Religion Commons^™

2018 Denominational Survey Results, Calvin University

CRCNA Denominational Survey Results

As part of the denominational ministry plan, Our Journey 2020, the CRCNA has contracted with Calvin College’s Social Research Center to administer a denominational survey every year. The results from the 2018 survey have now been compiled.

All CRC-affiliated adults and older youth are welcome to respond to this survey every year as they are led. In order to ensure a healthy number of responses to the survey every year, however, CRC leaders have randomly assigned every CRC church to one of five “cohorts”. Each cohort includes about 20 per cent of all active congregations, and each congregation will …

Reformed Worship (Rw) 129 - Advent / Christmas (September 2018), Reformed Worship Editors

Reformed Worship Magazine

Features

Worship Series: Advent in Narnia by Cindy de Jong....3

Carols of Christmas by Steve Boersma....20

Mental Illnesses and Worship: The Promises and Pitfalls by Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet, Cindy Holtrop, Warren Kinghorn and John Swinton....27

Invitation to Lead by Paul Ryan....38

Articles

Editorial: Being Christ’s Incarnational Presence by Joyce Borger....2

For Pastors: “#ThusSaithMe” by Scott Hoezee....25

A Sacred Assembly by Andi Potter....36

Worship and the Deaf Community by Amanda Potthast....43

Q&A: What Church Websites Communicate about Worship by John D. Witvliet....47

Resources

Blessed Assurance by Herbert Tsang....14

"What If...?" by …

Impact Amid Absence: The Synod Of Dordt And The French Huguenots., Karin Maag

CTS Faculty Publications and Creative Activity

This contribution investigates the reasons behind the absence of delegates from the French Reformed (Huguenot) churches at the Synod of Dordt, setting the reasons for their absence in the broader political and religious context of the times. I argue that the connections between the French Reformed church and the Synod of Dordt were significant both before and after the synod met, but that the Huguenots had a rather different project in mind (religious reconciliation among Reformed Protestants and even possibly between Reformed and Lutheran Christians) when they considered the possibility of an international gathering of Reformed theologians. Although the Huguenot …

Review Of "Excusing Sinners And Blaming God: A Calvinist Assessment Of Determinism, Moral Responsibility, And Divine Involvement In Evil" By Guillaume Bignon, Kevin Timpe

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Reformed Worship (Rw) 128 - Mental Health (June 2018), Reformed Worship Editors

Reformed Worship Magazine

Features

Worship Series: Pictures of the Kingdom by Tony Maan....3

Speaking Well in Worship about Mental Illnesses by Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet....12

Practical Insights for Leading Worship by Cindy Holtrop....27

Q&A: On Short Songs in Worship by John D. Witvliet....45

Articles

Editorial: The Parable of the Mulberry Tree by Joyce Borger....2

For Pastors: The Sensitive Sermon by Scott Hoezee....24

Broken Beauty by Phil Schaafsma....32

What is a Liturgy For? by Howard Vanderwell....36

Resources

Within Our Darkest Night by Melissa Haupt....21

"Why, God?" by Emily Vanden Heuvel....22

Litany for People Living with …

Crossing Cultural Frontiers: Studies In The History Of World Christianity, Joel Carpenter

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

This review essay highlights the thought of Andrew F. Walls, the renowned interpreter of the history of world Christianity. World Christianity is normative Christianity, Walls argues, a portable religion for people on the move. Walls also addresses what it means to be a scholar of missions and world Christianity. The work demands humility because it addresses missions, an activity long thought marginal. It calls for extraordinary scholarly range and diligence, and it addresses questions and data long neglected by other disciplines. Even so, the study of world Christianity is critical to the renewal of Christianity in our time.

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum: Summer 2018, Matthew J. Tunninga, Jeffery A. D. Weima, Lyle D. Bierma, Bruce Buursma

Calvin Theological Seminary Forum (2002- )

3 - On the Potter's Wheel by President Jul Medenblik
4 - The Grace of Discipline by Matthew J. Tunninga
8 - Dare to Discipline! by Jeffery A. D. Weima
12 - Practicing Church Discipline: Wisdom from the Field by Jul Medenbik + Sarah Schereiber
15 - What's New @ Calvin Seminary
16 - Phd Program Celeberates Silver Anniversary by Lyle Bierma
18 - Retirement Profile: Michael Williams by Bruce Buursma
20 - Distinguished Missionaries
22 - Distinguished Alumni
26 - Recent Faculty Publications + New Faces

Calvin Theological Journal (Vol 53 No 1 - April 2018), Calvin Theological Seminary

