Faith Formation

Spiritual Preparation for Those Who Lead Worship

Those who lead worship must be people who have been born again by the Spirit of God, and therefore show forth some of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self-control.

November 8, 2010
Studying Worship on Seminary Campuses: Church at School and School at Church

Nearly every seminary in North America worships together during the week. These services are central to a seminary’s communal life and work, for worship is deeply formative – spiritually, educationally, and institutionally. Yet there is significant variety in the ways in which seminary communities plan for, lead, and learn about worship.

November 3, 2010
Studying Worship on Seminary Campuses: Other Analytical Tools

Surveys are wonderful – though limited – tools for gathering data on worship priorities and practices. The survey used by the CICW/Brehm study group asked broad questions in four categories: Leadership, Liturgy, Community, and Curriculum. Many other research goals and strategies might suggest other questions and/or analytical data-gathering mechanisms.

November 3, 2010

Studying Worship on Seminary Campuses: Seminary Chapel Survey

In the spring of 2007, a questionnaire was sent to all ATS-accredited Protestant seminaries in the USA. The purpose of the study was to begin to map the range of practices and policies at the nation’s seminaries surrounding community worship. Thus, the questionnaire asked simple questions and invited reflection and feedback. The questions were divided into four primary categories: Leadership, Liturgy, Community, and Curriculum.

November 3, 2010
Studying Worship on Seminary Campuses: Seminary Chapel Websites

This list is a select review of items of interest found on seminary worship websites, organized according to common themes: Customaries, Denominational Diversity, Stylistic Variety, Curricular Integration, and Other issues.

November 3, 2010

Coop's Column - Jesus Yes-Church Yes!

In the Western hemisphere, especially in Europe and considerable sections of North America, vigorous contempt toward and sleepy disregard of the Christian church are widespread and increasing at an ever-accelerating rate.

August 23, 2010

From Blogs to Tweets: Wise Use of Social Networking Technology in Your Worshiping Community

Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter are changing the way we connect, stay in touch, and share ideas and resources. What are the benefits and what are the dangers of these tools for churches and organizations? This presentation featured examples and guidance based on what some churches are doing.

June 1, 2010
Dare to Ask a Beautiful Question

After decades of ministry in hard places, Joel Van Dyke recommends asking beautiful questions and giving away power to experience a deeper unity with all in Christ's body.

May 19, 2010
Connect Community Service and Corporate Worship

The people who pour their hearts into worship aren’t always the same ones who pour themselves into church-based community ministry. But there’s power in following the biblical pattern of connecting outreach and worship.

May 5, 2010