From the President

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

In his book Who Gets to Narrate the World? Robert Webber wrote, “God’s narrative is the one true story of the world.…Worship sings, proclaims and enacts God’s narrative to the glory of God.”

The entire biblical narrative can be summed up as God calling his creation to right worship. Right worship rightly orders our lives, families and communities so we can fully participate in the divine life and mission of God in the earth, proclaiming that one true story. Through right worship we become rightly aligned to God through Jesus Christ, the primary worshipper.

The privilege of learning about the priority of worship in the Body of Christ is a most critical educational and missional endeavor. Alumni, students and faculty of the IWS community are answering the call to be leaders of Christian worship to lead others all over the world into an intense, Spirit-led devotional commitment to proclaim, celebrate, sing and enact the Good News of God in Jesus Christ, to follow Christ and with him be poured out for the life of the world.

The 2015-16 fiscal year was a monumental year at IWS. After 17 years at Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park, the Institute was relocated to the beautiful campus of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church (HAB) in Jacksonville. This move provided significantly more space, improved infrastructure and a more centralized location to carry out the mission of IWS. We are deeply appreciative of the supportive and warm reception we have received from Pastor Dr. Kyle Reese and the congregation of HAB!

IWS continues to stay the course in fulfilling the Lord’s mission articulated by our founder Robert Webber as students and graduates take Christian worship renewal around the globe. With great thanks to God, we exceeded all of our fiscal year goals. On-campus enrollment remained strong, as did giving to the IWS Fund and the Scholarship Funds. IWS has continued its global initiatives, extending our efforts into Mongolia, Jamaica and Kenya, and bringing the number of countries represented in the community to 28. At June’s graduation, 46 students received their degrees and embraced the commission to serve God through renewed worship. The impact of IWS is steadily growing worldwide while remaining rooted in the theological perspectives, relational sensibilities and pedagogical philosophy of its founder, Bob Webber. Thanks be to God!

Please take a moment to read in this annual report how IWS alumni are having impact across the globe. The ongoing fulfillment of our mission is truly a team effort, a team that includes each of you. Many have taken their places in their support of our mission by investments of time, talent, treasure and prayer, and we are deeply grateful. We are relying 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 would like to invite you to participate with us sacrificially and joyfully in the mission of our school. “One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches” (Gal 6:6, ESV). IWS is good ground into which you may sow your seed of 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 of Trustees

Dear Friends,

It is always a great joy to thank our many donors for enabling the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies to extend its mission to the worldwide church. Once again, so many of you have supported our ministry with prayer and generous gifts.

Recently, I spoke with a senior pastor whose worship leader completed his degree in June. I asked if the church was benefitting from his degree. His answer was a resounding “Yes!” The pastor indicated that his worship leader was so much more involved in the theological direction of the church and had renewed confidence in providing meaningful insight for the benefit of the church. This result is our goal—impacting the local church to make sure God’s narrative is our collective narrative.

During each session, I am reminded of the wonderful work God is doing in the lives of our students. Bob Webber’s vision of a school focused on the theology of worship, imbedded in a local church, and in community is palpable. We are especially grateful to Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church and Pastor Kyle Reese for allowing us to share their beautiful campus in Jacksonville. The congregation and staff have made us feel very welcomed and their facilities are second to none. We are excited to be imbedded at HABC. Many, many thanks!

Again, many thanks to you for sustaining IWS' ministry. Your support and prayers are truly encouraging to all who treasure what God is doing through our mission!

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. Melva Costen
Dr. James R. Hart
Dr. Yilee Lo
Ms. Joanne Lindsell Webber
Mrs. Patricia Witt
Rev. Dr. Luder G. Whitlock,
Trustee Emeritus

Spotlight

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

Rebekah TenHaken

Rebekah TenHaken

M.W.S. Alumna

David Suum

David Suum & Man Zen Niiang

D.W.S. Alumnus, M.W.S. Alumna

Chris Roberts

Chris Roberts

D.W.S. Alumnus

Kristen Mandrick

Kristen Mandrick

M.W.S. Alumna

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
JCT Foundation
James & Carol Hart in memory of Bob Webber
Yilee & Ted Lo
The Murray Family Trust in memory of Rick & Sherry Murray
Patricia Witt in memory of David Witt

Benefactor ($5,000+)

