Decades-Long Spiritual Formation
An international pastoral leader, a public theologian, and a young scholar explain how the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has impacted them—and made room for them to influence CICW and others.
Anne Emile Zaki on Global Growth in Mutual Learning
An Egyptian seminary professor and preacher explains the importance of “a posture of general humility” so that global Christians can learn from and worship with each other.
Reynolds Chapman: Local History Matters to God
You might not think often about the land your church sits on or the community beyond your church property. But finding ways to learn local history and include it in worship may help church members become more faithful disciples, more meaningfully draw near to God, and reach people who are disconnected from the church.
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.
Sarah Travis on Unsettling Worship
Sarah Travis explores how Christian worship, through its rhythm of Gathering, Word, Table, and Sending, both unsettles us and equips us to do the work of conciliation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.