From the President

Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty, Staff, Trustees and Friends of IWS,

Aristotle claimed that the supremely important activities are those which exist precisely for their own sake and not for a greater external end. The worship of God the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit is, then, the most supremely important thing Christians do. Accordingly, the privilege of learning about worship to bring renewal to the Church around the globe is a most critical educational and missional endeavor.

Our record-breaking fiscal year marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. We continue to fulfill the Lord’s mission and the vision of our founder Robert Webber as we form Christlike servant leaders in Christian worship renewal around the globe. We saw record attendance at this year’s two sessions—enrollment has increased over 23% in the past three years, and giving has increased more than 67% during the same period. Our reach continues to expand globally, as this past fiscal year we welcomed students from England and Nigeria (bringing the number of countries represented in the community to 24). At June’s graduation, 42 students received degrees and embraced the commission to serve the Kingdom of God through renewed worship. Thanks be to God for his abundant blessing made evident throughout the entire IWS community! The reputation and impact of IWS steadily grows worldwide while remaining rooted in the theological perspectives, relational sensibilities and pedagogical philosophy of its founder, Bob Webber.

Please take a moment to read in this report how our alumni are making an impact across the globe. The ongoing fulfillment of our mission is truly a team effort, a team that includes each of you. Many in the IWS community have taken their places in their support of our mission by investments of time, talent, treasure and prayer, and we are deeply grateful. We rely on your generosity toward God and your prayers to continue building the foundation we need for a secure future. Your gifts are wisely invested in our students and the mission of our beloved institute.

My wife, Carol, and I invite you to participate with us sacrificially and joyfully in this mission of spiritual transformation through renewed and enlivened worship. As Galatians 6:6 states: “One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” IWS is good ground into which you may sow the seed of your spiritual and financial generosity toward God. Together let us all thankfully, joyfully and generously support the Lord’s work in the supremely important and Kingdom-building activity of worship renewal through IWS.

Grace and peace to you,
James R. Hart, President

From the Chair of the Board

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on the past year and the success we have enjoyed, I continue to see God’s blessing on the IWS ministry and mission. We enjoy strong enrollment and trusted friends who support our ministry with their time, talent, and treasure—gifts from God for sure!

At each Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Hart has several students share with us how their studies at IWS are impacting their lives and ministries around the world. It is an excellent reminder of what IWS is all about—changing students’ lives and focus so they can serve God and his church more effectively through biblical worship.

I would be remiss if I did not comment on the loss of a good friend and strong supporter of IWS, David Witt. David’s untimely death left us stunned. David served on the President’s Advisory Council and the Board of Trustees. He brought wise counsel and a godly demeanor to IWS. He was also a very talented organist and played at our convocations and commencement. He will be missed.

I thank each of you who have supported our ministry here at IWS. Your gifts are having a worldwide impact as worship leaders are sent back to their home churches, applying what they have learned. IWS is truly having an impact on the lives of thousands of God’s children around the globe and you make that possible. Again, thanks be to God!

In His service,
John Lindsell, Chair, Board of Trustees


The Board of Trustees of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is

dr. John H. Lindsell,
Chair
rev. dr. Wayne Freeberg,
Secretary/Treasurer
dr. Gerald Borchert
dr. Karen Carpenter
dr. Melva Costen
dr. James R. Hart
dr. Yilee Lo
dr. David Neff
ms. Joanne Lindsell Webber
dr. Luder G. Whitlock, Trustee Emeritus
The IWS Library

Spotlight

For more news about students, faculty and alumni, check out Anamnesis.

Dr. Erik Buxton receiving his doctoral hood

Erik Buxton

D.W.S. Alumnus

Dawn Gilmore

Dawn Gilmore

D.W.S. Alumna

Przemek Bogdan, D.W.S. student

Przemysław Bogdan

D.W.S. Student

Dr. Dinelle Frankland

Dinelle Frankland

D.W.S. Alumna + M.W.S. Faculty

Blane Brazier

Blane Brazier

M.W.S. Alumnus

Man Zen Niiang

Man Zen Niiang

M.W.S. Student

703 Practicum Presentation

Thank You

Thanks be to God for those who give of their prayers, time, talent, and treasure! We would be unable to continue in our mission without your generous giving.

