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On the campus of Calvin University
© 2025 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
The longer I live, the more I become convinced three things are true: 1. God does exist 2. I am not God. 3. The first two points are worth remembering—always.” Wise words from an aged Roman Catholic priest. How easy to slip into the sin of what St. Paul terms “thinking too highly of ourselves.”
In all of our worship planning the principle that the Word of God is central must guide us. Since worship is our engagement with God, our group conversation with God, the Word must figure prominently.
One significant element of worship renewal in our generation is that congregations are finding their voices. Previously, most worshipers were silent in worship, except when they participated in congregational singing. Increasingly, worshipers use their voices in worship for spoken expressions in addition to songs.
Worship is a conversation between God and his children, and the Scriptures are the surest and clearest means through which God speaks. The Scriptures are his voice, and when the Scriptures are read, God is speaking to his people. It is wise, therefore, to pay close attention to the role that the reading of Scripture has in our worship services.
This Bible study lesson looks at evaluating worship and the criteria we should use to do this.
Perhaps you have seen examples of churches that have become more vital than ever through an examination of their worship life, and perhaps you have also seen churches that have been damaged by worship conflicts. What can we do to be sure of the one and not the other?
This Bible study explores the sacrament of Communion.
This Bible Study explores the questions: What really is worship? And what is the unique perspective that the Reformed faith can bring to our thinking about worship?
This Bible study lesson looks at baptism and how it becomes the sign of washing in Christ, the entrance into discipleship, and inclusion in the Christian church.
Worship planning assumes that a calendar is used. The assumption in worship planning is that we anticipate future worship.
Reformed worship is built on the conviction that congregational worship is essentially a conversation with God. In some elements of the worship service, such as the greeting, scripture reading, sermon, and benediction, God speaks to us. In other parts of the worship service, the worshipers speak to God through songs, commitments, and prayers.
Vital worship, like a healthy marriage, requires honesty and openness in order to thrive. God longs for our honesty before him. We are deeply in need of his renewing pardon.
