Resource Search Results

Tamil Christians Revive Keerthanai Music

Christians in South India are reviving keerthanais, poems of Christian praise and devotion sung in the Tamil language. They are working to bring this cultural expression back into church worship

Feature Story | May 02, 2024

Szabina Sztojka on Mission To and With Roma People in Hungary

As in many denominations with a single ethnic majority, the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) is working to be more welcoming to other cultures. As leader of the RCH Roma Ministry, Szabina Sztojka focuses on reconciliation, health, and hope to nurture Roma gifts and leadership in churches and schools.

Conversation | April 19, 2023

Two Pastors on Leading by Giftedness and Stewarding Diversity

Kizombo Kalumbula and Artie M. Lindsay Sr. helped found a church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, modeled on leading by giftedness. Gradually Tabernacle Community Church realized that their natural diversity was a gift from God meant to be stewarded during “such a time as this” in American culture.

Conversation | April 11, 2023

Time Perception and Contextual Worship

Mark Charles shares two perceptions of time and how they impact our cultural understanding of a worship service.

Audio | April 03, 2023

Kizombo Kalumbula and Artie M. Lindsay Sr. on Work and Worship

Valuing diversity in worship includes but goes beyond multiethnic considerations. It also means helping people of different ages, abilities, and vocations see themselves as living out their part to usher in God’s shalom. Two pastors offer practical insights for congregations interested in work and worship.

Conversation | March 27, 2023

Katie J. Graber on Singing with Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation

Some congregations worry that singing songs outside their own tradition might be inauthentic or offensive. Ethnomusicologist Katie J. Graber gives reasons for using worship songs from other cultures and eras—and how to do so with proper appreciation and attribution.

Conversation | February 28, 2023

Developing Leaders Every Pastor Wants in the Congregation

Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort offers pathways for students of all majors who want to live out their faith in all of life. This practical program helps them learn how to build community, love the church, and practice leadership no matter where they eventually work, worship, and serve.

Feature Story | November 28, 2022

Kenneth L. Wallace Jr. on Multiethnic Worship

Multiethnic worship includes but is much more than singing songs from diverse cultures. An ethnodoxologist who identifies as African American Choctaw Pawnee says you need to know your own culture’s stories and gifts to share with and receive from Christians in other cultures.

Conversation | October 25, 2022

Multicultural Worship Reflecting All of God's People

In this conversation, pastoral musician Eric Lige shares with Nate Glasper about his passion and calling to draw from the riches of our diverse communities--languages, cultural practices, and more--to honor and worship God together.

Video | December 02, 2021

Kai Ton Chau on Worship and Culture Worldwide

Kai Ton Chau teaches Calvin University students to articulate different cultural values so they can discuss and appreciate diverse forms of Christian worship. You can do something similar in your school, church, or worship context to build cultural intelligence among Christians.

Conversation | September 27, 2021

Judith Laoyan-Mosomos and Justin Chan on Multicultural Worshiping Communities in Singapore

Methodist School of Music aims to equip and edify worshipers and the church through music and the arts. Staff members Judith Laoyan-Mosomos and Justin Chan talk with Maria Cornou, an associate director at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, about their worshiping communities and practices and issues highlighted in COVID-19.

Audio | Podcast | March 22, 2021

Shaping Worship During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Offering Hope at Grace and Peace Christian Reformed Church, Chicago, Illinois

Chantel Varnado, worship arts director at Grace and Peace CRC, shares her insights for leading worship in the time of COVID-19, drawing wisdom and her own experience from her multicultural worshiping context.

Conversation | May 18, 2020