Leadership in Times of Change
Change is always happening in the church, whether we like it or not! The challenge for leaders is to manage that change in ways that lead to greater health in their congregations, rather than conflict and discontent.
Preparing Students to Become Lead Worshipers
A glimpse into the training involved to prepare students to lead worship.
Why Study Worship Worldwide?
The topic of the book Christian Worship Worldwide is endlessly interesting, profoundly instructive, and unmanageably large. The scope is nothing short of the worship practices of the world's two billion Christians.
The Worship Planning Team as Conversation Partners
Who is invited to plan worship? What spiritual gifts need to be included on the planning team? How can the planning team leader facilitate conversation among diverse voices?
Symposium 2011 - Someday You'll Be a Good Preacher
The journey to good preaching is as filled with twists and turns as a Rocky Mountain highway. Stan Mast is a veteran road warrior who shares hard-won insights into what it takes to become a good preacher. Special attention is paid to the sharp-tongued critics who can drive aspiring preachers off the road.
Symposium 2011 - Parachurch vs. Church: A False Dichotomy
How should we think about the relationship between the local church and parachurch ministries, especially in regard to worship practices? These and other questions will be considered by a panel of scholars and parachurch leaders.
Parenting in the Pew: The Call, Cost, and Challenge of Children in the Sanctuary
Based on the book Parenting in the Pew, this session considered ways the church and home can work together to train children for participation in worship with the intergenerational community.
Symposium 2011 - Alleluias Concentrated: Enabling Expansive Worship in Small Membership Congregations
"If we only had / could ..." can become too common a phrase in smaller congregations. This session equipped and encouraged even the smallest congregation --or small group within a larger community-- to design and experience deep, joy-filled worship using everything God has given them and requiring nothing more.
Beginning a Communal Conversation: A Process for Developing Intergenerational Worship
The way in which we worship and express faith must remain supple and open to the change necessary to be heard in an changing world.
Table Fellowship
For the last fifteen years LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church has welcomed children to the Lord’s table by means of a Table Fellowship liturgy.
Worship Leading as a Ministry of Reconciliation
When Isaac Wardell interviewed for the job of director of worship arts at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, he learned how often worship changes hurt, confuse, or offend people.
Dealing with Fear in Church Life
How can we worship so that God’s perfect love overcomes all we’re afraid of?