About Us
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Howard
Vanderwell |
Howard D. Vanderwell is the Resource Development Specialist of Pastoral Leadership for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. His responsibilities include the provision of resources on worship planning for pastors and worship teams, networking with pastors on the field for their encouragement and instruction, providing materials for the Institute web column, assisting with Institute sponsored training, and providing Continuing Education lectures at Calvin Theological Seminary.
He is a recently retired Christian Reformed Church pastor after spending 40 years in pastorates in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. His interests include planning, leading and evaluating worship, series preaching, and worship renewal throughout the evangelical church.
He holds M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary, and the D. Min. degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California.
Howard is available to speak on the following topics:
(see #1-8 for topics addressed jointly with Norma de Waal Malefyt; #9-13 for topics Howard addresses)
Topics by Howard and Norma jointly
1. The Issues of Worship Renewal Today
Worship is frequently discussed and debated today. Such discussions provide worship leaders and congregations with a golden opportunity to promote a deeper and richer understanding of worship within the local congregation. Yet there are pitfalls. We identify fourteen issues that congregations are thinking and talking about.
2. Intergenerational Worship
Contradictory voices are being heard today - "all ages should worship together" and "effective worship means having separate services for different ages." Worship that focuses on one niche in the age spectrum is being recommended. How should we feel about this? What are the Biblical guidelines on the matter? What suggestions and experiences can guide us to effectiveness as a Intergenerational church? What is healthiest for the local congregation?
3. Structuring a Seasonal Worship Calendar
Worship planners can work effectively when they have a clear idea of the road ahead. Agreeing on a seasonal calendar is strategic. In this session issues include the events that shape the calendar, the criteria used to select those events, who participates, and methodologies for such planning work. An overview of the Christian year is presented.
4. Designing Worship Together
Careful advanced planning in worship is essential for a congregation whose worship is to remain vital and relevant. Collaborative efforts are important so that all those in leadership roles have input. The benefits of collaborative planning, the expectations planners may have of one another, and the process by which they plan are discussed.
5. Designing Worship Services That "Flow"
Some worship services seem like a patchwork quilt - put together with no overall pattern. A conversation with God should have a central organizing theme throughout. Each element should contribute to that theme. What criteria and guidelines will help worship planners achieve this goal. Verbal and musical transitions are vital and should be done well. Examples and models are given.
6. Effective Blending in Worship
Many see "blending" as a solution to the often conflicting expectations about worship that exist in congregations today. Is this hope a real one? What are the advantages of blending? What are the difficulties and risks? What is blending? Is music the only area for blending? This presentation will spell out nine areas in the congregation's worship life where thoughtful blending can be practiced.
7. Worshiping in Tough Times
At times worship planners must plan worship services when the pain level in a community is very high. It may be a national/international crisis, or some tragedy that affects the life of the congregation, or a time of conflict in the congregation. At such times worship must be particularly honest, sensitive and pastoral. Liturgy, music and Word must work together to meet the needs of hurting worshipers. Is all worshiping to be praise? What is the role of lament in our worship today? This presentation will address these needs, illustrate methods for dealing with such needs and provide resources.
8. The Evaluation of Worship Services
Worship services are evaluated by nearly all worshipers, but such evaluation is usually done informally and often not very helpfully. Is it wise and necessary to regularly evaluate our worship? Who should do so? How should it be done to gain the maximum benefit? Regular and formal evaluation by the right people is critically necessary. Tools and guidelines are provided for this task.
Topics by Howard
9. The Uniqueness of Reformed Worship
Reformed people have always held worship in high esteem, and the Reformed tradition has some unique contributions to make to the world of worship. We will explore the theological assumptions we hold about worship, the definition of worship according to Reformed thinking, and the pattern and structure of the worship service.
10. Planning the Preaching Calendar
The pastor is the "first-planner" in the process of structuring the worship calendar. He/she must be able to plan ahead. This address includes a consideration of such issues as the benefits of sermon series and how to plan them, considerations for seasonal sermon planning, issues and obstacles involved, and methodologies for a plan that includes advanced sermon planning that will be intentional, efficient and thoughtful. Tools and examples are included
11. Planning Preaching in Collaboration with Other Leaders
Many pastors consult only themselves when making selections for preaching. Perhaps they don't believe others are capable, or willing, to participate in this process. However, when the suggestions and concerns of other local leaders are consulted, sermon planning takes on a new dimension. Strategies and tools are available for such a process.
12. Preaching in Series
There are great benefits to preaching in series. Continuity from Sunday to Sunday makes the experience better for all. How long should a series be? How should a series be structured? Does it eliminate our ability to respond to current happenings? Suggestions and ideas for many series are presented.
13. An Introduction to The Worship Sourcebook
The Worship Sourcebook is a highly valuable recent publication, but the wealth of material in it can seem puzzling and overwhelming. How can worship planners use it to maximum benefit? How can we know where to look? How can its use nurture our worship? (It is also possible for this to be presented jointly.)