Teaching

First Steps for Including Teens in Planning and Leading Worship

Integrating youth leadership throughout the church is a new paradigm. But churches are reaping the benefits of mentoring youth to plan and lead worship.

February 13, 2017
Why Youth Need to Be Leading Worship Regularly NOW

When congregations empower teenagers to use their gifts in meaningful ways over time, teens are more likely to imagine themselves as faithful disciples and devoted worshipers for decades to come. Two summer programs in worship, theology, and the arts inspire teens and mentors.

February 9, 2017
Ordination Best Practices for Ministers, Elders and Deacons

Because so many people search our website for ordination resources, we consulted five experts from five denominations. Their best practices will help you dig beneath the surface when you ordain or install ministers, elders and deacons.

February 7, 2017 | 19 min read

The Practice of Christian Worship

This article, translated into Amharic, comes from the Prologue of The Worship Sourcebook and explores elements of planning and leading congregational worship.

August 31, 2016
Richard Henry Boyd and the National Baptist Hymn Book

Richard Henry Boyd was determined to give Jim Crow-era African-Americans their own voice in worship. Calvin College history professor Eric Washington tells the story of how the hymnal he published helped do that.

August 24, 2016

Stephen Martin on Music that Wakes Up Older Minds

Your students or small group can use hymns and Christian songs to design meaningful personalized worship for older adults living in their own homes or in care facilities.

August 2, 2016

Scholars Suggest How to Remember the Reformation

Seven scholars, pastors and musicians discuss how Protestants and Catholics can and should together observe the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017.

June 1, 2016
Best Resources for Teaching Worship

Seven college and seminary professors list their top short reads for teaching worship and say which resources would be most helpful for church worship and liturgy committees.

April 13, 2016 | 9 min read
What You Can Learn from Visiting Churches

College and seminary professors offer church observation guides for their students. You can use their insights to learn more when you visit other churches. This process can also help you understand how people experience liturgical practices in your own congregation.

April 13, 2016