Calvin Theological Journal

From the Editor: Karin Maag - 7 / Articles: Joseph Hall (1574–1656): Toward Peace in the Church and a Reformed Via Media by Richard A. Muller - 9 / The Question of Central Dogma in Herman Bavinck by Bruce R. Pass - 33 / An Alternative Pentateuchal View of Matthew by Peter van Veen - 65 / Understanding Chiasm and Assessing Macro-Chiasm as a Tool of Biblical Interpretation by Wayne Brouwer - 99 / Philippians 1:21–22: Revisiting John Calvin’s Innovative Interpretation by Kirk Summers (with Abby Holland) - 129 / Sermon: “We Shall All Rise!”—A Sermon on Philippians 1:21–23 by …

Reformed Worship (Rw) 127 - Ascension / Pentecost (March 2018), Reformed Worship Editors

Reformed Worship Magazine

Features

Worship Series: When Upside Down is Right-Side Up by Peter Schuurman....3

The Kenyan Rite....20

Build Your Kingdom Here by Tracie Wiersma....42

A Prayer for Trinity Sunday by April Fliet....48

Articles

Editorial: Ascension, Pentecost, and the God of Expanse by Joyce Borger....2

Q&A: Naming the Time After Pentecost by John D. Witvliet....14

"This Is My Song" by Maria Monteiro....17

Let the Little Children Come by Sean Henderson....29

Selecting a Listener by Clayton Libolt....33

For Pastors: A Love of Wisdom by Scott Hoezee....46

Resources

Sing 10: A Journey Just Begun by Andrew …

Schools, Ideals, Gardens, David I. Smith

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

How To Find God (On Youtube), James K.A. Smith

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Review of The Rise of Network Christianity by Brad Christerson and Richard Flory

Sloth: Laziness About Love, Rebecca Konyndyk Deyoung

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Vital Spirituality: Harvesting Wisdom From History, Theology, And Ecumenical Encounter, Noel Snyder, Mika Edmondson, Mary Hulst, Jennifer Powell Mcnutt, Tom Schwanda, Leanne Van Dyk

Symposium on Worship Archive

For more than 20 years, the Reformed Spirituality Network gathered a variety of Christians in learning about vital spiritual practices from the Reformed tradition, all aimed at deepening our engagement with Scripture, our participation in worship and sacraments, and our prayershaped walk with God. This session honors the legacy of the network’s contribution by focusing on the beauty of several fundamental spiritual practices and disciplines and how they can promote deeper ecumenical relations with other Christians: contemplative Bible reading in worship and daily life; discernment of our personal and corporate union with Christ; deeper engagement with baptism and the Lord’s …

Singing Poetry, Jan Kraybill

Symposium on Worship Archive

Hymn and song authors across generations and cultures have given us rich expressions with which to shape faith, heal brokenness, transform lives, and renew peace. In this workshop we’ll look at and sing some great examples, and we’ll discuss how best to help our worshiping communities sing poetry with appreciation, enthusiasm, and artistry.

Ministrando A La Nueva Generación De Jóvenes Latinos, Calvin Institute Of Christian Worship, Elizabeth Tamez Méndez Phd

Symposium on Worship Archive

Deseamos ver a nuestra juventud crecer en su vida espiritual, sin embargo, ¿conocemos a quiénes estamos ministrando? Juntos exploraremos aspectos teológicos, sociológicos, culturales y de desarrollo humano, que nos ayudarán a interiorizarnos en la vida y necesidades de nuestra juventud Hispana en E.E.U.U. Al acercarnos a su forma de concebir la vida, encontraremos formas prácticas de ministrarles y ayudarles a conectar su fe con su diario vivir.

Quédate Con Nosotros/Abide With Us, Calvin Institute Of Christian Worship, Carlos Colón, Maria Monteiro, Maria Eugenia Cornou Phd, Mariachi Ágape

Symposium on Worship Archive

No abstract provided.

Mental Health And The Practice Of Christian Public Worship: An Exploratory Conversation, Charlotte Vanoyen-Witvliet, Cindy Holtrop, Warren Kinghorn, John Swinton

Symposium on Worship Archive

Sessions related to mental health are not (yet) a common feature of many conferences on worship. Yet mental-health-related concerns affect as many as one in five people overall, with one of every twenty-five people living with serious mental health challenges. 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. Further, decisions we make about how to shape and lead worship can do a lot to either welcome or inhibit the participation of those among us who struggle with mental health issues. This session is …

Singing Spirituals, Singing Gospel, Raymond Wise Phd

Symposium on Worship Archive

Come ready to sing spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel songs, praise and worship songs, inspirational songs and children’s music. Participants will explore a range of choral works, including many compositions by Raymond Wise. This is an ideal seminar for choir directors and choir members and will provide ideas for smaller choirs with a can-do spirit.

Luke 24:13-49: Road To Emmaus And Easter Evening, Calvin Institute Of Christian Worship, Princeton Theological Seminary Choir, Leanne Van Dyk

Symposium on Worship Archive

No abstract provided.