Linda & Hugh Evans
David & Darlene Garmus
Donna Hawk-Reinhard & Doug Reinhard
IBM International Foundation
Wendy & Brad Layland
Sandy & Nancy Morris
The Pine Tree and Myrtle Fund ~ Isaiah 55
Dan & Nancy Sharp in memory of Floyd and Mary Sharp
Joanne Lindsell Webber

Partner ($2,500+)

Jim & Mary Kay Altizer
Gerald & Doris Borchert
Constance Cherry
James & Judy Dodge
Greg & Debbie Driskell
Robert & Janice George
Grace Anglican Church
Allison & Todd Hastie
Rebecca Westbrooke

Investor ($1,000+)

Jeffrey & Lisa Allred
Cortlandt & Annette Bender
Jeremy & Susie Buffam
Paul Cherry in memory of Ruby Cherry
Lynford Coleman in memory of Donna Lynn Coleman
David & Linda Collins
Melva Costen
Dave & Cindi Ellison
Beryl Elwood
Epiclesis Church
Wayne Freeberg in memory of Sandy Freeberg
Grant United Methodist Church in memory of Ruby Cherry
Edna Grenz in memory of Stanley Grenz
Jeff & Bridgett Hager
Myles & Helen Henderson
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church
Andrew & Teri Hill
Heather Hood
Esther & Jim Howson
Calvin Lam
John & Stephanie Lindsell
Sarah Monaco
George Moore in memory of Lin Scroggs Moore
Michael & Mary Moratto
Ella Munn
Woodrow Nail
All Saints Chapel, Naval Air Station Jacksonville
Erika & Joe Nieves
Jack & Rosanne Van Marion
Kent & Candy Walters

Supporter ($500+)

Ancient-Future Faith Network
Dennis & Dianna Andrews
Craig Bacheller
Jeff & Karen Barker
Arezu B.
Don Bowes
Jayne & Wiley Chambers
I-Hsi Chu
Jessica & Scott Coleman
Rusty & CarolJo Creighton
Richard & Alana Cummings
Frank & Berit Fortunato
Dinelle Frankland
Norman Garcia
Carl Hanes in memory of Ruby Cherry
Steve & Janet Huntley
Christi & John Matteson
Alison Moore
Eric & Eunice Ohlmann
David & Lois Pannabecker
Sawgrass Asset Management, LLC
Sandra Spencer
Thrivent Choice
Emily Vermilya including gifts made in memory of Ruby Cherry
Gregory & Janice Wilde
Larry & Wanda Witte
William & Judy Wood
Teck Beng Yeo

Contributor ($100+)

Travis Abercrombie
Chris & Sheila Alford
Frank & Sharon Alters
Amazon Smile
Lindel Anderson
Warren Anderson
Rick Asche
Margaret Baker
Richard Bennett
Mike & Jo Berg
Jeff & Libby Berk
Nancy Beyer
Brandon Bliss
Sally & Steve Boes
Eric & Janet Bolger
Albert & Anita Brauer
Emily Brink
Jarrod & Lisa Brown
Thomas Burns
Vernon & June Charter
Kai Ton & Wendy Chau
Perry Chow
Kathy & Richard Cole in memory of Ruby Cherry
Judy Congdon
Chris Cook
Marvin Crawford
Vaughn CroweTipton
Leona & Harry Davis
Carmen & Kathy DeLisi
Chris and Sharon Diffenderfer
Dale Dirksen
Jay Dyrland
William Eichorn
Larry & Jill Ellis
Janet Faulkner in memory of Lyndel Vaught
Julia & Daniel Fitzpatrick
Stephen & Suzanne Flint
Florida Blue
Ryan Forbes
Don Fugate
Keith Gaddis
Tom Gavin
Craig & Catherine Gilbert
Christopher & Adair Gillette
Dawn Gilmore
Nancy Ginsburg
Susan & Charles Goforth
Gary & Sherrell Hallquist
Darrell & Janet Harris
Jim & Mimi Hawkinson
Pat & Helen Henry
Teresa Ho
Carol & Tom Hochhalter
Jeffrey & Laura Holmes
Wallace Horton
Susan Huckaby
Larry Hung
Bob & Catherine Johnson
Lou & Angela Kaloger
Reggie & Shari Kidd
LaVerne Kumeh
Kenton Lee
David & Cathy Leestma
Larry & Joanne Leisher
Yat Hin Leung
Budianto Lim & Lidya Siah
Kendall & Cindy Lord
Clair Lundberg
Gaylord Makowski
Ken Makris
David Manner
Deanna Martello
Susan Massey
William Maxon
Brian & Susan McInnis
Stan & Betty McKee
Linda & Torin McKenzie
Janice McNair
Pat & Jane McSweeney
Simon Miner
Ray Moore
Tom & Teresa Morton
Jonathan Nelms
David & Mandy Nelson
Nancy & Paul Nethercott
Carol & Odis Newbern
Doug & Margy Nihoul
John Olson
Carl & Chris Park
David Pedde
Carl Peters
Michael & Kim Ramey
Rune Rasmussen
Alan & Elissa Rathe
Doug & Diane Reader
Christopher & Janet Roberts
Darla & Dan Robinson
Gary & Cheryl Rushing
Lester & Carmen Ruth
Janet & Mark Sawicki
Fred & Vicki Schert
Mark & Brenda Scott
Alan & Kim Shoumaker
James Smith
Robert Sproul
Nancy Stokes
Patricia Stromsta
Sue Talley
Steven & Audrey Tice
John & Joann Tolson
Sandra Treffinger
Herbert Tsang
Cathryn Vitek
Doris Wai
Lin Yu Wang
Robert & Dianne Wears
Elizabeth Wetherby
Julie Wiebe
Helen Wong
Jonathan Wong
Michael & Lora Young

