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John D. Witvliet

Dr. John WitvlietDr. John Witvliet

Office: Hekman Library 301

Phone: (616) 526-6806

Email

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Biographical Information

John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and serves as professor of music and worship at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary, respectively. He also teaches in the religion department at Calvin College. His responsibilities include oversight of the Institute’s practical and scholarly programs, including the annual Calvin Symposium on Worship and the Worship Renewal Grants Program, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. His areas of interest include the history of Christian worship, worship practices in various denominations, biblical and systematic theology of worship, the role of music and the arts in worship, and consulting with churches on worship renewal.

A graduate of Calvin College, Dr. Witvliet holds graduate degrees in theology from Calvin Theology Seminary, in choral music from the University of Illinois, and the Ph.D. in liturgical studies and theology from the University of Notre Dame.

He is the author of The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources (Eerdmans, 2007), co-editor of The Worship Sourcebook (Faith Alive & Baker Books, 2004), Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice (Baker Academic, 2003), co-editor of Worship in Medieval and Early Modern Europe: Change and Continuity in Religious Practice (University of Notre Dame Press, 2004), and editor of A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship (Choristers Guild, 1999). He serves as editor for two series of books-the “Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies Series” (Eerdmans) and “Vital Worship, Healthy Congregations” (Alban Institute)-as well as co-editor, with Pearl Shangkuan, of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Music Series (GIA).

Dr. Witvliet has served for 10 years as a member of the board of directors for The Choristers Guild, including a term as president. He has also served as music director for churches in Michigan and Indiana, research associate at Notre Dame’s Center for Pastoral Liturgy, and guest lecturer at worship conferences in several states and provinces.

In addition, his articles have appeared in The American Organist, Jahrbuch für Liturgik und Hymnologie, The Choral Journal, Studia Liturgica, Worship, Reformed Worship, Reformed Liturgy and Music, Congregations, Assembly, The Hymn, The Chorister, and Books and Culture. He has also contributed to several dictionaries, including Religion in Geschichte und Gegenwart, Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Music, Worship Music: A Concise Dictionary, and The Complete Library of Christian Worship.

Curriculum Vitae

CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
Director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, 1997-present

Calvin College Music Dept,

  • Professor, 2007-present
  • Associate Professor, 2002-2007
  • Assistant Professor of Music, 1997-2002

Calvin Theological Seminary,

  • Associate Professor of Worship, 2004-present
  • Adjunct Professor of Worship, 1997-2004

Calvin College Religion Dept.,

  • Adjunct Professor, 1997-present

EDUCATION
Ph.D.  (Theology/Liturgical Studies), University of Notre Dame, 1997
M.A.  (Master of Arts in Liturgical Studies), University of Notre Dame, 1995
M.Mus.  (Master of Music in Choral Music), University of Illinois, 1993
M.T.S.  (Master of Theological Studies), Calvin Theological Seminary, 1992
B.A.  (Music/Vocal Performance), Calvin College, 1990

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Ordained as Minister of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, 2004

  1. Dean of the Chapel, Calvin College, 2001-2003
  2. Director of Music and Worship, South Bend Christian Reformed Church, South Bend, Indiana, 1993-1996
  3. Graduate Assistant, Center for Pastoral Liturgy, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1994-1997
  4. Music Director, Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1989-1992
  5. Music Director, First Jenison Christian Reformed Church, Jenison, Michigan, 1986-1989, 1991-1992
  6. Christian Camps for Inner-City Youth—Camp Tall Turf, Summer Staff, 1986-1989

DENOMINATIONAL SERVICE

  1. Member, CRCNA BOT Task-Force on Children at the Lord’s Supper, 2007
  2. Synod, Faculty Advisor, 2007
  3. Worship resource development, CRCNA 150th Anniversary Celebration, 2007
  4. Chair, Advisory Board, CRCNA Pastoral Excellence Initiative, 2003-present
  5. Member, CRCNA Leadership Institute Development Committee, 2006-2007
  6. CRC Denominational Worship Committee, 1994-1997, 1999-2001
  7. CRC Synodical Study Committee on Worship in Contemporary Culture, 1994-1996
  8. Chair, CRC Cross Agency Worship Team for Implementation of Strategic Plan, 1998-2001

