1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Not talking about awkward emotions, say after infertility, pregnancy out of wedlock, or adoption, may seem kind. But it's better for churches to include adoption and related issues in baptisms, worship, and church life. A feature story exploring the case for talking about adoption in worship.
Instead of providing an entire worship service, we have provided materials that can be used in liturgies that include the reception and/or baptism of adopted children.
Though no one wants a worship war, discussions about worship change are often more divisive than divine. Howard Vanderwell explains how to ask questions that focus on worship principles, rather than on passions and preferences. A feature story exploring ways to lead worship change, rather than worship wars.
A colleague was asked point-blank at a workshop recently, “Have changes in worship in the last generation been good or bad?” The short answer may be yes. A longer answer was given at a day-long seminar at the Calvin Symposium on Worship 2006.
How do you recognize each other's gifts and support each other's needs while avoiding a "you're not like us"? attitude? A feature story exploring ways to be inclusive in worship and make room for those with or without special needs.
This workshop provided practical ideas for including persons with disabilities in Sunday School classes, youth groups, and adult small groups, based on the speaker's book of the same title.
This conversation between spiritual friends explored the art of writing, hospitality, and the pastoral life. Presented at the 2006 Calvin Symposium on Worship.
Becoming a worship-centered congregation is a profound cultural shift for some congregations and often takes as much as ten years. Using leadership theory and theories of transformational learning, this workshop explored the dynamics of congregational change, resistance to change, and the role of congregational leaders in always pointing toward the worship of God as the church's highest calling.
As Jesus told the disciples at the Last Supper, in this world we will have trouble. Here's how preaching can encourage believers to take heart. A feature story exploring how congregations can hear God's voice despite change and trials.
A service plan focused on our prayer lives and the struggles we face when our prayers do not seem to be answered in a series addressing life's toughest questions for Christians.
A service plan focused on the tragedy in the world and our security in God, based on Psalm 2. This is part of a series called "Great Chapters of the Bible."
This prayer was offered in a service of prayer held in the Calvin College Chapel on March 12, 2003, and can be adapted for use during a time of war.