Donor (up to $100)

Rebecca Abbott
Todd & Allison Arant
Beth & Doug Argot
Clyde Autry III
Diane Baltaeff
Gregory Barmer
Leslie Barnes
Don Barrick
Del Belcher
Margaret Bellows
Patrick Bennett
Clay Berry
Janie Blough
Kayleen & Bill Bobbitt
Domini Boling
Barbara Bouie
Dorothy Boyd
Brad Bradford
Christopher & Erin Brewer
Marcus Brown
Connie Bull
Robert Burns
Virginia & Ronald Cameron
Lisa & Rocco Canora
Brooke & Stu Caplin
Larry Carli
Erika Carpenter
Suzanne Castle
Vonda & Stanley Cawthorn in memory of Ruby Cherry
Robert & Sarah Cecire in memory of Ruby Cherry
Tami Cinquemani
Jennifer & Dan Clayton
Jordan Clegg
Jeannie Cobb in memory of Marilyn Ollis Goodenberger
Alan & Lisa Cooper
Fred & Florence Craw in memory of Ruby Cherry
Michael & Katie Cromwell
Ken Davidson
Bob & Pam Davies
William Davis
Jerry Dennis
Sandy & Matt Dinkins
Geoffrey Dresser
Walter & Dolores Dunnett
Paul Edgerton
Lori Elbert
Kathleen & Ray Fisher
Patrick Friesen
David Gallaugher
Teresa Gardner
Martha Garmon
Kenneth Gehrels
L. Mick Gilliam
Janette Gils
Shawn Gingrich
Gary Gregory
Timothy & Melissa Gregson
Community Groups
Jun & Dorothy Harada
Clifton & Lynnette Harris
Troy Hatfield
Esther Hetrick
Karen Hetrick
Cassie Hill
Sam & Elise Horowitz
Patricia Howard
Terri Husberg
Christopher Jackson
Merle & Lynn Jenkins
Jessica & Bruce Jones
Nicole Jordan
Jacob & Bobbie Kaufman
Laura Keefer
Lisa Kemp
Andrew Krenz
Iva Lai
Aileen Lee
Greg Magruder
Beth Markham
Todd Marshall
Velma Marvin
Gary Matthews
Carol McDaniel
Luke & Ann Memminger
Kendra Mikols
Steven Moll
Chris Monroe
Mark & Courtney Murray
Robert Myers
Paul & Linda Neeley
Andrea Nelson
Matthew Packer
Caleb Parker
Ira Pinkston
Lana Stephens Pollard & Tim Pollard
Kenneth & Susan Polsley
Andrew Pommert
Jonathan & Faith Powers
Stanley Pylant
Marty Reardon
Cauly & Roger Redenius
David Riegert
Laura Ritter in memory of Ruby Cherry
Karen Roberts
Linda Robins
Paul Rogers
Martin Rude
Ken Rushing
Vsevolod Sarandov
David & Sandy Satterwhite
Kathy Schlecht
George Searcy
Tommy & Rachel Shapard
C. Scott Shepherd
Nancy Smith
Robert & Ivalene Still
Dianne Stone
David & Niiang Suum
Kellie & Daniel Tropeano
Paul & Angela Turner
Richard & Bonnie Van Voorst
Brian Walker
Elizabeth Weatherby
Michael Welborn
Sharon & William Welsch
Bret Welstead
Thomas & Janell Welstead
Waverly Wilkerson
Linda Wolbrecht
Jay & Amy Wright
Timothy Yoder

