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© 2025 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
An ancient pattern at the heart of classic Christian worship helps welcome and orient people into life in the body of Christ.
Worship can change lives when people understand what they are doing and why. Carefully chosen words help frame classic worship elements so gathered congregants are sent out to embody God’s grace, mercy, and peace.
By preaching to trusted peers and hearing their reflections, even veteran pastors can find transformation in the practice of preaching.
For beginning preachers, both women and men, finding their authentic voice requires deep self-reflection in a supportive, respectful context.
Women navigating life in ministry face unique challenges. Naming these realities is the first step to helping women and men recognize them and respond proactively.
The leader of preaching peer groups in northern Indiana and on Chicago’s South Side shares his insights about what makes these groups so effective.
Preaching to peers in a homiletics cohort opened Antonio Almonte’s eyes to the differences in how listeners perceive his preaching in English versus Spanish. As a result, he adjusted his English-language preaching style.
Three church groups started out as separate congregations sharing one building. Now regularly-scheduled joint worship helps them see themselves as members of one body in Christ.
Worshiping regularly with a congregation culturally dissimilar from yours is challenging but worth it. Understanding these challenges can also help you change worship to better include different cultural groups within your church.
In June 2018 Vital Worship Grants recipients gathered at Calvin College for three days of worship, learning, and sharing together.
A growing multitude of lively conversations rapidly drowned out the live jazz music as a crowd of clergy, academics, and community members poured into Prince Conference Center’s Great Hall.
John 17 records Jesus’ prayer for unity “so that the world may know that you have sent me and loved them.” It is a powerful witness when churches model unity within diversity. This witness requires intention and prayer.
