How do we innovate in worship while staying connected to tradition?
What are we doing in worship?
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Worship is at the center of who we are and what we do as communities of Christian faith. From a biblical perspective, whenever God’s people missed the mark in relationship to worship, things did not go well. (Do you remember that unfortunate incident with the golden calf?) In this week’s episode of our podcast, Leading and Thriving in the Church, John Witvliet talks about what matters most in worship. John is the director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and teaches at Calvin Theological Seminary, but he began his vocational journey as the son of a pastor. His curiosity about the behind-the-scenes aspect to ministry drew him into the music and the liturgical rhythms of the church. The kindness and guidance of musicians he met during his youth and throughout his ministry inspired his outlook on worship and nurtured his passion for creativity. In this episode, John talks about how the Calvin Institute’s work and research led his team to identify 10 core convictions about worship that transcend denominational traditions. These convictions are connected to every aspect of worship: from theocentricity to engagement with Scripture to leadership. At this moment in Christian history, we see more openness to breaking with tradition and exploring new ways of being the church, including new ways of worshiping. The more we innovate, the more crucial it is that we reflect on what we do and how we do it — so that our innovations are not completely disconnected from what is good in our traditions. This conversation inspires us to embrace the witness of the church and explore new practices in worship to renew congregations and glorify God. |
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| In the second episode of our third season, Prince talks with John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Professor of Worship, Theology, and Congregational Ministry Studies at Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. |
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| Rather than a series of “one-offs,” sermons can spark a conversation that fosters communal spiritual continuity in the congregation. Here are seven strategies to do that. |
By Elizabeth Felicetti and David J. Schlafer
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| Do you want amazing worship on a small church budget? Lewis Center Director F. Douglas Powe Jr. interviews the creator of the website Paper Bag Cathedrals on ways small congregations can enliven their worship. |
Interview with Teresa Stewart
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| Worship leaders of color are often brought in to encourage diversity in congregations, but real diversity requires shifts in the entire culture of a church, says the worship leader and writer.
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For those of us who lead congregations, many responsibilities claim our attention on a daily and weekly basis. After all, someone needs to follow up about the latest plumbing problems and the church van that needs repairs. It’s not that we shouldn’t take care of these operational concerns; in some congregations, the paid ministerial staff must wear several hats to maintain institutional stability. It’s just that if we aren’t careful, our attention can easily be drawn away from the call to worship and consumed by logistical problems that vie for our energy and involvement. When you listen to this conversation with John, you’ll get a chance to learn more about what the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is doing to resource congregations who are thinking about how they encounter God. This encounter is about more than just the kind of music we sing or whether the pastor wears a clergy robe or casual clothes. In a climate of increasing religious pluralism, John reminds us that we need to reflect deeply on the significance, practice and purpose of Christian worship. What happens in worship says everything about who we believe God is.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading! |
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| Editor Alban at Duke Divinity |
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