Singing the True Story of the Whole World
Knowing how the Bible hangs together helps Christians join God in the drama of redemption. The new Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal helps worshipers sing the biblical meta-narrative.
Renewing Christian Worship in Pakistan
Knowing who and whose they are helps illiterate Christians pass on their faith to the next generation.
The Reconciling, Sanctifying, Energizing Power of Worship's Urban Beat
East End Fellowship in Richmond, Virginia, started an urban songwriting internship and a gospel choir to reflect its congregational values of incarnation and reconciliation.
David Bailey on Multicultural Power Dynamics
Musician David M. Bailey is the music director at East End Fellowship in Richmond, Virginia. In this edited conversation, he talks about becoming aware of power dynamics in multicultural congregations and neighborhoods. He lives in Church Hill, a neighborhood hard hit by economic decline.
Gospel Choir as Spiritual Formation
“Starting a gospel choir has been huge for spiritual formation,” says David Bailey, music director at East End Fellowship in Richmond, Virginia. And it all started from a hug.
Randy Weener on Multisensory Worship that Welcomes Neighbors
Randy Weener co-leads Wyoming Kingdom Enterprise Zone, a church multiplication initiative by Reformed and Christian Reformed churches in Wyoming, Michigan. In 2000 he planted a Reformed Church in America congregation in Allendale, Michigan. In this edited conversation, he talks about multisensory worship in that congregation that welcomes neighbors.
How Churches Meet Their Neighbors
Here is the uncomfortable truth about becoming a congregation that loves your neighbors as you love yourselves: You have to go out and meet them.
Use Baptismal Imagery in Worship and Life
Reading Robin M. Jensen's book "Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity: Ritual, Visual, and Theological Dimensions" will give you many ideas for deepening baptismal identity in your congregation
Early Christian Baptismal Imagery for Today
Robin M. Jensen’s book Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity illuminates and illustrates the multiple meanings and biblical metaphors of baptism. It can awaken imagination for Christians and congregations to live into their baptized identity.
Preaching the Great Commandment
Do your church’s sermons disciple worshipers to love God and their neighbors with all they have? What does that love look like in your neighborhood?
Love your Neighbors: Practice what’s preached
Acting on sermons about loving your neighbors is easier if you see yourself as able to give, join others in serving, and see your loving service as an act of worship.
Musical Resource List for Small Churches
You don’t need a large choir, paid staff, or huge budget to plan music for worship in your small congregation.