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15
Aug
2025

Anamnesis 53: August 2025

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Anamnesis: The IWS Community Newsletter

Contents

From the Editor:
Together!

By Kent Walters, D.W.S., Director of Alumni Activities

I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together (Ps 34:1-3).

The single-minded focus of IWS has always been to glorify the Lord–together, in community. Bob Webber described the IWS experience as “Doing theology in community.” So, we learn and grow together in the classroom, we worship together every day–morning and evening, and we commune together in corporate meals around tables and random but intentional conversations on and off campus. We’re a community of faith and learning–together.

It was so good to be together again in June for the summer 2025 session. It was marked by several memorable events beyond the classroom, including inspiring chapel services, practicum presentations, our 24th Commencement Service, Alumni Dinner Gathering, and the Worship Seminar with Lester Ruth. Here are some important links to useful resources from the June 2025 session so that you may join together with the community from a distance.

You may also want to access the updated Thesis Lists (2025).

Enjoy this 53rd Edition of your newsletter!

President’s Column:
A Wide, Wide Reach

By Constance Cherry, D.Min.

Greetings to IWS alumni all around the world!

Recently our registrar, Catherine Nance, answered a question for me. How many countries are represented among our alumni? Answer? 41.

We have all likely known and appreciated IWS students living and serving beyond the borders of the USA. Over the years, we have experienced deep international fellowship in cohorts, chapel leadership, eating meals together, participating in Scripture presentations, and bumping into one another as we ordered our favorite drinks at Dunkin’ Donuts. But do we really know how worldwide our vast group of alumni are? Students have come to Jacksonville from Albania, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia Federation, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Currently, around 30% of our students are from countries other than the U.S.

Last month, I traveled to East Asia to teach the inaugural worship course in the Master of Worship Studies program at a seminary. I also had the privilege of representing IWS at their graduation ceremony. One of our recent graduates, now a leader at the seminary, planned and led the morning chapel services and several special evening worship gatherings. What I witnessed was remarkable: she vividly embodied what she learned at IWS. The Webber imprint on her approach was unmistakable, and the impact profound. (Names and places omitted for security reasons related to persecution.)

While there, I met with Dr. Leon Lim, a 2017 (Zeta 2) graduate of IWS. He shared, with contagious excitement, how he is launching schools in four countries: Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Each school will offer the Master of Worship degree and fully embrace the IWS philosophy of worship. Faculty are being formed from IWS graduates. Dr. Lim also pastors a local church where he has implemented everything he learned at IWS. As a result, the congregation has doubled in attendance and discovered a renewed sense of meaning through the richness of ancient-future worship.

I also extended my trip to Hong Kong to an IWS reunion dinner with many of our alumni. It was wonderful to see smiling faces, exchange hugs, and feel the warmth in the room. It was inspiring to see this community of alumni thriving! They spoke passionately about how their IWS education is shaping congregations. Many now serve as professors in higher education institutions both locally and abroad. On Sunday morning, I worshiped at the home church of recent graduate Dr. Josh Ng (D.W.S. 2025, Sigma 2) and was deeply moved by how his leadership reflected the content and skills cultivated through our curriculum.

In each of these places, IWS is leaving a deep imprint of biblical worship around the globe. Our students are, quite literally, joining hands in worship renewal.

“Your vision of 2.0 is not big enough!”

On this trip I experienced a strong impression that God was saying, “Your vision of 2.0 is not big enough! Look at the riches of alumni everywhere! Together, we will all be used to bring about the new thing that God has promised to IWS.” We will be surprised at the ways that God will enlarge our vision for IWS 2.0 Next Generation. It will come about as we watch, listen, work and give as God’s partners to fulfill the plans that God has for us. I am calling on each of you to serve and give to that end.

Faithful. Forward.

* * *

Yat Hin Leung (D.W.S. 2018)

We thank God for Dr. Cherry’s recent visit to Hong Kong. Despite her busy schedule, she remembers each of us in Hong Kong. We saw her passion for revitalizing IWS 2.0, and we hope that the mission of worship renewal will continue from generation to generation. We are working hard on this side of the globe, and we will always pray for and collaborate with IWS!