Leader ($10,000+)

Karen Carpenter & Edward Marram
James & Carol Hart
The Pine Tree and Myrtle Fund ~ Isaiah 55
David & Pat Witt

Benefactor ($5,000+)

Jeremy & Susie Buffam
The JCT Foundation
Milton & Helen Henderson
Yilee & Ted Lo
Sandy & Nancy Morris
Sherry Murray
Joanne Lindsell Webber

Partner ($2,500+)

Dennis & Dianna Andrews
Cortlandt & Annette Bender
Gerald & Doris Borchert
Constance Cherry
James & Judy Dodge
David & Darlene Garmus
Robert & Janice George
Jeffrey Hager

Investor ($1,000+)

Jim & Mary Kay Altizer
Jack & Kay Bliss
New Grace Church
Melva Costen
David Ellison
Beryl Elwood
The IBM Foundation
Edna Grenz
Heather Hood
Esther & Jim Howson
Reggie & Sherry Kidd
Calvin Lam
John & Stephanie Lindsell
Alison Moore
George Moore
Michael & Elizabeth Moratto
NAS Jacksonville Protestant Chapel
Erika & Joe Nieves
Keith & Susan Ray
Ken & Ann Rushing
Lester & Carmen Ruth
Daniel & Nancy Sharp
Jack & Roseanne Van Marion
Kent & Candace Walters

Supporter ($500+)

Craig & Delicia Bacheller
Jeff & Karen Barker
Lori & Tyrie Boyer
Jayne & Wiley Chambers
Danny Chu
The Epiclesis Community
Rusty & Caroljo Creighton
Chris & Sharon Diffenderfer
Greg & Debra Driskell
Michael & Cheryl Field
Frank & Berit Fortunato
Dinelle Frankland
Gary Hallquist
Andrew & Teri Hill
Steve & Janet Huntley
Khiet & Karl Lin
Janet Palmer
Doug & Diane Reader
Emily & Vermilya
William & Judy Wood

Contributor ($100+)

Travis Abercrombie
Gary Achtemeier
Tamara & Timothy Albrecht
Chris & Sheila Alford
Jeffrey & Lisa Allred
Frank & Sharon Alters
Lindel Anderson
Warren Anderson
Wilma Arant
Sydney & Del Ashmead
Leslie Barnes
Mike & JoAnn Berg
Jeff & Libby Berk
Nancy & Nicholas Beyer
Brandon Bliss
Janie Blough
Eric & Janet Bolger
Dorothy Boyd
Jarrod & Lisa Brown
Robert Burns
Thomas & Joyce Burns
Erika Wolson Carpenter
Kai Ton Chau
Perry Chow
Paul Clark
Steven Clarke
Jordan Clegg
Judy Congdon
Marvin Crawford
Michael Cromwell
Bob Davies
Leona & Harry Davis
Dale Dirksen
Paul Edgerton
William Eichorn
Larry & Jill Ellis
Jacqui & Sutton Farnham
Sally & Charles Finn
Ryan Forbes
Alesia Ford-Burse
Wayne Freeberg
Keith Gaddis
Norman Garcia
Teresa Gardner
Kenneth Gehrels
O'Reilly Gibbs
Craig Gilbert
Christopher & Adair Gillette
Dawn Gilmore
Shawn Gingrich
Nancy Ginsburg
Michelle & Jody Hale
John Harmeling
Darrell & Janet Harris
C. Michael Hawn
Joyce Herness
Anna & Bob Herrington
Teresa Ho
Gregory & Cathy Holton
Wallace Horton
Gayle & Rich Hoshour
Susan Huckaby
Bob Johnson
R. Kevin Johnson
Hong Gi (Rick) Kong
Wendy & Brad Layland
Kenton Lee
Simon Li
Kendall Lord
Clair Lundberg
Kara Mandryk
David Manner
Christi & John Matteson
William Maxon
Stan & Betty McKee
Janice McNair
Steven Moll
Tom & Teresa Morton
Patricia Myers
Woodrow Nail
David & LaVonne Neff
Jonathan & Glenda Nelms
David & Mandy Nelson
Nancy Nethercott
Doug & Margie Nihoul
Eric & Eunice Ohlmann
David & Lois Pannabecker
Carl Park
David Pedde
Jeremy Perigo
Daniel & Melinda Perrin
Carl Peters
Ken & Sue Polsley
Chuck & Robin Rinke
Linda Robins
Fred & Vicki Schert
Alan Shoumaker
Grace Siu
James Smith
Robert Sproul
Mike & Nancy Stokes
Robert Thompson
Steven Tice
Sandra Treffinger
Herbert Tsang
Brian Turner
Cathryn Vitek
Lin Yu Wang
Elizabeth Wetherby
Gregory & Janice Wilde
Linda Wolbrecht