Alumni Scholarship Fund Class Challenge

The annual spring drive to raise support for the Scholarship Fund among our alumni was once again very successful. We raised over $70,000, exceeding our goal by over $4,000! Alpha Class led the way with 61% class participation and Upsilon Class raised the most total dollars of any cohort ($8,000). We commend the Chi Class for increasing their class participation by 4.5x this year! Finally, we offer a special round of thanks to our alumni class whips, who worked with their classes to raise these dollars.

Host Home Sponsors

Millie Abercrombie
Sharon & Frank Alters
Dianna & Dennis Andrews
Charlie Arnold
Lance Atkinson
Virginia & Wayne Bauer
Lilli & John Behrens
Libby & Jeff Berk
Lori & Tyrie Boyer
Bunny & Jim Cannon
June & John Conlin
Jane Cook
Shirley & Billy Creech
Caroljo & Rusty Creighton
Anita & Lad Daniels
Shelia & Mike Del Charco
Danielle & Mike Euwema
Jeff Evans
Katelyn & Zac Duncan
Kathleen & Ray Fisher
Barbara Folmar
Darlene & David Garmus
Cynthia & CW Goff
Joyce & Malcolm Hanson
Carol & Jim Hart
Allison & Todd Hastie
Karen & Bob Heistand
Gayle (deceased) & Rich Hoshour
Berrylin Houston
Molly & John Howze
Mary & Joe Jamerson
Genni Jett
Judy & Robert Kermitz
Christi & John Matteson
Ann & Luke Memminger
Cinda & John Merrill
Janet & Frank Metcalf
Teri & Art Mills
Lou Millson
Robin & Frank Mosher
Anne Mosychuk
Courtney & Mark Murray
Mandy & Dave Nelson
Suzanne & Fred Parker
Frances & Charlie Paul
Sue & Ken Polsley
Mary Reilly
Eleanor Rogers
Karen & Pete Rust
Janet & Mark Sawicki
Brenda & Mark Scott
Rachel & Tommy Shapard
Sarah Skinner
Susan & Joe Stepp
Lisa & Jim Taylor
Ann & Bob Tomlin
Shelley & Dave Vignola
Karen & Chris Verlander
Carol & Rick Wallis
BJ & Billy Weyer
Coralie Williams
Jon Yost

Gifts In-Kind

David Davidson
Deermeadows Baptist Church
Frank Fortunato
Grace Anglican Church
Grace Episcopal Church
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church
Wendy Layland
Yilee Lo
Michael Moratto
Mark Murray
Ken Polsley
Professional Pavement Products
Alan Rathe
Donald Richmond
Doug Ward

Volunteers

Judy Baggett
Diane Berry
Morris Berry
Lillian Dinkins
Caroline Dinkins
Taylor Driskell
Ann England
Jeff Evans
Sheryl Gates
C.W. Goff
Cynthia Goff
Norma Hagan
Carol Hart
Dakota Hawkinson
Beverly Hicks
John Matteson
Richie Matteson
Sue Polsley
Kyle Reese
Karla Repper
Kenny Roberts
Janie Robinson
Jon Yost
The Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church Youth Group
The St. Johns Country Day School Students who moved the entire IWS Library

Host Churches & Schools

Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church Jacksonville, FL
All Saints Episcopal Church Jacksonville, FL
Grace Anglican Church Fleming Island, FL
San Jose Episcopal Church Jacksonville, FL

