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Mental Health and the Practice of Christian Public Worship: An Exploratory Conversation

Sessions related to mental health are not a common feature of many conferences on worship. Yet mental-health-related concerns affect as many as one in five people at any given time, with one of every twenty-five people living with serious mental health challenges. More than four in ten people in the United States experiences a psychological disorder in their lifetime. What we say or fail to say about these challenges in worship settings can be profoundly formative for how Christian communities respond to these challenges

February 13, 2018 | 77 min listen
Models of Mentorship: Training the Next Generation of Worship Leaders

In this session, a panel of experienced mentors shared the models of mentoring used in their contexts, explored the implicit and explicit goals of each model, and explained how each model trains and equips mentors.

February 9, 2018 | 109 min listen

A Random, Crazy List or Really Cogent Lections: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary

In this session, the panelists discussed the structure of the lectionary system and the advantages and challenges of its use.

February 8, 2018 | 58 min listen
Worship as One: Disability in Community video

Through implementing small changes, churches can become inclusive communities for people with a variety of abilities and disabilities.

February 7, 2018 | 1 min video
Warren Kinghorn on Mental Illness and Our Deepest Identity

We hear a lot about using person-first language. Yet it is still common to label people with their mental health diagnosis. Christians and churches can offer another way to describe our common human identity.

February 6, 2018 | 4 min read

Warren Kinghorn on Mental Health and Christian Worship

It is far more common to hear about physical ailments than mental ones in congregational prayers and worship. Psychiatrist Warren Kinghorn explains why mental health issues and people with mental illness should be acknowledged in Christian worship.

February 6, 2018 | 3 min read

Mark Mulder on Debunking “the Culture of Poverty”

It is important for financially stable churches and Christians to build relationships with those in poverty. But the reason may be different than what you might assume.

December 14, 2017 | 6 min read
Renewed: Lord God, Now Let Your Servants Depart in Peace

Join Greg Scheer as he introduces one of his own songs, based on Simeon’s words in Luke 2:29-32. It works beautifully as a closing song in worship, especially during the season of Epiphany.

December 11, 2017 | 9 min video
Congregations and Persons with Dementia: A Story and Ideas to Try

TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. The new curriculum is building community in ways that enrich worship in congregations and congregation members with dementia.

December 8, 2017 | 7 min read