1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
A service of scripture and song held at the 2017 Vital Worship Grants Colloquium
Worship is a formative practice: through active engagement in liturgy, Christians are formed in a particular understanding of God, of others, and of themselves, and of what it means to live a Christian life in this world.
The location of your church makes a big difference in shaping Christian life and witness.
At a time of increasing cultural and political polarization, the North American church faces enormous challenges in embodying the unity of Christ and living out Christ's mission in this time and place.
Most people, young and old, interact with sport. Sport invades our families, churches, television, social media, careers and schools.
A conversation between Lester Ruth and John Witvliet about contemporary worship, trinitarian lyrics, and the dynamics of church renewal.
Ecumenical, post-colonial perspectives on varieties of contemporary songs
This is a conversation with artist Sandra McCracken and John Witvliet.
Pastor Gabriel Salguero reminds us the soul has hunger and needs. Good worship speaks to the body and the soul.
Ethnomusicologist Alfredo Colman encourages musicians who lead congregational songs from other cultures to engage with someone from that culture in order to understand and find ways in introduce songs in worship that respect and honor God and the culture.
Jamaican pastor, Dwight Kelly, reflects on how scripture songs can be written in the language of the worshiper's heart. Heartsongs use words that reflect the context and language of those who are singing them.
Lily Constantine Kakish and Eric Sarwar share their stories of how they have witnessed the identity-shaping impact of singing Psalms and the Lord's Prayer in the Arabic language and tune.