Simon Ng (D.W.S. 2013)

We were deeply blessed to have 20 students and graduates of the IWS gather for a special dinner in Hong Kong with Dr. Constance Cherry. The evening was filled with warm fellowship, joyful reunions, and deeply uplifting words from Dr. Cherry. I had the privilege of officially welcoming Dr. Cherry back to Hong Kong and conveying our heartfelt appreciation to her and to IWS. I shared that what she witnessed that evening—the unity among us, our shared passion for worship, and the evident fruitfulness of this community—are the beautiful outcomes of seeds faithfully planted by her and IWS in each of our lives. For this, we give thanks to God, and we remain profoundly grateful to Dr. Cherry and to IWS for their lasting and transformative influence.

Photo information. Click each picture to see the full size version.

  • Simon Ng (D.W.S. 2013), Lucas Ng, Dr. Cherry, Joshua Ng (D.W.S. 2025) Four-year-old Lucas may be the third generation of IWS graduates in the Ng family!
  • Dr. Cherry at Union Church, Hong Kong
  • Joshua Ng (D.W.S. 2025) leading worship at Union Church, Hong Kong
  • IWS reunion in Hong Kong, July 27, 2025

Chaplain’s Column
A Final Word from Chaplain Nancy

By Nancy Nethercott, D.W.S.

A Season for All Good Things

It has been a joyful eight years of Chaplaincy ministry at IWS. First, as Chaplain Darrell Harris’ Associate Chaplain from 2017-2019, then, upon Darrell’s retirement, as Chaplain 2019-2025. It has been pure grace to have the privilege of sitting with God every six months to ask, “Lord, what do you want to say to your people at IWS?” Out of those times of praying and listening, I would plan the session Chapel themes. Yet, there is a season for all good things, and through the leading of the Lord, it is time to step away from the position of Chaplaincy.

We Need Each Other

Even before I was your Chaplain, I was one of you—an alumnus of IWS, D.W.S. 2006 (Iota class). I value my years at IWS, as I know you do. We know the rigor of study, the blessing of deep relationships, the engagement of ancient-future worship, the challenge of contextualizing what we learn to our own places of life and ministry, and the spiritually formative work that the Holy Spirit desires to do in and through us even at an academic institution. We also know that “life happens” even while we are pursuing the education to which God has called us. Our cohorts have been a source of long-term friendship and prayer support during the joys and sorrows, challenges and celebrations of life. We need each other!

Change the Way You Think

May I leave you with a word of encouragement from the Book that we love as found in Romans 12:2, where we are admonished to “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (NLT). The work of God in our lives is to continually transform us into the likeness of Christ. Changing the way we think is an important part of that good work. How on earth do we change our thinking? First of all, only by the power of the Holy Spirit! But we have to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to change our thinking.

How to Change One’s Thinking

We have been given a powerful gift in the words of Philippians 4:8-9 that gives us ideas for how to change our thinking: “Friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies” (MSG).

I invite you to sit with each of the words in the Philippians passage and ask God to transform your thinking (what you fill your mind with and mediate upon) to the Lord. Then cooperate with the Holy Spirit to do the transformative work in your life to work you into God’s “most excellent harmony” to the glory of God. I’ll be praying that for you—and for me!

“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show God’s favor and give you deep peace” (Num 6:24-26 NLT).

With love and prayers,
Nancy

Click here: IWS Farewell Chaplain Nancy

Alumni Feature: Mike O’Brien
A Church-Wide Vision for Worship Renewal

By Mike O’Brien, M.W.S. 2016

Mike is the founder of Three Streams Worship Training LLC through which he pursues his vision to bring worship renewal to churches of every denomination and style of worship. A decade-long ministry fueled by his training at IWS.

“It’s a joy to bring the Webber values of worship renewal into what is typically a very CCM-saturated space.”