ECUMENICAL SERVICE

  1. Member, Consultation on Common Texts, 1998-present
  2. National Board of Directors, Choristers Guild, 1994-2003 (President, 1998-2001)
  3. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (worship presenter, 2000)
  4. Indianapolis Center for Congregations Conference on Worship (consultant, presenter 2001)
  5. reformed Church in America  (Synodical worship leader 1999)
  6. United Methodist Church, National Worship Office (consultant 1999, 2005)

PUBLICATIONS

BOOKS AUTHORED

  1. John D. Witvliet, Worship Seeking Understanding:  Windows into Christian Practice.  Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
  2. John D. Witvliet, The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources.  Eerdmans, 2007.

BOOKS EDITED

  1. Karin Maag and John D. Witvliet, eds. Worship in Medieval and Early Modern Europe:  Change and Continuity in Religious Practice.  Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2004.
  2. John D. Witvliet and David Vroege, eds. Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel:  Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Inspiration.  Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004.
  3. John D. Witvliet, ed. A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship.  A Sourcebook for Christian Educators, Musicians, and Clergy.  Garland, Texas:  Choristers Guild, 1999.
  4. John D. Witvliet and Emily R. Brink, eds. The Worship Sourcebook and Prayers of the People (Faith Alive, Baker Books, 2004)

EDITORIAL WORK

  1. Editor, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies Series (Eerdmans), 2000-present (11 volumes)
  2. Editor, Vital Worship, Healthy Congregation Series, Alban Institute, 2000-present (6 volumes)
  3. Editorial Consultant, Reformed Worship, 1997-present
  4. Member, Editorial Board, Theology Today (Princeton Theological Seminary), 2007-
  5. Editorial Consultant, The Worship Bible, Tyndale Publishing Co., Carol Stream, Illinois, 1997
  6. Project Editor, The Complete Library of Christian Worship, Abbot-Martyn Press, 1993-1994

WORSHIP RESOURCE/HYMNAL COLLABORATIONS

  1. Renew! Songs and Hymns for Blended Worship, with Jack Schrader, Vicky Tusken, and Robert Webber, general editor (Carol Stream, IL:  Hope Publishing, 1995).
  2. Sing! A New Creation (CRC Publications/RCA Office of Worship, 2001).
  3. Sunday Morning Live:  How and Why We Worship,by Mary Sytsma and Jane Vogel (Faith Alive, 2003).

