Upcoming Event
A Reformation Sunday worship service commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Accra Confession
October 27, 2024, 5:00 PM
Mika Edmondson on MLK’s Theology of Unearned Suffering
Jesus’s example of laying down his life for others inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and the U.S. civil rights movement. This theology of how to engage undeserved suffering can help congregations deal with pain.
October 10, 2017
Reggie Smith on Theology Underlying Sociology
What churches profess and what they do sometimes clash. Sharing stories, sitting with those who suffer, praying, and listening in silence for God can help churches harmonize theology and sociology.
September 1, 2017
Why We Need to Know the History of Our Churches
The fact remains that most American Christians remain startlingly ignorant of critical aspects of their church’s history. Learning this history can help us more faithfully know ourselves, love others, and follow Christ.
August 7, 2017
Classics, Ancient and Modern: A Historian's Recommendations for Thoughtful Christian Living
In the fourth century, Christian intellectuals, many of whom were educated in secular contexts, debated fiercely about the role of classical literature and culture in the life of the Church.
July 6, 2017
Faith Formation and Worship: A Worship Historian's View from the "End of the World"
Worship is a formative practice: through active engagement in liturgy, Christians are formed in a particular understanding of God, of others, and of themselves, and of what it means to live a Christian life in this world.
June 30, 2017
Why the Church Needs History, Especially Now: A Historian's Vision for Equipping the Church
At a time of increasing cultural and political polarization, the North American church faces enormous challenges in embodying the unity of Christ and living out Christ's mission in this time and place.
June 28, 2017
Medieval Spirituality and Liturgy as a Source for Contemporary Worship
An annotated research guide from the field of history, exploring the relevance of medieval spirituality and liturgy for current worship practices.
June 26, 2017
When the Music Fades: The Overlooked Facets of Contemporary Worship's Historical Development
A conversation between Lester Ruth and John Witvliet about contemporary worship, trinitarian lyrics, and the dynamics of church renewal.
May 11, 2017
Worship Resources for the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther posted his ninety-five theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517. This worship resource guide will help your community plan services of grace and truth as you commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation or plan worship for a Reformation Sunday.
March 31, 2017
Shaping a Reformation Commemoration Prayer or Worship Service
This workshop explores the ways we can prepare to commemorate this significant anniversary with both grace and truth, acknowledging both the insights and limitations of the Reformers, expressing gratitude for Christ-centered renewal and lament for divisions and even violence within Christ’s body.
February 23, 2017
Christiane Bräutigam on Why Bach Still Matters
Christiane Bräutigam leads music in a church founded in 1702 by refugees in a city famous for its Bach heritage. She explains why J.S. Bach’s music and example are relevant for churches today.
February 2, 2017
Singing in Spanish and English: Reflections of Musicians and Educators
Carlos Colón and Maria Monteiro are Texas Baptists, educators and musicians. They serve on a team that is compiling a fully bilingual Spanish-English hymnal for Protestants.
November 30, 2016