Beautifully Diverse Ministry

For 18 years I served One Church as worship pastor (1997-2015). Since graduating from IWS, I’ve helped over 200 local churches/schools/universities by worship training, consultancy, and interim space across multiple streams of the Church through Three Streams Worship Training LLC. Any given week might look like this: Monday, I’m having lunch with a Lutheran pastor who needs a music minister. Tuesday, I’m Zoom coaching a Calvary Chapel worship leader. Wednesday, I’m preparing for an ancient-future worship workshop at a university. One weekend I’m leading worship at a Reformed church, and that same afternoon with Pentecostals. I’m not exaggerating, and honestly, I don’t have the language to fully describe the scope of the beautiful diversity I get to experience every week. In addition, for better or worse, a large part of my outreach now happens on social media.

Worship Renewal

While the Vineyard has always placed a strong emphasis on worship as encounter where songs become “a place that you go” and prayer ministry is central, the Eucharist has often been celebrated less frequently. In recent years, some Vineyard churches have been exploring more regular communion, and I’ve seen worship leaders taking a deeper responsibility in guiding congregations through it. I’ve been part of creating educational content and resources to support churches that are engaging Eucharistic practices in fresh ways.

One of the most encouraging aspects of my ministry has been seeing worship renewal take root in struggling churches. In one church, a solo worship leader was overworked and ready to step down. After a season of intentional mentoring and team-building, they now have a team-led model where multiple leaders share responsibility, new volunteers have stepped into meaningful roles, and the congregation is experiencing vibrant, participatory worship.

Webber Values

“My time at IWS was a custom fit for the work I do in the Church. I can’t say enough about how it has shaped and fueled my ministry.”

My time at IWS was a custom fit for the work I do in the Church. I can’t say enough about how it has shaped and fueled my ministry. It’s a joy to bring the Webber values of worship renewal into what is typically a very CCM-saturated space. Sometimes I feel like I’m shouting Webber values from the rooftops, and still, it feels like a fresh word to many people I serve.

The primary Webber value that resonates with the churches that I work with is that a rich worship expression recognizes that today’s modern expression is rooted in a much larger story of worship through the ages. This can be experienced through a few minor tweaks that can add a profound depth to a worship gathering. For example, adding a reading of scripture, a classic hymn, or a more embodied practice of the Eucharist in which congregants receive communion instead of “taking” it.

Life is full and rich in this season. I continue to write and record music, and Susan, my wife and partner in all things, is a spiritual director and homeschooler to our baseball-loving 14-year-old son. There’s always something new bubbling up, and we’re excited for what’s next.

* * *

You can find more about Mike’s work at threestreamsworship.com, and follow along for practical worship leadership insights on social media: 

 instagram.com/mikeoworship
 tiktok.com/@mikeoworship

Alumni News and Stories

David Belt, M.W.S. 2020

David is the Music Director at All Saints Dallas. He writes, “Our church just released the song “Psalm 99: Feast of the Transfiguration.” We wanted to give our folks a way to sing Psalm 99 word for word by chanting it. I composed the music to the Psalm using Simplified Anglican Chant–something I was introduced to at IWS. I want to thank the whole faculty and staff at IWS for planting this seed in me and for cultivating a worshipful environment in my education at IWS. The seed has bloomed into this song today. Rachel Bundy, current D.W.S. student, serves on our worship team and plays the violin on this recording.”

Don Fugate, D.W.S. 2004

“IWS was a life-changer for me. Raised and educated as a Southern Baptist, I was made aware of IWS by Merril Smoak (DWS 2002). On his glowing recommendation, I started on the greatest educational and spiritual journey of my life. The interaction with the incredible professors was challenging and inspiring. The koinonia I shared with my fellow “Deltoids” was precious. I met brothers and sisters from other denominational “tribes” and they enriched my life. Through IWS I was introduced to new authors and books that expanded my thinking. In 2007, my role changed at Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose from Associate Pastor/Music to Senior Pastor. I am presently in my 42nd year at the church. I am also serving as an Adjunct Professor at Gateway Seminary. This semester I am teaching Pastoral Ministry and Leadership to MDiv students. I am eternally grateful for IWS.”

