Published on
February 20, 2015
Video length
61 mins
Insights and Wisdom for Churches in Every Cultural Context.

This session explores the depth, riches, wisdom, and insights that have emerged through several centuries of Christian worship among African-American communities in North America—and the way these gifts can bless and strengthen all kinds of churches—both multicultural churches and culturally homogenous churches, both African-American churches and churches of other ethnic and cultural groups, both churches in North America and beyond.

The session highlights themes developed in a wonderful new publication: Readings in African American Church Music and Worship, ed. James Abbington (GIA Publications, Inc.), and suggest practical strategies for further learning in your context.

The video is from Friday, January 30, and presenters are James Abbington, Eileen Guenther, C. Michael Hawn, William Heard, and John Witvliet. The audio is from Saturday, January 31, and the conversation is led by James Abbington, Michael Gittens, Emmett Price, and John Witvliet.

Recent Media Resources

Singing the Psalms as a Spiritual Practice for Resilience

In this workshop, the McGrath family and Kiran Young Wimberly will discuss how spiritual practices, particularly singing the psalms, can build resilience in our lives. In a retreat-like experience, interwoven with psalms set to Celtic music, we will sing together as we reflect on what brings us joy, strength, and hope so we can flourish in the face of daily challenges. 

July 22, 2026 | 65 min video
Deeper Church: Preaching and Worship to Shape Us as Communities of Tenderness (A Jazz Homily)

An evening of music and spoken word with Mark Glanville, accompanied by a jazz trio, reflecting on how preaching and worship can form deeper churches in a post-Christian context.

July 8, 2026 | 78 min video