Cultural Diversity

Everyday Faith: Possibilities, Limits, and Callings, with special guest Danjuma Gibson (Part 2)

What does life look like through the eyes of some of the “Titans” of African American history? Watch this second part of our online conversation with Professor Danjuma Gibson of Calvin Theological Seminary. Dr. Gibson shares additional insights into his approach to learning from the lives of historical figures, identifying key insights from his research that we might apply in our own lives. Professor Gibson is interviewed by Noel Snyder, program manager at CICW.

July 21, 2021 | 58 min video
Anti-Racism in the Renewing of Christian Worship.

May God give us grace and strength to resist lies, arrogance, injustice, racism, and oppression in all forms. In worship, we are called to confess sin, to lament brokenness, and to pray for the end of these travesties, even as we are called to preach and celebrate sacramentally the gospel of Jesus Christ—in which power is made perfect in weakness, in which each person and culture is cherished as God’s gift, in which our hope is based on the life, death, resurrection, and continuing ministry of our ascended Lord, Jesus Christ. We long for a seamless connection between faithful public worship and vital Christian witness in every sector of society and in every cultural context.

July 6, 2021 | 7 min read
Everyday Faith: Possibilities, Limits, and Callings, with special guest Danjuma Gibson (Part 1)

What does life look like through the eyes of some of the “Titans” of African American history, such as Frederick Douglass, Fanny Lou Hamer, and Martin Luther King, Jr? Watch as Danjuma Gibson of Calvin Theological Seminary shares insights from his research into the qualities, dispositions, and decisions that led these ordinary people to live such extraordinary lives. Professor Gibson is interviewed by Noel Snyder, program manager at CICW.

June 18, 2021 | 59 min video

Two Pastors on Christian Worship in Politically Divided Times

Many preachers and congregations claim that politics have no place in their worship. But pastors Meg Jenista Kuykendall and Katie Ritsema-Roelofs say that addressing public issues in worship is essential for congregations to become to Christlike communities.

June 9, 2021 | 8 min read
Christine McAteer on the Coronavirus and Bus Chaplaincy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, bus drivers and other public transport workers have been praised as essential workers. Yet they remain largely invisible to those with the option to travel by private automobile. Your church can include bus drivers and other essential workers in congregational prayers.

May 12, 2021 | 6 min read
Dileep Athaide on the Coronavirus and Port Chaplaincy

Pope Francis has said, "Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve." Though seafarers aboard ships are essential workers, few people think of them. But port chaplains do. Your church can include seafarers and port chaplains in congregational prayers.

May 12, 2021 | 9 min read

Lucie Eddie Campbell: A Mother of Gospel Music

James Abbington was inspired to insert an old gospel song before the eulogy at the funeral for baseball star Henry “Hank” Aaron. The reaction prompted him to honor the heritage of Lucie E. Campbell, an influential Black gospel musician whom many people have forgotten.

May 11, 2021 | 10 min read
James Abbington on Planning Henry “Hank” Aaron’s Funeral Music

Although news coverage of public figures’ funerals often focuses most on speakers and eulogists, music is crucial. James Abbington thought pastorally while planning music for baseball star Henry Aaron’s homegoing.

May 11, 2021 | 8 min read
Arbin Pokharel on Gospel Hospitality in Kathmandu, Nepal

In this episode, pastor and church planter Arbin Pokharel talks with Maria Cornou about the vibrancy of the body of Christ in Nepal--land of Hinduism, birthplace of Buddha, and a caste system society--as they draw from the well of grace and practice their Christian faith so everyone can flourish.

April 7, 2021 | 40 min listen

Angelique Havenga and Marnus Havenga on Lament, Community, and Ubuntu in the Dutch Reformed Church of Stellenbosch, South Africa

In this episode, pastor-theologians Angelique and Marnus Havenga share with Maria Cornou about what they are learning about pastoring and serving the community as a whole in the Dutch Reformed Church, located in city-center of Stellenbosch, one of the most unequal towns in the country of South Africa.

April 5, 2021 | 36 min listen
Yvette Lau on Worship Identity and Calling in Hong Kong During a Time of Pandemic

In this episode, Yvette Lau, worship leader and chief executive of Anabas Ministry for worship renewal based in Hong Kong, shares with Maria Cornou about leading worship and the wisdom and discerning spirit that is needed to shape worship and pastor God's people during these urgent times.

March 29, 2021 | 31 min listen
Valdir Steuernagel and Marcell Silva Steuernagel on the Witness and Identity of the Lutheran church in South Brazil

In this episode, father and son Valdir Steuernagel and Marcell Silva Steuernagel share with Maria Cornou about the witness, embodiment, and community of the Lutheran church in south Brazil during the COVID-19 crisis. This conversation was recorded in the fall of 2020 as part of a global worship course Prof. Cornou taught at Calvin Theological Seminary.

March 24, 2021 | 36 min listen