SELECTED ACADMIC ARTICLES

  1.  “For Our Own Purposes:  The Use of the Social Sciences in Liturgical Studies,” Liturgy Digest 2, no. 2 (Spring/Summer 1995): 6-35.  Reprinted in Paul Bradshaw and John Melloh, eds., Foundations for Ritual Studies: A Reader for Students of Christian Worship (Baker/Paternoster, forthcoming, 2007).
  2. “Toward a Liturgical Aesthetic:  An Interdisciplinary Review of Aesthetic Theory,” Liturgy Digest 3, no. 1 (Winter 1996): 4-86.
  3. “Theological and Conceptual Models for Liturgy and Culture,” Liturgy Digest 3, no. 2 (Summer 1996): 5-46.
  4. “What Has America Contributed to Reformed Worship?” Reformed Liturgy & Music 30, no. 3 (1996): 103-111.
  5. “Prospects for Covenant Theology in Ecumenical Discussions of the Eucharist,” Worship 71, no. 2 (March 1997): 98-123.
  6.  “Metaphor in Liturgical Studies:  Lessons from Philosophical and Theological Theories of Language,” Liturgy Digest 4, no. 1 (1997): 7-45.
  7. “The Spirituality of the Psalter:  Metrical Psalms in Liturgy and Life in Calvin’s Geneva,” Calvin Theological Journal 32 (1997): 273-297.  Reprinted in Calvin Studies Society Papers, 1995, 1997 (Grand Rapids:  CRC Product Services, 1998), pp. 93-117.  Reprinted in Japanese publication Musica Ecclesiae Reformatae 3 (2000): 25-63.
  8. “The Anaphora of St. James,” in Essays on Early Eastern Eucharistic Prayers, ed. Paul Bradshaw (Collegeville:  Liturgical Press, 1997), pp. 153-172.
  9. “Baptism as a Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Thought of John Calvin,” Studia Liturgica 27, no. 2(1997): 152-165.
  10. “At Play in the House of the Lord:  Why Worship Matters,” Books and Culture (November/December 1998), 22-25.  Reprinted in SirS Renaissance electronic database.  Excerpted in Context:  Marty E. Marty on Religion and Culture 31, no. 6 (March 15, 1999), 4-5.
  11. “The Blessing and Bane of the North American Evangelical Megachurch: Implications for Twenty-First Century Congregational Song.”  IAH Bulletin (Internationalen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Hymnologie) 26 (July 1998): 133-156.  Reprinted in The Hymn 50 (January 1999): 6-12.  Reprinted in Jahrbuch für Liturgik und Hymnologie. Vol. 37 (Göttingen:  Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1998), 196-213.  Reprinted in The American Organist 34 (May 2000), no. 5: 50-56.
  12. “Images and Themes in John Calvin’s Theology of Liturgy,” The Legacy of John Calvin:  Calvin Studies Society Papers 1999, ed. David Foxgrover (Grand Rapids:  Calvin Studies Society, 2000), 130-152.
  13. “Training Church Musicians as Pastoral Musicians,” in Musicians for the Churches:  Reflections on Vocation and Formation.  Ed. Margot E. Fassler.  Yale Studies in Sacred Music (New Haven:  Yale Institute of Sacred Music, 2001), 17-22.  Scheduled for reprint in Jahrbuch für Liturgik und Hymnologie.
  14. “Beyond Style:  Criteria for Liturgical Music,” in The Conviction of Things Not Seen:  Currents in Protestantism in the Twenty-First Century, A Volume to Honor Robert E. Webber, ed. Todd Johnson, Brazos Press, 2002.  Reprinted in Tim A. Dearborn and Scott Coil, Worship at the Next Level: Insight from Contemporary Voices (Grand Rapids:  Baker Books, 2004), 163-179.
  15. (with Emily Brink):  “Liturgical Music in the Reformed Tradition Worldwide,” in Lukas Vischer, Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present (Eerdmans, 2003).
  16. “Isaiah in Christian Liturgy:  Recovering Textual Contrasts and Correcting Theological Astigmatism,” Calvin Theological Journal 39 (April 2004): 135-156.
  17. “The Opening of Worship ~ Trinity,” A More Profound Alleluia: Theology and Worship in Harmony, ed. Leanne Van Dyk (Eerdmans, 2005), 1-27.
  18. “Teaching Worship as a Christian Practice: Musing on Practical Theology and Pedagogy in Seminaries and Church-Related Colleges,” Perspectives 21, no. 6 (June/July 2006):17-23.
  19.  “The Trinitarian DNA of Christian Worship: Perennial Themes in Recent Theological Literature,”  Yale Institute of Sacred Music Colloquium 2 (2005).
  20.  “Studying Christian Worship in Global Perspective,” in Charles Farhadian, ed., Christian Worship Worldwide (Eerdmans, 2007)
  21. “The Psalms in Christian Worship,” in Roger Van Harn, ed., New Lectionary Commentary: Psalms (Eerdmans, forthcoming)
  22. “Prism of Glory:  Trinitarian Worship and Liturgical Piety in the Reformed Tradition,” in Bryan Spinks and Margot Fassler, eds.  The Place of Christ in Liturgical Prayer (forthcoming from Liturgical Press)
  23. “Discipleship and the Future of CWM: Possible Directions for Scholarship, Songwriting, and Public Worship,” in Robert H. Woods Jr. and Brian D. Walrath, eds., Words, Music, and Message: Contemporary Praise and Worship at the Dawn of the 21st Century (forthcoming from Abingdon Press).
  24. “Teaching Worship as a Christian Practice,” in Dorothy Bass and Craig Dykstra, eds., For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education, and Christian Ministry, also appearing a shortened form as “Teaching Toward Faithful Practice: Pedagogy for Liturgical Studies in Christian Seminaries and Divinity Schools” in International Journal of Practical Theology.
  25. “The Cumulative Power of Transformation in Public Worship: Cultivating Gratitude and Expectancy for the Many Ways the Spirit Works,” in Alexis Abernethy, Worship and Transformation (Baker Books, forthcoming)

