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Psalmody in Color: Celebrating the Sacred Music of Black Voices
Anchored by an evening concert of psalm-based works, the Psalmody in Color festival includes a day of educational programming that engages scholars, musicians, clergy, and community members in dialogue about the role of psalmody in Black musical expression. Participants will encounter the psalms as a living and evolving art form rooted in scripture, shaped by history, and brought to life through the artistry of Black composers.
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin University advances Christian worship through resources, events, and grants. Since 1997, we have partnered with congregations and organizations to fulfill our mission.
Calvin University Appoints Dr. David Latimore as Executive Director of Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Published on
June 1, 2026
Published on
June 1, 2026
Experienced academic, church, and business leader will guide CICW into its next chapter by expanding its ongoing work and partnerships in the study and practice of worship.
Grand Rapids, Mich., June 1, 2026 — Calvin University and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) have announced the appointment of Dr. David G. Latimore as CICW’s next executive director, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Latimore’s selection follows a comprehensive national search that yielded dozens of candidates.
Dr. David G. Latimore
“Dr. Latimore emerged as the candidate who most fully embodies the leadership, vision, and mission alignment we sought,” said Greg Elzinga, president of Calvin University. “His commitment to the Reformed tradition and to ecumenical engagement clearly reflects CICW’s identity and priorities. And his ability to integrate deep theological insight, administrative expertise, and relational leadership makes him uniquely suited to guide CICW into its next chapter.”
Dr. Latimore brings extensive leadership experience in a variety of contexts—academic, ecclesial, corporate, and public sector. He currently serves as director of the Betsey Stockton Center for Black Church Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. In this role, he has led the seminary’s work to support the prophetic and social justice traditions of the Black church, develop Black church leaders, and promote theological education internationally. Dr. Latimore also has more than twenty years of experience in pastoral ministry in congregations ranging from fifty to 1,500 members, in Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Dr. Latimore holds a PhD in theology from the University of Chicago, a DMin in homiletics from McCormick Theological Seminary, an MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and an AB in economics from Harvard University.
Before attending seminary, Dr. Latimore worked in investment management and economic development, beginning his career with Bain & Company and later serving as president and CEO of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. He has served as an advisor to several nonprofit organizations and as an adjunct instructor at institutions including Dominican University, McCormick Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, and the University of Chicago.
The search process, with guidance from leadership consultant Mark Stevenson, engaged a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including institutional leaders, partner organizations, and constituent groups over several months.
“I am delighted to join the CICW and contribute to its rich history of promoting thoughtful, vibrant Reformed worship while faithfully standing at the intersection of the academy and the church,” said Dr. Latimore. “The institute’s longstanding commitment to rigorous scholarship, ecclesial formation, and the renewal of Christian worship represents work that is both deeply needed and profoundly consequential for the life of the church today.”
Dr. Latimore succeeds CICW’s founding director, Dr. John Witvliet, who led the institute since 1997 and began a new position at Belmont University in June 2025. Since its founding, CICW has sponsored more than 150 ecumenical conferences and seminars, published nearly 150 books, and awarded more than 1,400 grants to enhance worship practices across North America.
About CICW
The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, located at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an interdisciplinary study and ministry center that promotes the scholarly study of the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities across North America and beyond.
Media Contact:
Rev. Kathy Smith, Interim Executive Director Calvin Institute of Christian Worship 616-526-6043 kathy.smith@calvin.edu
