Resource Search Results

Sherrye Willis and Angela Johnson on Faith-Based Healing from Trauma

Ten African American churches in Texas are focusing on helping youth understand and heal from trauma. This knowledge helps adults become more aware of their own trauma and is changing worship practices.

Conversation | October 15, 2019

Trauma-Informed Congregations and Worship: Being Made Whole

Becoming a trauma-informed congregation means helping people learn, talk, and grieve about what happened to them. Worship can provide a safe space for people to nurture trusting relationships and accept God's healing grace.

Feature Story | October 02, 2019

Teacher-Scholars awarded Vital Worship Grants for 2019 by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship announced today that it will fund 14 grants to Teacher-Scholars for 2019-2020 as part of its Vital Worship Grants Program.

News Article | November 30, 2018

Mental Illness and Christian Worship

This topic showcase highlights resources for including people with mental illnesses in worship. Congregations that renew their worship to become more inclusive discover that everyone benefits.

Topic Showcase | October 30, 2018

Mental Illnesses and the Church’s Calling

This topic showcase highlights resources to help churches reclaim their role in including and befriending people who live with mental illnesses.

Topic Showcase | October 29, 2018

Emmett G. Price III on Racial Reconciliation Resources for Congregations

Learning about diversity among Christians is a good way to embrace the ministry of reconciliation entrusted to us by God.

Conversation | September 25, 2018

Emmett G. Price III on Studying Black Christian Experience

“If we don’t see each other in the Bible, we get stuck in social perplexities that cause us to not be a good witness,” says Emmett G. Price III.

Conversation | September 25, 2018

New Program Equips Students for Leadership in the Church

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship announces the establishment of the Ministry Leadership Fellows—a two-year program available to incoming Calvin College students who show potential for leadership in the local church. The initiative, open to students interested in any major or field of study, is available beginning with the 2019 incoming class.

News Article | September 05, 2018

Christina Edmondson on Church Multicultural Accessibility Committees

John 17 records Jesus’ prayer for unity “so that the world may know that you have sent me and loved them.” It is a powerful witness when churches model unity within diversity. This witness requires intention and prayer.

Conversation | July 02, 2018

Christina Edmondson on Doctrine and Multicultural Hospitality

To become more multicultural, congregations must help members discern differences between biblical doctrines and cultural biases.

Conversation | June 29, 2018

Isaac Wardell on Bringing Work into Worship

Daily work, paid and unpaid, consumes our lives, energy, and minds—even when we are in church. Here are ways to plan worship so people see themselves and their work as instruments of God.

Conversation | April 18, 2018

Isaac Wardell on Rethinking Calling and Vocation

Not everyone feels called to their job or experiences it as way to use their gifts to accomplish great things for God. There is a more satisfying way to think about how God calls each of us.

Conversation | April 18, 2018

Reggie Smith on Churches Called to Become Multicultural

Considering the “Joseph question” and the “Jonah question” can help congregations overcome fear of talking about race, culture, and how God might be calling them to change

Conversation | March 08, 2018

Warren Kinghorn on Mental Health and Christian Worship

It is far more common to hear about physical ailments than mental ones in congregational prayers and worship. Psychiatrist Warren Kinghorn explains why mental health issues and people with mental illness should be acknowledged in Christian worship.

Conversation | February 06, 2018

Warren Kinghorn on Mental Illness and Our Deepest Identity

We hear a lot about using person-first language. Yet it is still common to label people with their mental health diagnosis. Christians and churches can offer another way to describe our common human identity.

Conversation | February 06, 2018

Mark Mulder on Debunking “the Culture of Poverty”

It is important for financially stable churches and Christians to build relationships with those in poverty. But the reason may be different than what you might assume.

Conversation | December 14, 2017

Congregations and Persons with Dementia: A Story and Ideas to Try

TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. The new curriculum is building community in ways that enrich worship in congregations and congregation members with dementia.

Article | December 08, 2017

Does Church Location Make Any Difference?

Because human beings are embodied creatures, the shape of the material world—in particular, the shape of the built environment—will affect their spiritual lives, both in relation to God and to each other.

Article | October 24, 2017

Mika Edmondson on MLK’s Theology of Unearned Suffering

Jesus’s example of laying down his life for others inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and the U.S. civil rights movement. This theology of how to engage undeserved suffering can help congregations deal with pain.

Conversation | October 10, 2017

Barbara J. Newman on Adult Inclusive Small Group Bible Studies

TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. It aims to build community in ways that may enrich congregational worship.

Conversation | September 29, 2017