Jim Hart, D.W.S. 2002

Jim recently launched a blog on Substack–Adoratio. Look forward to some wisdom and good reading! It’s free to subscribe. Here is a recent post: Darkness is My Closest Companion: Leading On Empty, Part 1.

Larry Kochendorfer, D.W.S. 2008

Larry Kochendorfer was recently elected to serve as the National Bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCC). See the announcement here. Larry served as Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories (2012-24) and has also worked in congregations in Dickson, Lethbridge and Edmonton, Alberta. He has been serving as interim pastor at Our Redeemer, Penticton, B.C., as well as assistant to the bishop in the British Columbia Synod.

Gary Matthews, D.W.S. 2004

“I remember being in the first class of IWS when Bob Webber and the faculty convinced me of the importance of the Church Year—the rhythm of living a spiritual journey, not only for our churches, but for our individual lives. I didn’t come from a tradition that practiced the Church Year, but through my studies at IWS I became a believer rather quickly.  Inspired by the recent publication of Dr. Dan Sharp’s book, Ashes to Advent, I created a project entitled The Life of Jesus with Hymns and Corresponding Video. The viewer can grow in their worship of God as we move through the major events of our Savior’s life from Advent to Heaven. I simply want to share the legacy that I received at IWS and help people walk the rhythm of the Church Year in their worship lives. The video is available here.”

Oluwatayo Oloyede, D.W.S. 2023

In the late spring, Tayo and his wife, Christiana, moved to Traverse City where he became the Director of Worship at Faith Reformed Church. Locals call the area “a slice of heaven.” Tayo plans worship, leads the worship team and the newly formed youth band, The Royals. The church is a multi-generational church of over 75 years and has become an integral part of the Traverse City community through outreach programs and partnerships with other organizations. Tayo and Christi are blessed to be a part of what God is doing at the church and in the area, which locals call “a slice of heaven.” Tayo also serves as the IWS Director of Admissions and Sessions Director. Hopefully the move from Florida to northern Michigan will not be too much of a shock come winter!

Lowana Porter Wallace M.W.S. 2019

Lowana reports: “My family and I recently moved to Birmingham AL, where I’m working as the music leader for the contemporary service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. I’m feeling really grateful and excited for this opportunity to serve.”

Sally Powell, M.W.S. 2020, D.W.S. 2025

I asked Sally to share about the curriculum she developed as a result of her doctoral thesis work. She writes, “Foundations, Course 1 in the Spiritually Formative Worship curriculum series, equips church worship ministry leaders to understand, evaluate, and conduct their work as a discipleship ministry. The self-paced, online course is interactive, practical, and hands-on, guiding liturgical leaders to discover and orient their ministry around the why of gathered worship. Together with the upcoming Elements and Methods courses, this series equips and energizes church worship ministry leaders for the work to which God has called them. I’ve also recently partnered as a workshop panelist and will be a symposium lecturer in January 2026, with Teach Us to Worship, an intergenerational worship initiative funded for the PCA by a Lilly Endowment.

“If you serve in church worship ministry, please join me for a Third Thursday Coffee Chat, held monthly at 1:00 PM Eastern. Bring your own coffee (or lunch or tea or fancy sparkling water) and enjoy an hour of stimulating conversation, hearty laughter, and genuine encouragement, loosely arranged around a relevant topic. These online gatherings remind me of lunch-table conversations at IWS and are quickly becoming a lifeline, combating the isolation that often accompanies ministry life. Sign up to receive the meeting link.”

Bill Price, D.W.S. 2004

“I was hired as the Pastor of Worship at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, VA (metro DC) two years ago. The church’s theology of worship paired wonderfully with what I learned at IWS, and we are learning and growing together as we serve the Lord. We have about 150 people serving in the worship ministry. In February. we took 45 of our musicians from the choir, orchestra and children’s ministry to the Dominican Republic for our first worship missions trip. Some of our orchestra members provided master classes at a music academy run by the former Minister of Fine Arts (yes, a cabinet-level position in the government for fine arts!). They provided advanced instrumental training and had many opportunities to share the gospel. Another team spent the week at a school in a remote village establishing a music education program for 1st – 8th graders. My team spent time at a Christian school, an orphanage, and a special needs school. 

