Worship Institute Refocuses Grants Program

The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship has reframed its focus and given a new name to its annual Worship Renewal Grants Program.

Now renamed "Vital Worship: A Grants Program for Worshiping Communities,” the program will continue to emphasize worship renewal at the grassroots level.

But the program has been “tweaked” as it seeks to connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship.

After being established at the Worship Institute in 2000, the former Worship Renewal Grants Program awarded more than 600 grants to organizations across North America for projects that could impact public worship in their own settings.

Former program manager Betty Grit retired this past summer.

The new leadership team consists of Kathy Smith, associate director and program manager for grants programs, Betsy Steele Halstead,  program coordinator for grants and communications, and Cindy DeBoer, administrative assistant.

The program is under the guidance of institute director John Witvliet.

This new theme can embrace many facets of worship from Bible reading to preaching to baptism and Lord’s Supper, intercessory prayer, congregational song, visual arts and more.

The sub-title to the new Vital Worship name -- "a grants program for worshipping communities" -- indicates that the program is open to both emerging and established congregations, as well as other worshiping communities such as seminary, college or school chapel programs and hospital, prison or nursing home ministries.

In addition, the Vital Worship Grants Program also has refreshed pages on the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship website, including a step-by-step process for applying for a grant.