 

SELECTED PASTORAL/PRACTICAL ARTICLES

Most articles have appeared in Reformed Worship, and are accessible through an author search on www.reformedworship.org.

In addition, see:

  1. So You’ve Been Asked . . . to Sing a Solo.  Worship Leader Pamphlet Series, Grand Rapids:  CRC Publications, 1996.
  2. So You’ve Been Asked . . . to Plan a Worship Service. Worship Leader Pamphlet Series, CRC Publications, 1999.
  3. So You’ve Been Asked . . . to Lead a Worship Service. Worship Leader Pamphlet Series, CRC Publications, 1999.
  4. “Worship Transformed:  A Time of Change for Choral Musicians in Christian Churches,” Choral Journal 38, no. 8 (March 1998): 55-62.
  5.  “Rediscover Space for God,” The Banner 133(July 20, 1998): 30-31.
  6. “Spirit-Charged Worship,” Calvin Seminary Forum 6, no. 2 (Spring 1999): 1-2.
  7.  “The Virtue of Liturgical Discernment,” Christian Courier (May 31, 1999): 12-13.  Reprinted in Crux (Fall 2002).  Reprinted as “Discerning the Spirits:  Making Wise Choices in an Era of Liturgical Change,” Reformation and Revival 9.2 (Spring 2000): 15-28.  Reprinted in Books and Culture (September-October 2003).  Reprinted in Charlotte Y. Kroeker, ed., Music in Christian Worship: At the Service of the Liturgy (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2005).
  8.  “Beyond Style:  Asking Deeper Questions about Worship,” Congregations (July/August 2001): 19-21, 35.
  9. “Well-Chosen Words,” Reformed Worship 71 (March 2004): 6-9.
  10.  “The Holy Restlessness of Contextual Ministry,” Calvin SeminaryForum 11, no. 2 (Spring 2004): 3-5.
  11. “Worship Space,” Calvin Seminary Forum 12, no. 2 (Spring 2005).
  12.  “Toddler Talk and Authentic Worship,” The Banner 140, no. 6 (October 2005).
  13.  “Sunday Morning Parenting: Children’s Participation in Worship,” The Banner (Nov. 2006)
  14. “Church Music, Congregational Life, and Theological Education in Harmony: Toward a New Approach for Musical Advocacy,” The American Organist, December 2006
  15. “Worship as God’s Language School: Formation for Faithful Christian Life Coram Deo,” Pastoral Music 31, no. 4 (April-May 2007): 19-23.
  16. “Children at the Table: Some Provisional Answers to the Practical Questions,” Calvin Seminary Forum, Spring 2007
  17. “Bob Webber: Memory and Hope,” Books and Culture (July/August 2007), p. 8.