Songs Of Christian Calling: My Soul Finds Rest, Calvin Institute Of Christian Worship, Sandra Mccracken, Isaac Wardell

Symposium on Worship Archive

No abstract provided.

Serious Play: Insights From Augustine And Other Friends From The Early Church On Leading Worship And Administering Sacraments, Lester Ruth

Symposium on Worship Archive

Have you ever participated in worship or received the sacraments in a way that they didn’t really seem to mean anything? Or (perhaps worse) have you been afraid that dullness describes your own leadership in worship and sacraments? This workshop will explore insights from Augustine and others in the early church that can break open playful, Scriptural imagination for leading in worship.

"We Have Seen The Lord!": Preaching The Johannine Narratives Of Jesus's Resurrection Appearances, Marianne Meye Thompson

Symposium on Worship Archive

In this workshop we’ll look at John’s distinctive resurrection narratives, which emphasize both the restoration of Jesus’s relationship with his disciples broken by his death and the continuity of Jesus’s relationship with and care for all his disciples across time and place amidst the obvious differences brought about by his resurrection and return to the Father.

Growing In Intimacy With God, Tom Schwanda

Symposium on Worship Archive

Healthy worship is transformative. This workshop first will explore how worship leaders, musicians, and pastors can personally grow in Christ, and then it will suggest ways that public worship can encourage similar maturity for all people.

The Worship Team's "Other" Instruments, Greg Scheer

Symposium on Worship Archive

The guitar, piano, bass, drums, and voice form the backbone of the modern worship team, but what do we do with other instruments that may be available in our churches? This session will help worship team leaders incorporate brass, woodwinds, strings, mandolins, or even accordions into their team’s sound.

Gained In Translation, Martin Tel

Symposium on Worship Archive

More and more of the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs of the church are crossing language and cultural barriers. At times these translations have resulted in awkward lyrics. This may contribute to many communities’ aversion to global hymns. Indeed, often the essence of a song can be “lost in translation.” But this need not be the case. In fact, there are many examples where much has been gained in translation, inviting us into deeper and richer expressions of faith and prayer. Together we will consider the process of translation and its promise for yielding beautiful new texts that produce fresh …

Teaching Like Jesus, La Verne Tolbert

Symposium on Worship Archive

Creative teaching doesn’t happen by accident! Jesus, the master teacher, is the greatest model we have for teaching that’s dynamic, engaging, and life-changing. We’ll study ten principles that shaped Jesus’s teaching and discover how following the Master affects every area of our teaching—Christian character, learning channels, lesson planning, curriculum development, and more—so that we can teach children, youth, and adults effectively.

Word In Season, Linda Witte Henke

Symposium on Worship Archive

Join liturgical artist Linda Witte Henke in exploring how digital technologies and hands-on creativity can work together to prompt reflection on weekly lectionary texts and seasonal liturgical themes. Using a Power Point presentation rich with relevant imagery, Henke will illustrate how she uses digital design techniques to create weekly visuals for websites, social media, worship folders, and projection in worship, and how she works with liturgical arts teams to visually engage congregations in reflection on the Word in Season.

Praise God With The Dance!: A Vision For The Deep Connections Between Worship And Dance, Kathleen S. Turner

Symposium on Worship Archive

What is the relationship between liturgy and liturgical dance, and how does such a relationship enhance church worship? This workshop will explore the ways in which Scripture, liturgy, and sacred song create avenues for expression and interpretation by and through liturgical dance. These avenues of movement, expression, and interpretation help to bring clarity and comprehension to both liturgy and one’s knowledge of the triune God. It will pay particular attention to the use of the body as an expressive instrument that embodies and displays reflective thought and honest emotion expressed in and through church liturgy.

The Contemplative Worship Leader, Paul Ryan

Symposium on Worship Archive

Parker Palmer writes, “At root, contemplation and action are the same.” For worship leaders, a deep well of spiritual practice is vital amid the activity and demands of worship leadership. But as the anxious and hurried, our spirituality is often found wanting. New and ancient patterns in Christ’s Spirit, however, are available to worship leaders, and in this workshop we will together explore how to find life and vitality in our diverse contexts and through our varied personalities.

Becoming A Reconciling Community, Elena Aronson, David M. Bailey

Symposium on Worship Archive

Churches and Christian leaders are often overwhelmed because they feel ill-equipped to engage effectively in the ministry of reconciliation in a diverse and divided society. In this workshop, we will focus on what it looks like for a church to be committed to racial reconciliation for the long haul. We will offer five foundational practices for becoming a reconciling community. These practices, born out of the diverse and gentrifying neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, where Elena and David minister, shape the way a community pursues diversity and reconciliation. They will also paint a vision for collaborative ministry work that is only …