Cultural Diversity

Ron Man on Biblical Foundations of Worship

For more than 25 years, Ron Man has been teaching on the biblical foundations of worship. He gathers up that learning in his book “Let Us Draw Near”, a testimony to the power of scripture to guide pastors and worshipers in our calling to be worshipers of God.

December 18, 2023
Anneli Loepp Thiessen on Creating Non-Hymnal Songs

Even when denominations try their best to compile culturally sensitive hymnals, not every congregation can or should use that hymnal. That’s why Anabaptist Worship Network works to include more people and cultures in creating new songs for use in worship.

November 28, 2023 | 8 min read
La Culminación de un Programa Exitoso con Congregaciones Hispanas

En un ambiente de confianza, respeto, y celebración, culminó el Programa de Becas para Congregaciones Hispanas que organizó el Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) en la ciudad de Orlando, Florida.

October 17, 2023

Chalice and Loaf or Cups and Cubes

Our celebration of the Lord's Supper in the Reformed tradition is sometimes touched with uncertainty. Is there something sacred about wine, or is grape juice an acceptable option? Are there rules about whether the bread should be leavened or unleavened, store-bought or home-baked, white or wheat? Is a single chalice more meaningful than a tray full of small cups? Who should bring the elements to the table—and when? Does it make any difference what we do with leftover elements?

July 20, 2023 | 1 min read
Worship Music from Africa and the African Diaspora

What a gift to have in a single conversation leading experts on the rich history of Christian worship music in the continent of Africa as well as from African diaspora communities in the United States and England! What treasures and insights from this rich history should be more celebrated and cherished? What misunderstandings should be corrected? How can we learn from this rich history without misappropriating it? What signature examples of congregational song should we all learn more about and from? How can we all continue to learn more and explore more deeply connections across continents and Christian traditions?  

July 19, 2023 | 86 min video
Indigenous Wisdom and Christian Practice: Indispensable Insights for Christians in Every Time and Place

Learn about the remarkable story of the World Christian Gathering of Indigenous Peoples and gain insights about worship and culture emerging from the accredited theological degrees offered by NAIITS—An Indigenous Learning Community. We’ll hear wisdom from the experiences in Australia of engaging a colonialist Christian history and develop a vision for how Christians in every continent can better work together to learn from each other and grow together in Christ.

July 19, 2023 | 74 min video

Ronnie Farmer Jr. on Positively Addressing Racial Difference

Some Christians think that even talking about racial differences is racist. But the church has a crucial opportunity to promote honest cross-cultural conversations that help people recognize the image of God in every person.

June 19, 2023
Ronnie Farmer Jr. on Visual Arts and Reconciliation

Christians often wonder how to use their God-given gifts to address an issue that God cares about. Ronnie Farmer Jr., an artist and pastor, explains how the path is sometimes revealed just one step at a time. Gradually we develop our imagination to see how the Lord intends for us to use our gifts and experiences.

June 5, 2023
Preaching and Teaching in Low-Power and High-Power Distance Cultures

In this video series, María Eugenia Cornou defines the cultural value of power distance and the implications of low-power and high-power distance contexts for preaching and teaching.

May 8, 2023 | 10 min video

Power Distance and Teaching

María Eugenia Cornou invites reflection on how power distance impacts the dynamics between teachers and students, teaching contexts, and assignments.

May 8, 2023 | 7 min video
Power Distance and Preaching

María Eugenia Cornou invites reflection on how power distance impacts the role of the preacher, how scripture is viewed and interpreted, and the act of preaching.

May 8, 2023 | 8 min video