Leadership

Ascension Resource Guide

This list of Ascension Day resources, including songs, reflections, visual arts, and readings, will help you plan worship for Ascension Day, traditionally celebrated 40 days after Easter. Ascension Day worship services celebrate Jesus Christ ascending into heaven after giving his disciples the Great Commission.

May 3, 2023 | 2 min read
Pentecost Resource Guide

This list of Pentecost resources, including hymns, songs, visual arts, books, and sermon ideas, will help you plan worship for Pentecost Sunday, traditionally celebrated 50 days after Easter. Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples, marked by a strong wind, tongues of fire, and manifested in the disciples’ speaking in foreign languages.

April 28, 2023 | 2 min read
Opportunities and Challenges for Pastoral Ministry in 2023

Seven pastoral leaders—pastors, reconcilers, preachers, and scholars—offer insights from their unique contexts on the greatest opportunities and challenges for ministry work now.

April 12, 2023 | 3 min video

Developing Leaders Every Pastor Wants in the Congregation

Calvin University’s Ministry Leadership Cohort offers pathways for students of all majors who want to live out their faith in all of life. This practical program helps them learn how to build community, love the church, and practice leadership no matter where they eventually work, worship, and serve.

November 28, 2022
‘By the People for the Good of the People’: A Conversation with Matthew Sigler

In this edited conversation, Matthew Sigler discusses how contemporary youth can find their place in worship by exploring historical church practices.

November 17, 2022 | 13 min read
Artistic Engagement and Leadership Formation: A Conversation with Stephen Martin

In this edited conversation, Stephen Martin discusses the role of creativity, collaboration, and intergenerational connections in empowering young worship leaders.

October 31, 2022

Equipping Youth for Church Leadership: A Conversation with Chason Disheroon

In this edited conversation, Chason Disheroon of Baylor University discusses the joys and challenges of empowering youth to lead worship in their local congregations.

October 19, 2022
Bridging the Gap Between Youth Ministry and 91 Ministry: A Conversation with Emily Andrews and Mallory Johnson

In this edited conversation, Emily Andrews, executive director of the Center for 91 and the Arts at Samford University, and Mallory Johnson, a student at Beeson Divinity School, discuss the role of mentoring and training in promoting teen leadership in public worship.

October 7, 2022
Nikki Toyama-Szeto on Hoping in God Despite Injustice

Individuals and congregations sometimes despair while working for justice. Sometimes they forget that although God invites us to join in justice work, God remains in charge of changing the world. That’s why it’s crucial for justice seekers to stay rooted in Christian community and worship.

September 19, 2022

Rebekah Eklund on Practicing Lament

Congregations become more relevant and biblical when they follow the Bible’s lead in bringing lament into worship. Rebekah Eklund’s book "Practicing Lament" shows churches, small groups, and individuals how to voice penitential lament and protesting lament. Learning to practice lament can reconnect people with God and help churches grow in “members of one body” solidarity.

August 22, 2022 | 6 min read
Let the Children Come

Splitting into age-divided worship each Sunday doesn't necessarily result in kids who go on to choose worship as adults. That's why pastors are talking about intergenerational worship.

August 3, 2022
Healthy Collaborative Leadership: Principles and Practices for Pastors and 91 Leaders

How can church leaders work well together, support each other, hold each other accountable, and share power, all in healthy ways? How do differences in church polity and governance affect these roles and relationships? In this panel discussion, we will discuss a positive vision for healthy collaborative leadership and best practices for church leaders engaged in mutual support and accountability. This is a YouTube Video Premiere panel discussion.

November 16, 2021 | 80 min video