Devotions for Worship Teams: Introduction
This series of psalm-based devotions invites worship leaders, planners, and teams to slow down, listen deeply, and be formed by scripture’s most honest and expansive prayers. Created by staff from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and trusted collaborators, these reflections draw from the rich themes of the psalms—praise and creation, fear and doubt, suffering and salvation—to ground the work of worship in a living conversation with God. Together, they help teams not just plan services, but cultivate attentiveness, unity, and spiritual depth.
September 16, 2026
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1 min read
Life: Psalm 63
As worship leaders, we sometimes feel as if we should only focus on spiritual needs, such as praying for deeper faith, stronger character, and evangelistic opportunities. But God cares about our whole lives, not just our souls. Dietrich Bonhoeffer points out that the psalms are full of prayers for health, peace, and daily needs. That’s not selfish. It’s honest. It’s recognizing that God is with us in the everyday.
September 16, 2026
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2 min read
Advent: Come, Be Our Light
In Advent we anticipate the coming light of Christ, symbolized by using candles and contrasting light and darkness.
September 16, 2026
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2 min read
Praise: Psalm 150
Think back to the last time you couldn’t help but praise something. Maybe it was a jaw-dropping catch in a baseball game, a teacher who made a tough topic click, or a sunset that stopped you in your tracks. You probably responded instinctively—with a cheer, a compliment, a text, a smile. Praise flows naturally when we encounter something good or beautiful.
September 16, 2026
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2 min read
Q&A with Worship Leader Kimberly Williams
Join us after the University worship service (chapel) for a conversation with worship leader Kimberly Williams. We will explore topics related to worship leading and planning for diverse congregations, leading teams, songwriting and recording, and mentoring women in ministry.
September 14, 2026
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68 min video
Psalms We Love to Sing
Modern song writers are continually setting the psalms to new music for band-led worship contexts. Join Paul Ryan, Nate Glasper, and the Calvin University Worship Apprentices to sing contemporary psalm settings sung in public worship at Calvin.
August 7, 2026
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85 min video
Opening Worship with Psalm Talks with Artistic Responses
Worship led by Calvin University Worship Apprentices and mentor Paul Ryan, with Psalm Talks by Amanda Benckhuysen, Jared E. Alcántara, and Cynthia Eriksson, and artistic responses by Dea Jenkins and Joel Schoon-Tanis.
February 9, 2026
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101 min video
The Friend at Midnight
This worship service centers on the story of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-13. Sandra McCracken, in collaboration with the Calvin University Worship Apprentices and their mentor, Paul Ryan, lead congregational worship. Janette Ok delivers the sermon, and Becca Tellinghuisen leads the scripture reading.
March 12, 2025
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53 min video
Prophetic Words of Judgment
Rodrigo Cano will preach on Ezekiel 18–25. The music and liturgy will be led by the Calvin University Worship Apprentices, Paul Ryan, and Rachel Wilhelm.
June 17, 2024
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73 min video
Writing and Choosing Songs for Singing
What makes a song singable? Meet with Paul Ryan and Wendell Kimbrough as they discuss the morning worship service held in the chapel [10:30–10:50 a.m.] and the qualities of congregational song that help the church join its voices as one.
July 19, 2023
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50 min video
And We Shall Learn Through the Dance
A conversation on the integral role of dance and movement in worship with Kathleen Turner and Paul Ryan
December 2, 2021
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35 min video
Biblical Storytelling and the Drama of the Bible
In this conversation, actor, playwright, and professor Jeff Barker shares with pastor Paul Ryan his journey in Biblical storytelling as way to help students and worshiping communities hear and see the importance of scripture memorization, speaking the text, and reclaiming 'the plays' of the Bible.
December 2, 2021
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31 min video