Partner Churches & Schools

Amelia Island Plantation Chapel Amelia Island, FL
Arlington Church of God Akron, OH
Bridlewood Chrurch Toronto, Ontario
Central United Methodist Church Albemarle, NC
Christ United Methodist Church Fairview Heights, IL
Edward Walters College Jacksonville, FL
Faith United Methodist Church Ft. Myers, FL
First Baptist Church Seymore, IN
First Christian Church Winter Park, FL
First Reformed Church South Holland, IL
Grace Anglican Church Fleming Island, FL
The Grace Foundation Menlo Park, CA
Harmony House Kennesaw, GA
Hempfield United Methodist Church Lancaster, PA
Hosanna Lutheran Church St. Charles, IL
Johnson University Knoxville, TN
Mars Hill Bible Church Grandville, MI
Nairobi Pentecostal Church Kenya
Nebraska Christian College Papillion, NE
New Life Vision Church Los Angeles, CA
Providence Baptist Church Charlotte, NC
Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Blowing Rock, NC
Shepherd's House of Restoration Clinton, MD
Skidway Island United Methodist Church Savannah, GA
Southside Community Church Winston-Salem, NC
St John's Anglican church Franklin, TN
St John's Episcopal Chapel Charleston, SC
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Dade City, FL
Sugar Hill United Methodist Church Sugar Hill, GA
Tacoma First Baptist Church Tacoma, WA
Trinity Presbyterian Church Travelers Rest, SC
Trinity Wesleyan Church Indianapolis, IN
Vineyard Community Church Atlanta, GA

Community Supporters

DEX Imaging
Waste Not Want Not

President's Advisory Council for Excellence Members

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
Steve Huntley
Jeff Mackey
Pat McSweeney
Doug Nihoul
Mark Scott

Intercessory Prayer Team Members

Dianna Andrews
Nancy Baker
Jessica Coleman
Sondra Crosswhite
Kathy DeLisi
David & Darlene Garmus
Carol Hart
Joyce Herness
Karen Lewis
Nancy Morris 
Vicki Schert 

July 2015 - June 2016

The Year in Review

 

  • Dr. Frank Fortunato

    July 2015

    Frank Fortunato and Nancy Nethercott, IWS' Global Renewal of Worship Center co-directors, teach at the Global Consultation on Music and Missions in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Director of Enrollment Management Mark Murray is ordained a priest by the Anglican Church in North America.

  • Dr. Dinelle Frankland

    August

    Dr. Dinelle Frankland appointed Associate Dean for the M.W.S. Program.

  • Exterior of the HAB Sanctuary

    October

    IWS relocates to the campus of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. IWS exhibits and teaches at the National Worship Leader Conference in San Antonio, TX. M.W.S. student Patrick O'Brien passes away unexpectedly. Dianna Andrews departs the IWS staff.

  • Best of the Best logo

    November

    Worship Leader Magazine honors IWS among its “Best of the Best” in worship education for the fifth straight year. Jim Hart and Frank Fortunato represent IWS and the GROW center at the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education conference in Turkey. Nancy Nethercott speaks at the Evangelical Theological Society meetings in Atlanta, GA, representing the GROW Center.

  • Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese

    January 2016

    IWS holds its first intensive session at HAB, and welcomes our first Kenyan student. Our 115 students (30 new) on campus set an IWS January session record. The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese, pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, preaches at Opening Convocation. Media from the January session is available at our YouTube channel. IWS exhibited at and held its annual alumni gathering as well as a GROW Center Advisory Council meeting at the Calvin Symposium on Worship.

  • Jim Hart, Scott Coleman, and Jessica Coleman leading worship

    February

    Jim Hart, Jessica Coleman, and Scott Coleman serve as worship leaders at the ABHE Annual Conference.

  • Dr. Nancy Nethercott

    April

    Representing IWS and the GROW Center, Nancy Nethercott taught at All Nations Christian College in London.

  • Dr. Christine Pohl

    June

    D.W.S. Professor Constance Cherry preaches at Opening Convocation. Our first Jamaican student is among 118 students (25 new) on campus. IWS celebrates our largest graduating class to date—17 M.W.S. and 29 D.W.S. IWS has granted 493 degrees to 473 graduates. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Andrews, CDR, USN, returns to the IWS pulpit at Commencement. Christine Pohl presents a seminar on “Cultivating Worship and Community.” Media from the June session is available on our YouTube channel. The Faculty and Board approve a plan for the institutional pursuit of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools. The Ancient-Future Faith Network holds their annual Convocation following the June intensive.

Financial Report

For the year, Charitable Giving receipts totaled $259,793 (Unrestricted, Restricted, and Gifts-in-Kind). Fiscal Year Revenue totaled $951,585 and Total Expenditures were $872,262.


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 gift you'll make?

Ways to Support IWS

  • Donate by check (mailed to IWS, 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207), cash (in the office only, please), or credit card (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 their legacy to their loved ones and to their charitable interests. We also strongly urge them to seriously consider IWS as one of their 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 generations. This kind of gift is 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 gift you'll make?