1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA

On the campus of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
© 2025 91ÁÔÆæ
The rhetorician James Winans once wrote, "A speech is not merely an essay standing on its hind legs." Yet many speakers—including preachers—write their messages in a style better suited for reading rather than hearing. To be an effective oral communicator, one must learn to write for the ear, not the eye.
Preaching extemporaneously, without a manuscript, can enliven delivery and improve communication. This session will explain and demonstrate how to carefully make the transition from text to outline, and then from outline to embodied delivery.
The small choices preachers make provide hearers not only with a better understanding of the text, but also with a keen understanding of the preacher.
The way we talk in worship affects the way we talk in the rest of our lives, and vice versa. 91ÁÔÆæ and daily life are integrally connected—a connection which is fundamental for developing healthy approaches to both worship and preaching.
In this Symposium session, we explore cultural and liturgical issues our brothers and sisters are addressing, especially in Africa and Asia - for example, intergenerational and multicultural worship; use of indigenous songs, instruments, and dance; use of technology; challenges of religious pluralism. We explore how God is building his church in ways that move us all closer to the unity we have in Christ even as we celebrate the gifts of cultural diversity.
Christ is the same "yesterday, today, and tomorrow."
As Jesus told the disciples at the Last Supper, in this world we will have trouble. Here's how preaching can encourage believers to take heart. A feature story exploring how congregations can hear God's voice despite change and trials.
Call it "the preacher's friend." Certain types of visual art are especially good for helping people worship because they direct attention beyond the artist or artwork to God. A feature story exploring art that preaches.
A service plan from the Lord's Prayer focused on the greatness of God in power, compassion and grace in a series on prayer as explained in the Heidelberg Catechism.
A service plan from the Lord's Prayer focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in a series on prayer as explained in the Heidelberg Catechism.
A service plan from the Lord's Prayer focused on greater obedience and discipleship in the Christian life in a series on prayer as explained in the Heidelberg Catechism.
A service plan from the Apostles' Creed focused on the united Body of Christ found in the Christian Church and the forgiveness of sins in a series on the Apostles' Creed as explained in the Heidelberg Catechism.
