Author

Elaine Howard Ecklund

Professor, Rice University

Elaine Howard Ecklund is a professor of sociology at Rice University, where she founded the Religion and Public Life Program and holds the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences. She has written six books, including “Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think” (named a Top 10 religion book in 2010 by HuffPost). Ecklund speaks regularly about the intersection of science and spirituality. In 2012, she was named one of Christianity Today’s 50 Women You Should Know.

droplet on a leaf

Apply for a Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant 

Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants from the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship are designed for worshiping communities. These grants allow a wide range of Christian worshiping communities to focus on projects that connect public worship with Christian discipleship and faith formation. Funding awards range from $8,000 to $25,000. 

The grants support year-long projects that show promise in fostering renewed or strengthened worship practices within worshiping communities in the United States or Canada. Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants for teacher-scholars are also available. Applications for the October 15 deadline will open on July 15, 2026.

Learn More