Resource Search Results

Philip McKinley on the Kairos Moment in Ireland during COVID-19

In this episode, Philip McKinley, co-founder of Discovery Gospel Choir, an intercultural ensemble that reflects the new-found cultural and ethnic diversity in Ireland, shares with Maria Cornou how the pandemic created new opportunities for unity and blessing among the people of Ireland and beyond in unimagined ways.

Audio | Podcast | March 31, 2021

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: The Aeolians at Calvin University

The Aeolians of Oakwood University led a festival of songs at the Calvin Symposium on Worship in January 2020.

Video | April 08, 2020

Helping a Choir Sing Better

2020 Calvin Symposium on Worship | Seminar

Video | March 02, 2020

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.

Conversation | August 12, 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

The Church's "Big" Choir

Integration of the choir into all aspects of worship and the choir's voice into the congregation's repertoire.

Article | June 19, 2019

Martin Tel on Creative Movement and Placement for Church Choirs

How and where a church choir enters, stands, and moves can make a difference in how deeply a congregation engages in singing and other parts of worship.

Conversation | May 17, 2018

Best Tips and Resources for Small Church Choirs

Kai Ton Chau is well acquainted with unique challenges faced by small church choirs. He has gathered a wealth of tips and resources to help choirs nurture worship in small congregations.

Article | March 29, 2018

Kai Ton Chau on Small Church Choirs

Small church choirs can do far more than sing anthems. Despite perceived challenges, small church choirs can successfully help lead and enliven worship.

Conversation | March 29, 2018

Christiane Bräutigam on Why Bach Still Matters

Christiane Bräutigam leads music in a church founded in 1702 by refugees in a city famous for its Bach heritage. She explains why J.S. Bach’s music and example are relevant for churches today.

Conversation | February 02, 2017

Charsie Randolph Sawyer on Healthy Gospel Singing

Having a good voice isn’t enough to sing gospel music well and lead people into worship. This ministry requires health in body, mind and spirit.

Conversation | September 03, 2015

Singing our Prayers with the Global Community

Vesper service led by Debbie Lou Ludolph and Inshallah, the global song ensemble from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.

Video | February 20, 2014

Tom Jennings on Reaching Out to Professional Musicians

Tom Jennings, music director at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, talks about involving professional musicians in worship as an outreach.

Conversation | December 16, 2013

Training Gospel Choirs: Caring for your voice and talent

A temporary voice problem led Charsie Randolph Sawyer to create a DVD to help gospel choirs protect and improve their voices for more effective ministry. Her colleagues in African American churches say that learning to read music helps congregations deepen worship.

Feature Story | October 04, 2007

Choir and Organ: Their Place in Reformed Liturgy

An article evaluating the place of both choir and organ within the "sequence of actions" in Reformed worship.

Article | June 14, 2005

Jesus Calls Us... - Matthew 14

Jesus' call to discipleship in Matthew 16:24 forms the heart and structure of this sample worship service plan.

Worship Service | June 01, 2005

Choral Anthems: Fitting great texts to wonderful tunes

It feels off to hear a song about suffering-with upbeat rhythms and in a major key. Other new songs use mixed metaphors or trite emotionalisms. That's why choral directors search for anthems that make a meaningful match between words and music. A feature story exploring fitting texts to tunes in choral anthems.

Feature Story | February 04, 2005

Children's Choirs Shape Worship Habits

Many adults find that their children's choir experience instilled a homing instinct that brings them back to church. A feature story exploring the importance of Children's Choirs for spiritual formation.

Feature Story | November 12, 2004