This session engaged with the themes of pastor, hip-hop artist, and author Jonathan Brooks’ book Church Forsaken, including a profound exploration of a ‘theology of place,’ which unpacks the vocational implications of Jon Fuller’s claim that “there are no God-forsaken places, just church-forsaken places.” We explored insights from life in Christ in the neighborhoods of Chicago, Richmond, Grand Rapids, and more. The session that weaved together the prophetic exhortation, inspirational narratives of God’s work, and practical suggestions for fruitful ministry, including questions you can bring home to probe what an even more robust life in Christ could look like in your neighborhood.
Recent Media Resources
Parable of the Good Samaritan
This worship service focuses on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Holland Christian High School Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Scott VandenBerg, leads the music with accompaniment from Alexis VanZalen. Calvin University’s Awakening group leads congregational singing featuring a selection of emerging bilingual Korean-English songs. Andrea Bult delivers the message, and students from Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Noel Snyder, guide the liturgy.
The Friend at Midnight
This worship service centers on the story of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-13. Sandra McCracken, in collaboration with the Calvin University 91 Apprentices and their mentor, Paul Ryan, lead congregational worship. Janette Ok delivers the sermon, and Becca Tellinghuisen leads the scripture reading.
Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
This service of the word and table includes a message on Luke 10 from Kevin Adams, who reflects on the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Communion is celebrated following the message. Proskuneo Ministries leads the music, and the Calvin University Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Joanna Wigboldy, guides the liturgy.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
This worship service focuses on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Holland Christian High School Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Scott VandenBerg, leads the music with accompaniment from Alexis VanZalen. Calvin University’s Awakening group leads congregational singing featuring a selection of emerging bilingual Korean-English songs. Andrea Bult delivers the message, and students from Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Noel Snyder, guide the liturgy.
The Friend at Midnight
This worship service centers on the story of the friend at midnight in Luke 11:5-13. Sandra McCracken, in collaboration with the Calvin University 91 Apprentices and their mentor, Paul Ryan, lead congregational worship. Janette Ok delivers the sermon, and Becca Tellinghuisen leads the scripture reading.
Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
This service of the word and table includes a message on Luke 10 from Kevin Adams, who reflects on the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. Communion is celebrated following the message. Proskuneo Ministries leads the music, and the Calvin University Ministry Leadership Cohort, alongside their mentor, Joanna Wigboldy, guides the liturgy.
The Rich Man and Lazarus
This worship service is musically led by Symposium contributor Raymond Wise and the Calvin University Gospel Choir, directed by Nate Glasper. Dennis Edwards delivers the message on Luke 16:19-31, “The Rich Man and Lazarus.”