Summary

The physical locations and buildings that we use for worshiping the Triune God are influenced by the theological beliefs and choices of those who have gone before us.

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Details

In this workshop we will consider fundamental influences that have moved church architecture in particular directions in the twentieth century. We will then consider the potential value of these church designs and distill insights that allow us to embrace, maximize and re-vision the gift of our inherited spaces.

Presented at the 2007 Calvin Symposium on Worship.

Recent Media Resources

Opening Worship with Psalm Talks with Artistic Responses

Worship led by Calvin University Worship Apprentices and mentor Paul Ryan, with Psalm Talks by Amanda Benckhuysen, Jared E. Alcántara, and Cynthia Eriksson, and artistic responses by Dea Jenkins and Joel Schoon-Tanis.

February 9, 2026 | 1 min video
Shaped by the Psalms: A Psalm Festival

Psalm Festival Worship led by Jared Alcántara; Vinroy D. Brown Jr.; Bellwether Arts; Karen Campbell; Calvin University’s Capella choir, directed by Mark Stover; Calvin University’s Gospel Choir, led by Nate Glasper; Celtic Psalms; and Rawn Harbor; with artwork by Joel Schoon-Tanis

February 9, 2026 | 4 min video