“Before the trip we interviewed pastors and church musicians to learn what they needed from us. At each location they identified sound theological training related to worship as their greatest need, followed by musical training for those who lead worship. I was able to teach a four-hour training conference on the biblical and theological basis of worship to 30 pastors and worship leaders. They were asking all the right questions and were wrestling to integrate biblical principles in their cultural context. I left with great joy after connecting with these brothers and sisters. One evening our musicians joined with the choir and orchestra of Iglesia Biblica del Senor Jesu Cristo in Santo Domingo for a wonderful time of bilingual worship. This trip allowed us to establish relationships that will open the door for future ministry. It was life-changing for our people as well. I encourage all my IWS friends to find ways to take your worship ministry outside your church building.” 

Paul Sunderland, D.W.S. 2017

After 13 years of teaching at Greenville University, Paul has accepted the position of Worship Arts Associate Professor faculty position at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY.

Are Zu Bonakdarpour, M.W.S. 2025

“I graduated with my M.W.S. in June, becoming the first Iranian to do so from IWS! I have faced significant challenges both before and after leaving my homeland. Living in the diaspora since early adolescence added new layers of complexity to an already difficult journey. My studies took much longer than expected, but the progress along the way has been nothing short of remarkable. I want to thank Dr. Jim Hart for his unwavering support and encouragement throughout my MWS journey. His belief in my potential and steadfast guidance made a profound difference. Earning this degree has been a major milestone, not only strengthening my academic foundation, but also fostering deep inner healing and resilience.

“Over the years, I have ministered primarily among Farsi-speaking believers. My worship music album, music videos, and internship have all been in Farsi. At this pivotal time in history of Iran and the Middle East, I am more convinced than ever that I was born for such a time as this. If anyone is interested in collaborating with me in this next chapter, especially in the areas of teaching and training, I’d be happy to connect.” Are Zu

Worship Renewal Explosion in Asia

By Leon Lim, (M.W.S. 2014, D.W.S. 2023)

Leon is pastor at Community Baptist Church in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. He has an incredibly large vision for worship renewal in Asia and is seeing God expand and bless his efforts.

“The key to worship renewal in Asia will be ministers who are trained in pastoring and shepherding the church’s worship.”

Greetings, my dear IWS family.

I miss you all! Initially, I was hesitant to share about my ministry, but realizing it’s God’s work of worship renewal, I’m thankful for this opportunity to testify and share what God has been doing among us.

It’s a privilege to participate in God’s work of worship renewal. At the recent Asia Pacific Worship Summit at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Baguio, Philippines, many participants shared how they were applying what they learned in the previous two Summits in 2023 (pictured below) and 2024 in ways we never imagined. Some even held larger summits than ours based on what we’ve taught them. Serving those eager to learn and be equipped for worship has exceeded our expectations. I say “our expectations” because I told the Lord I couldn’t do this alone. At just the right time, God sent Dr. Esther Shin Chuang (D.W.S. 2019) and her husband Dr. Tony Chuang to Malaysia to labor together.

The need for worship studies for pastors became even more evident while we served in our own pastoral capacities in Malaysia and in ministries God has opened throughout Asia. Because of that need, we expanded the worship summit to the Cambodia Bible Institute this year and plan to hold one with a seminary in Hong Kong next year. We also started an MDiv (Worship Concentration) with the Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in 2023. This year, under Dr. Esther’s direction, we will launch a worship studies program for the Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary in partnership with Explain Apologetics International.

“We must realize that all pastors are worship pastors and that we all need to exemplify the worship that God desires.”

