In this excerpt from the book “So Much Better: How Thousands of Pastors Help Each Other Thrive,” the authors examine a Christian Reformed Church peer group that spent time outdoors in prayer and reflection.
Author
Lis Van Harten
Lis Van Harten, an active layperson and a pastor's spouse, has been with the Sustaining Congregational Excellence and Sustaining Pastoral Excellence programs at the Christian Reformed Church in North America in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since 2003. She is currently the program director.
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