Published on
May 11, 2017
Video length
58 mins
Ecumenical, post-colonial perspectives on varieties of contemporary songs

This is a conversation between Swee Hong Lim, Deer Park Assistant Professor of Sacred Music at Emmanuel College, and John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Swee Hong is a widely traveled leader for global seminars and conferences dealing with worship and sacred music. He is well-published in global music, including Giving Voices to Asian Christians (VDM Verlag, 2008). He is also a prolific composer of hymnody.

Swee Hong has recently published his new book Lovin’ on Jesus: A Concise History of Contemporary Worship (Abingdon Press, 2017), co-authored by Lester Ruth. Swee Hong also serves as the director of both the Master of Sacred Music Program and the chapel program at Emmanuel College.

Recent Media Resources

Local Songwriting as CSA: Support Your Local Psalm Grower!

Riffing on the themes of community-supported agriculture (CSA), Cardiphonia and Bellwether Arts have been partnering with homegrown liturgical artists to create local, organically produced fruits of the psalms through song, art, and prayer—community-supported artistry. Since 2015 they’ve been on a journey of seasonal engagement through which they have lovingly harvested almost two hundred songs, dozens of original artworks, and other liturgical produce. In this workshop you will hear from a variety of growers who sow and reap in West Michigan in various soils and sediments.

May 28, 2026 | 81 min video
What Visual Artists See in the Psalms

The psalms present a world full of color, texture, and depth. Join us for this panel discussion in which participants explore the contribution of visual artists to our experience of the psalms. What do visual artists see when they approach the psalms? How can visual artists help form our theological imaginations? What role do the visual arts play in interpretation? This stimulating discussion aims to equip worshipers and leaders with resources for engaging the rich visual imagery of the psalms. 

May 28, 2026 | 90 min video
Practicing Resilience with the Psalms

The psalms are a rich resource for our human experience of emotions, community, and connection to God. We will practice activities based on the truth of the psalms and on psychology to strengthen our capacity for navigating suffering with grace and resilience.

May 21, 2026 | 74 min video