1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Vivid imagery, compelling stories, perceptive exegesis, pastoral sensibilities, theological clarity, cultural fittingness--each of these gifts contributes immensely to compelling, transformative preaching. Compelling preaching features the dynamic interplay of each of these strengths. This conversation will explore how these dynamic interactions come about, how we cultivate them, and how the practice of polishing, and studying, exemplary sermons can stretch not only award-winning authors but also those of us struggling to shape compelling sermons for people who may not always seem to appreciate it.
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What does it mean to be religious? Spiritual? How does a sense of place, identity, culture, and embodied engagement relate to a young person’s sense of belonging to Christ’s church, including the public worship gathering? We will explore these questions and share stories about how young people actively participate in the life of the church.
María Eugenia Cornou introduces the cultural value of power distance and how it shapes societies and organizations.
María Eugenia Cornou invites reflection on how power distance impacts the role of the preacher, how scripture is viewed and interpreted, and the act of preaching.
In this video series, María Eugenia Cornou defines the cultural value of power distance and the implications of low-power and high-power distance contexts for preaching and teaching.
María Eugenia Cornou invites reflection on how power distance impacts the dynamics between teachers and students, teaching contexts, and assignments.
Seven pastoral leaders—pastors, reconcilers, preachers, and scholars—offer insights from their unique contexts on the greatest opportunities and challenges for ministry work now.
Mark Charles shares two perceptions of time and how they impact our cultural understanding of a worship service.
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Our Father in Heaven" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Forgive Us Our Sins" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
