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Norma
de Waal Malefyt |
Norma de Waal Malefyt is Resource Development Specialist in Congregational Song for the Worship Institute. Her responsibilities include developing training resources and curriculum for the Worship Institute web site, publication series, and training events. She serves as a presenter at events sponsored by the Worship Institute, including academic courses, the annual Calvin Symposium on Worship, and other training events.
Norma enjoys participating in worship especially in the areas of worship planning and music leadership and in developing those gifts in others. She graduated from Calvin College with degrees in music education and organ performance. She returns to the college setting after serving in parish music ministry.
Norma is available to speak on the following topics:
(see #1-8 for topics addressed jointly with Howard Vanderwell; #9-12 for topics Norma 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 Norma
9. With One Voice-The Role of Congregational Song in Worship
This presentation explores the spirit and form of congregational song as well as the types of song necessary for healthy and vital congregational worship today. Strategies for developing healthy and vital song will be presented, along with some reflections on influences impacting congregational singing today.
10. Singing 101-Introducing and Leading New Songs to Congregations
This workshop will present methods by which new songs can be taught so they can become beloved songs in your congregation's worship life. This workshop will also explore the basics of musical leadership that can effectively assist your congregation in their singing (and learning!)
11. I Can Only Play What's Written-Strategies for Enlivening Congregational Song
This workshop will present ideas on accompanying congregational singing in a way that is true to the heritage/style of the songs and their texts. The workshop can be designed to include piano accompaniment, organ accompaniment, or both. This workshop will also explore ways to vary accompaniment from what is "on the page" through additional printed resources, and by employing easy, beginning improvisational ideas. The concepts of good musicianship will be highlighted throughout the presentation.
12. A Few of My Favorite Things-Service Music for Worship
This workshop will serve as a resource workshop - a presentation of both newly published well-written music for preludes, offertories and postludes as well as some pieces that have a proven record of effectiveness in drawing and guiding people in worship. The benefits of using service music will be presented within this workshop and participants will have opportunity to look through the music after hearing excerpts played. Both piano and organ literature can be presented.