Donor (up to $100)

Rebecca Abbott
Danny Austin
Gregory Barmer
Margaret Bellows
Patrick Bennett
Domini & John Boling
Pamela Brauda
Steven Brooks
Lonnie Brown
Connie Bull
Erik Buxton
Virginia Cameron
Stuart & Brooke Caplin
David Chism
Jeannie Cobb
Jessica & Scott Coleman
John & June Conlin
Chris Cook
Billy Creech
Richard Cummings
Sandy & Matt Dinkins
William Drake
Dolores Dunnett
Jay Dyrland
Lori Elbert
Mike & Danielle Euwema
Clayton Faulkner
Stephen Flint
John Floberg
Don Fugate
David Gallaugher
Danny & Sarah Garcia
Brent Gibson
Janette Gils
Jonathan Grant
Gary Gregory
Tracie & James Harley
Clif Harris
Christopher Headley
Carol Hochhalter
Gerzinus Hoekstra
Jeffrey Holmes
Sam & Elise Horowitz
Patricia Howard
Merle Jenkins
Gordon & Ginger Jensen
Jessica Jones
Lisa Kemp
Yat Hin Leung
Leon Lim
Dan Loggins
Gregory Lundberg
Jeremy Lyzenga
Greg Magruder
Deanna Martello
Gary Matthews
Robert Matthews
Gary McCoy
Tony McNeill
Paul Melidona
Chris Monroe
Larry Moore
Harlan Moore
David Morrison
Dan Mullis
Mark & Courtney Murray
Robert Myers
Paul & Linda Neeley
Charles & Jamie Pearson
Ira Pinkston
Mike & Kimberly Ramey
David & Linda Riesterer
Delores Rucker
David Satterwhite
Mary Schecher
Natasha Schmidt
George Searcy
Christopher Shepherd
Terrence Soldo
Sandra Spencer
Marsha Staples
Dianne Stone
Carol Tornquist
Kellie Tropeano
John Van Brocklin
Stella Merchant-Vaughan
Jonathan Vinke
Sau Ping (Doris) Wai
Brian Walrath
James Walraven
Carol Wasdin
Sharon Updyke Welsch
Timothy Yoder

Host Home Sponsors

Sue & Gary Achtemeier
Mary & John Bartholomew
Libby & Jeff Berk
Mary & Chris Birkby
Kay & Jack Bliss
Sally & Steve Boes
Lori & Tyrie Boyer
Bunny & Jim Cannon
June & John Conlin
Shirley & Billy Creech
Caroljo & Rusty Creighton
Marlene & John Crews
Yvette Cuny
Leona & Harry Davis
Karen & Dave Donovan
Solon Ellmaker
Danielle & Mike Euwema
Shirley Finney
Kathleen & Ray Fisher
Catrine Fredrikson
Zan & Dennis Frick
Darlene & David Garmus
Gayle & Sam Garrison
Jeannie & Steve Gill
Carol & Jim Hart
Barbara & Ted Hellmuth
Helen & Pat Henry
Jenny & Brian Hertel
Gayle & Rich Hoshour
Molly & John Howze
Ruth & Ken Johansen
Nancy Labry
Velma Marvin
Ruby & Royce Mattson
Susan & Brian McInnes
Ann & Luke Memminger
Cinda & John Merrill
Lea & Phil Montgomery
Martha & John Morrow
Robin & Frank Mosher
Mark & Courtney Murray
Mandy & Dave Nelson
Margie & Doug Nihoul
Cathy & Jay Patterson
Melissa & Dave Pruette
Kim & Mike Ramey
Cauly & Roger Redenius
Alice & Gus Richard
Janet & Mark Sawicki
Brenda & Mark Scott
Joanie & Paul Sharp
Joanne & Bruce Starnes
Michelle & Brad Stewart
Joann & John Tolson
Stella & John Vaughn
Judy & John Widergren
Suzanne & Harry Williams
Birgitta & Zen Zepp

Gifts In-Kind

Calvin Institute for Worship & John Witvliet
Scott Coleman
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Grace Episcopal Church
Ted & Barbara Hellmuth
Don Richmond
The University of North Florida

