1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
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.
This choral reading of Luke 15:11-32 is adapted for 3 ensemble members.
This choral reading of 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 is adapted for 2 presenters.
This choral reading of Romans 5:1-5 is adapted for up to 9 ensemble members.
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.
This choral reading of Psalm 150 is adapted for up to 20 ensemble members.
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.
This choral reading of Nehemiah 4 is adapted for 6 speakers
To become more multicultural, congregations must help members discern differences between biblical doctrines and cultural biases.
Preachers who interpret scripture without paying attention to cultural, ethnic, and other differences in their congregation miss out on opportunities to build bridges to their listeners’ lives.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary led First Baptist Church of McMinnville, Oregon, into a practice of storytelling and testimony in worship. They learned how stories cross boundaries and time and connect people with God’s big story.
