1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
An ancient pattern at the heart of classic Christian worship helps welcome and orient people into life in the body of Christ.
Worship can change lives when people understand what they are doing and why. Carefully chosen words help frame classic worship elements so gathered congregants are sent out to embody God’s grace, mercy, and peace.
Worshiping regularly with a congregation culturally dissimilar from yours is challenging but worth it. Understanding these challenges can also help you change worship to better include different cultural groups within your church.
Three church groups started out as separate congregations sharing one building. Now regularly-scheduled joint worship helps them see themselves as members of one body in Christ.
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.
To become more multicultural, congregations must help members discern differences between biblical doctrines and cultural biases.
Sometimes it is easier to use the Bible to look back at what God has done than to see what God is working toward. First Baptist Church of McMinnville, Oregon, includes testimonies in worship so that people can see how their lives are part of a story God is still telling.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary led First Baptist Church of McMinnville, Oregon, into a practice of storytelling and testimony in worship. They learned how stories cross boundaries and time and connect people with God’s big story.
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.
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.
Small church choirs can do far more than sing anthems. Despite perceived challenges, small church choirs can successfully help lead and enliven worship.
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.