 

CONFERENCES ORGANIZED

  1. Calvin Symposium on Worship and the Arts, 1987-1992, 1997-present
  2. (CRC) Conference on Liturgy and Music (COLAM), 1999, 2001, 2004
  3. “Vatican II Remembered: the 25th Anniversary of Vatican II,” CICW, 1998
  4. “The Transformation of Christian Hymnody:  A Generation of Change in North American Congregational Song,” Hymn Society in the United States and Canada National Conference, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1998
  5. National Conference on Church Music, Messiah College, 1999
  6. “Welcoming New Christians Conference,” with the national offices of the PCUSA, RCA, ELCA, 2000
  7. “St. Olaf Conference on Music, Theology, and the Arts,” St. Olaf College, 2000
  8. “Authentic Worship in a Changing Culture,” Indianapolis Center for Congregations Regional Conference, 2001
  9. “Organ Music in Christian Worship,” Princeton Theological Seminary, 2001
  10. “Bach the Preacher,” CICW, 2003
  11. “Christianity, Cultures, and Worship Worldwide,” CICW, 2003
  12. “Reformed-Presbyterian Eucharistic Consultation,” CICW 2007
  13. “Summit on Christianity and the Visual Arts,” CICW 2007

 

SELECTED LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS

ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

  1. Andrews University (2002, 2005)
  2. Asbury Theological Seminary (2003)
  3. Calvin Theological Seminary (public lectures: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003)
  4. Concordia College, River Forest, Ill. (scheduled for fall 2007)
  5. Cornerstone University (2000)
  6. Dordt College (1994, 1997, 1999)
  7. Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (2000)
  8. Fuller Theological Seminary (1999)
  9. Hardin-Simmons University (1994)
  10. Messiah College (1999)
  11. Northwestern College (1994)
  12. Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University (2005)
  13. Princeton Theological Seminary (2001, scheduled for fall 2007)
  14. Regent College (2000)
  15. Southwestern Seminary (2000)
  16. Southern Seminary (2004)
  17. St. John’s University, Collegeville (2000, 2001)
  18. St. Olaf College (1993, 2000)
  19. Tyndale (Ontario) Theological Seminary (1998)
  20. Trinity Christian College (2007)
  21. Westminster Choir College (scheduled for fall 2007)
  22. Wheaton College Institute for the Study of American Evangelicalism (1997, 2000)
  23. Wheaton College Theology Department (2006, 2007, scheduled for spring 2007)
  24. Yale Divinity School (1996, 1998, 2003, 2005)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  1. American Choral Directors Association—National Convention Panel Chair, 1997, 1999; National Convention Interest Session, 2003; Michigan State Conventions, 2004, 2005; Regional Convention Service, Interest Session (Scheduled for spring 2008)
  2. American Guild of Organists—National Symposium Papers, 1999 and 2005; Local Chapters, Kalamazoo, 1999; Grand Rapids, 2001; Holland, 2001
  3. American Academy of Religion—Reformed Theology Group panel, 2000
  4. Calvin Studies Society—Invited Papers: 1995, 1999
  5. Choristers Guild—1998, 1999 Summer Seminar, 1999 International Festival, 1999 Dallas Chapter
  6. Hymn Society in the U.S. and Canada—National Convention Hymn Festivals/Presentations, 1989, 1992, 1997
  7. Joint International Conference of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, Hymn Society of Ireland and Great Britain, and the International Society of Hymnological Research, York, England, 1997
  8. Association of Practical Theology—invited paper, 2006
  9. National Association of Pastoral Musicians—four plenary lectures, leadership colloquium, 2006
  10. Presbyterian Association of Musicians/Montreat Conference on Theology and Music--Routley Lectures, 2002

OTHER CONGREGATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS
Chapel Hill Bible Church (1998), Chicago Chinese Christian Church (2000), Christ Methodist Church of New York (2005), First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee (2001), First Baptist Church, Indianapolis, Indiana (2000), Marywood Dominican Center (2001), Midwest Chinese Bible Conference (1994), Northern Virginia/Greater DC Chapter of the Choral Conductor’s Guild (2000), Lilly Endowment Religion Division Conference/Consultations(2001, 2007), Reformed Spirituality Network (2001), St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia (1999), Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina (2005), West Michigan Presbytery (PCUSA), and perhaps 75 Christian Reformed congregations.

 

GRANTS RECEIVED

For research, publication, and Worship Institute programming: Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship (1998, 1999), Lilly Endowment (1998, 1999, 2001, 2004), Luce Foundation (2000).