Volunteers

Corbin Andrews
Annette Bender
Chris Birkby
Dot Boyd
Scott Coleman
Caroline Dinkins
Lillian Dinkins
Jack Eccleston
Christian Flinchum
Dakota Hawkinson
Sarah Hawkinson
Jessica Jones
Ritchie Matteson
Sue Polsley
Kenny Roberts

Host Churches & Schools

Grace Episcopal Church
Grace Episcopal Day School
Island View Baptist Church
Orange Park Presbyterian Church
St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Partner Churches & Schools

Berith Presbyterian Church Mexico City
Knox Presbyterian Church Toronto, ON
Faith Community Church of the Nazarene Jacksonville, FL
Grace Assembly of God Singapore
Greenville Free Methodist Church Greenville, IL
The Highlands United Methodist Church Gainesville, GA
Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Loveland, CO
The Kaleo Institute Jacksonville, FL
NAS Jacksonville Protestant Chapel Jacksonville, FL
New Grace Church Fleming Island, FL
New Life Church Ann Arbor, MI
North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Fresno, CA
Prospect United Methodist Church Maxton, NC
The Shepherd's House of Restoration Clinton, MD
Woodland Baptist Church Baileyville, ME

President's Advisory Council for Excellence Members

Dennis Andrews
Cort Bender
Lori Boyer
Ken Brewer
Rusty Creighton
Carmen DeLisi
Greg Driskell, Chair
Jim Dodge
Alesia Ford-Burse
Wayne Freeberg
David Garmus
Jim Hawkinson
Greg Holton
John Howe
Steve Huntley
Jeff Mackey
Pat McSweeney
Doug Nihoul
Mark Scott
David Witt

Intercessory Prayer Team Members

Nancy Baker
Sondra Crosswhite
Kathy DeLisi
David & Darlene Garmus
Carol Hart
Joyce Herness
Nancy Morris
Vicki Schert
Grace Episcopal Church's Old Chapel

In Memoriam

David Witt

David Witt

Trustee David Witt died August 27, 2014. David was a strong supporter of IWS, serving as the vice chair of the Board of Trustees, chair of the Audit Committee, a member of the President’s Advisory Council for Excellence and as organist for the IWS convocations and commencements.

Having spent his career in upper management of IBM, David also served as an organist in churches throughout the country, most recently at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. He consulted with numerous churches for organ renovation projects, including the IWS host campus Grace Episcopal Church.

He recently wrote,

“All liturgically valid forms of worship are held [at IWS], the singing is glorious, the preaching is by world-renowned ministers, and the students get to experience Ancient-Future worship in a magnificent space.…I can also say in my over 50 years as an almost full-time musician, the singing/music is God-centered and fabulous!”

Quite often David spoke of his sincere love and passion for the Lord’s mission at IWS, and he demonstrated that commitment through his leadership, his musical contributions, his generosity and his servant attitude. The entire IWS community will miss him dearly.

Tamara Albrecht

Tamara Albrecht

Tamara Albrecht (D.W.S. '13) died July 15, 2014. Tamara was a longtime instructor in the Department of Music at Emory University in Atlanta and served as organist and choirmaster for several Atlanta area churches, most recently at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. In her doctoral thesis, she developed a course of study to equip church musicians with conflict resolution skills, using biblical, historical, contemplative and social-scientific models for training church musicians to effectively respond to conflict situations. In her own words:

“This thesis would not have evolved without light and strength from God…[who] graciously led me to the Institute for Worship Studies, where faculty of the highest caliber led exceptional classes in worship and theological studies.…Treasured friends and family constantly encouraged my study and bolstered hope. May the peace, love, and grace of God abide in all of you. Deo Gratias.”

Chris Antill

Chris Antill portrait superimposed on family receiving diploma

Chris Antill (D.W.S. '14) died November 12, 2013. Chris was the Director of Music and Worship at Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and had effectively served in church music and worship ministries for over 20 years. He was working on his thesis at the time of his death, and the faculty unanimously voted to award him the Doctor of Worship Studies degree posthumously. His wife, Pam, received it on his behalf at the June 2014 Commencement service. Just a few months prior to his unexpected death, Chris wrote:

“IWS has changed everything about who I am, how I worship, how I plan worship, and how I teach worship.…We are launching a brand new service at my church this Sunday that is going to be Ancient-Future/convergent. I have applied everything I have learned from you in ‘purposefully crafting the liturgy.…I just wanted to let you know that someone was paying attention and now implementing what was gleaned.”

