereign Lord. All of life must really be worship.

Listen Online

Download audio

Details

Download the handout

Christians are to be hearers and doers of the word. We pursue meaningful worship, meanwhile the business of worship is often measured by the number of coffee bars and size of parking lots.? But what about urban schools graduating illiterate teenagers? Or prisons bursting at their seams? Or untold millions dying from war, hunger, or disease? Worship must heal these wounds. Drawing from their diverse ministry experience Jim and Rose Dekker (in Latin American ecumenical and spiritual direction) and Jonathan Bradford (in a U.S. urban context) explored the biblical concepts of knowing Christ the servant and serving Christ the Sovereign Lord. All of life must really be worship.

Presented at the 2009 Calvin Symposium on Worship.

Recent Media Resources

Video Faith Formation Leadership
We Need a Plan! Worship Planning 101

What basic models for worship planning are out there, and which patterns will work best in your context? Join a lively discussion of several worship planning models by the authors and pastors who use them. Bring your questions and suggestions as we learn together. 

September 14, 2026 | 76 min video
Video Faith Formation Leadership
Q&A with Worship Leader Kimberly Williams

Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.   

September 14, 2026 | 68 min video
Video Cultural Diversity Faith Formation
The First Nations Version New Testament and its Impact on Worship

In this session Terry Wildman will share the vision, process, and outcomes of the First Nations Version (FNV) New Testament. Why was this translation needed? Who was involved in the translation? What were some of the cultural challenges faced by the translation council? What does it say about the translations done in Native languages in the past? How did the translation council decide on more than 185 key words and terms? What are some of the unique qualities of the FNV versus other English versions? How has the FNV affected the worship expressions of some Native believers? What is the future of the FNV? 

September 14, 2026 | 73 min video