Resource Search Results

Mark L. MacDonald on Gospel-Based Discipleship and Indigenous Christians

Archbishop Mark L. MacDonald speaks and writes about gospel inculturation in Indigenous ministries, especially among First Nations Anglicans in Canada. Churches everywhere can learn from the Indigenous Gospel-Based Discipleship model for worship, governance, and community life.

Conversation | March 24, 2020

LaTonya McIver Penny on Worship with Differently Abled People

Churches decide to include people with disabilities when they realize God sees us all as equals and all as differently abled. LaTonya McIver Penny advocates for inclusive worship, especially in African American congregations.

Conversation | February 25, 2020

Esau McCaulley on Reading While Black

African American biblical interpretation rises from a particular context. It offers unique perspectives on God’s character and glory. Esau McCaulley explains that learning how other cultures exegete the Bible benefits the whole church.

Conversation | February 04, 2020

Janice McLean-Farrell on a Pastoral Approach to Research

Congregations often want to get information from members and neighbors. They can learn how to do so pastorally by considering how scholars do academic research using human subjects. Scholars follow ethical standards to gain data while doing no harm.

Conversation | January 08, 2020

Billy Kluttz on Paperless Liturgy and Music

Sometimes not providing written or projected words and notes is the best way to make liturgy truly the work of the people. Paperless liturgy and paperless music can be great tools for including all ages and abilities in worship.

Conversation | January 08, 2020

Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. on Sculptor Spirit

It is impossible to become more like Jesus on your own. A new book offers five ways to recognize how the same Spirit who worked in Jesus’ life can shape us to be more Christlike.

Conversation | December 10, 2019

Georie Bryant and Reynolds Chapman on Prayer Walks

Sometimes Christians worry that praying in public will be embarrassing or offensive. Four congregations in Durham, North Carolina, organized a prayer walk that connected with neighbors.

Conversation | November 26, 2019

Tim Shapiro on How Your Congregation Learns

Many congregations suspect they need to change but don’t know how. Tim Shapiro’s book describes eight steps that healthy congregations can take to learn together. These learning journey stages have parallels to elements of Christian worship.

Conversation | November 12, 2019

Mandy Smith on The Vulnerable Pastor

Christian leaders, especially pastors, sometimes feel bad about the gap between their ideal of Christlike ministry and the reality. Pastor Mandy Smith explains that honestly accepting vulnerabilities and human limitations makes room for God’s strength to be revealed in people and congregations.

Conversation | November 05, 2019

Anthony L. Bennett on Engaging Trauma in Sermons

Many urban pastors deal with trauma. Some preach without benefit of pay or formal training. This Baptist church gathered its associate ministers monthly to learn about trauma and exegete Scripture to engage people hungry for healing and justice.

Conversation | October 30, 2019

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

Douglas J. Brouwer on Pastoral Wisdom and Imagination

These video excerpts come from a conversation between Douglas J. Brouwer and John D. Witvliet at the annual Calvin Institute of Christian Worship— CICW—grants colloquium in June 2019.

Conversation | Video | August 26, 2019

William A. Dyrness on Visual Imagery in Worship

These video excerpts come from a conversation between William A. Dyrness and John D. Witvliet at the annual Calvin Institute of Christian Worship—CICW—grants colloquium in June 2019.

Conversation | Video | August 26, 2019

Mary L. Cohen on Prison Choirs That Churches Can Start

Churches can use this community/prison choir model to embody and invite people into restorative justice. It can help us develop our awareness of our common humanity and help people see God’s love within each of us.

Conversation | August 12, 2019

Mary L. Cohen on Community Choirs in Prisons

Oakdale Community Choir in Coralville, Iowa, meets in the prison where half its members live. Church choirs and congregations can learn from the principles and practices that make this choir so life-giving. It focuses as much on relationships and potential as on music.