Group of students at work

July 2013 - June 2014

The Year in Review

 

  • Dr. Eric Ohlmann

    July 2013

    Eric Ohlmann is appointed Academic Dean.

  • Christi Matteson

    September

    Christi Matteson joins the Administration as Controller.

  • Worship Leader Magazine 2013 Readers' Choice

    October

    For the 3rd consecutive year, IWS is chosen one of the top educational programs influencing Christian worship by Worship Leader Magazine. Regional alumni gatherings are held in Los Angeles and New York City. Self-Study for Reaffirmation of Accreditation is completed.

  • Advent wreath, two candles lit

    December

    IWS holds its fourth annual Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols, an ecumenical service of scripture and music, in Orange Park, FL.

  • Dinelle Frankland

    January 2014

    Reggie Kidd is ordained for ministry. IWS sets a January attendance record with 110 students on campus. Visting faculty member Dr. Dinelle Frankland (D.W.S., ’04) preaches at Opening Convocation. IWS also welcomes Dr. Donna Hawk-Reinhard as visiting faculty. More than 50 attend the worship seminar with Dr. John Witvliet. The Board appoints Yilee Lo (D.W.S., ’12) as Trustee, and formally approves the launch of the Global Renewal Of Worship Center.

  • 15th Anniversary logo

    Spring

    Mark Murray and Jessica Coleman complete the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center course on Fundamentals of Successful Fundraising and Development through a grant from the Paul E. and Klare N. Reinhold Foundation. Interim Librarian Carol Sittema retires and IWS begins the search for a permanent Librarian. Mark Murray is ordained for ministry. IWS hosts the Dallas Christian College Choir on its 2014 Kingdom Week Spring Break Tour.

  • CDR Dennis Andrews

    June

    IWS sets an all-time attendance record with 111 students on campus. CDR Dennis Andrews, CHC, USN, preaches at Opening Convocation. ABHE visits to assess IWS for reaccreditation. More than 30 attend our worship seminar with Dr. Michael Hawn.

  • Rev. Ted Schroder preaching at Commencement

    Commencement

    Forty-two M.W.S. and D.W.S. students graduate at the 13th Annual Commencement, bringing the total number of graduates to 413. Rev. Ted Schroder preaches at the festival Eucharistic service.

 

Financial Report

 


Restricted giving includes donations to the Scholarship, Endowment, and Library funds.

Dr. Eric Bolger teaching

Support IWS

We cannot say it enough: the ongoing work of forming servant leaders in Christian worship renewal worldwide depends upon generous gifts from our community. Please consider how you may participate with us in the renewal of the Church through a financial contribution and click an option below.

Give Monthly

Set up a recurring donation on your Visa or MasterCard. Customize frequency, commitment term length, and more.

Give Now

Donate to the IWS Fund or Scholarship Fund today by Visa or MasterCard, or make a one-time gift by other means.

Planned Giving

How much thought have you given to what is potentially the single-most generous give you'll make?

Ways to Support IWS

  • Donate by check (mailed to IWS, 151 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL), cash (in the office only, please), or credit card (MasterCard or Visa by telephone at 800-282-2977 or online)

  • Automated monthly giving (by MasterCard or Visa, or through your own bank's online bill-pay feature)

  • Matching corporate gifts

  • Gifts of securities/stocks

  • Electronic transfer of funds

  • Planned (legacy) giving

Giving Opportunities

  • Leader $10,000 & up

  • Benefactor $5,000–$9,999

  • Partner $2,500–$4,999

  • Investor $1,000–$2,499

  • Supporter $500–$999

  • Contributor $100–$499

  • Donor up to $100

Legacy Giving

We encourage the members of our community to employ long-term estate planning to maximize your legacy to your loved ones and to your charitable interests. We also strongly urge you to seriously consider IWS as one of your priority charitable interests. While the annual support of the IWS community is absolutely crucial to the fulfillment of our sustainable mission, deferred support like Estate Planning can leave a Kingdom legacy with an impact that spans multiple generations. This kind of gift is often the single most significant act of generosity toward God that most of us will ever perform.

For more information on this or any way of supporting IWS, call the office at 800-282-2977.

 

Give Monthly

Set up a recurring donation on your Visa or MasterCard. Customize frequency, commitment term length, and more.

Give Now

Donate to the IWS Fund or Scholarship Fund today by Visa or MasterCard, or make a one-time gift by other means.

Planned Giving

How much thought have you given to what is potentially the single-most generous give you'll make?

Community at worship