This is just the start. There is such a great need for worship studies here.  What began as a Worship Summit could become a School of Worship serving various seminaries across the region. The key to worship renewal in Asia will be ministers who are trained in pastoring and shepherding the church’s worship. We must realize that all pastors are worship pastors and that we all need to exemplify the worship that God desires.

We thank God for gathering people like Dr. James Melton, Daphne Lau (M.W.S. 2020, D.W.S. 2025), Irene Wong (D.W.S. 2015), and Christabel Wong (A.G.C.W.S. 2017) who share the vision of worship renewal through IWS for such a time as this. We need more! With various modes of teaching available, we hope to see more people who can teach worship studies for higher education in this region to meet this growing need.   

I hope what I’ve shared excites you about what God is doing here. Please keep us in your prayers. If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We eagerly look forward to many more partnerships to foster worship renewal in this part of the world.

In Memoriam: Daniel Jackson, D.W.S. 2005 (1957-2025)

The IWS community mourns the death of our brother, Dan Jackson. Dan was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. While it seemed the treatments were effective, his death was quite sudden. The photo was taken on July 4. The next day he was admitted to ICU with pneumonia, and he passed away on Thursday, July 10. Dan is remembered as a man who loved God, was devoted to his family, and dedicated his life to giving countless young people the life changing opportunity of creating and giving beauty to their world through choral music. Dan was a beloved choral icon, at Washington Junior High School (Dinuba, CA, 1980-86), Mt. Whitney High School (Visalia, CA, 1986-2002), and Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego since 2002), and also a gifted composer/arranger.

Point Loma Nazarene University wrote: “As conductor of the University Concert Choir and Chair of the Department of Music, Dr. Jackson devoted 45 years to choral education, including 23 years at PLNU. A nationally respected conductor, clinician, scholar, and composer, his ensembles performed at numerous conventions and toured extensively across the U.S. and the globe. In 2025, at the American Choral Directors Association Convention, Dr. Jackson received an award for his renowned work “Hlohonolofatsa” (2018), one of the top 5 bestselling pieces for Walton Music. His composition is described as “A tremendously fun arrangement of a South African greeting song that exclaims, ‘Bless you in the name of the Father!’” Dr. Jackson’s legacy includes his passionate commitment to excellence and mentorship so that his students might transform the world through the beauty of music. He is lovingly remembered by the PLNU community and the many students whose lives he transformed. The Daniel Jackson Scholarship Fund honors the distinguished career of Daniel Jackson, Professor of Music and Assistant Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement at Point Loma Nazarene University.” Donations may be made to the Daniel Jackson Scholarship Fund here.

Dan’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 10:00 a.m. in Brown Chapel on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene University.

See the IWS tribute here.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Daniel. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Celebrating the Class of 2025

IWS held our 24rd Commencement Service on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Congratulations to the 27 graduates of the Class of 2025! We celebrate these alumni and their accomplishments: 17 D.W.S. grads, 4 A.G.C.W.S. grads, and 6 M.W.S. grads.

Well done, graduates!

In our 26 year history, IWS has conferred 795 degrees to 757 graduates. 38 have earned both M.W.S. and D.W.S. degrees. Thanks be to God!

  • 481 D.W.S. degrees
  • 65 A.G.C.W.S.
  • 248 M.W.S. degrees
We are grateful for the global reach of our graduates!

The following statistics come from our Registrar, Catherine Nance: The IWS community is currently 1,202 alumni and students. Around 30% of our students are from countries other than the U.S.  41 countries are represented in the IWS family: Albania, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia Federation, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Thanks be to God!

Click to view the 2025 Graduates photo galleries.

Click to view the 2025 Commencement Service galleries.

Worship Seminar 2025 Reflections and Resources

The June 23 & 24, 2025 seminar with former IWS faculty member, Dr. Lester Ruth was enthusiastically received by those who attended (and those who wish they could have!). The title was “Doing God’s Story in Worship: Assessing the Impact of Christian Nationalism on the Church’s Sanctuary.”

Several alumni processed as guests of honor during Commencement on Sunday, and 22 of us enjoyed fellowship and good food at a local San Marco restaurant at the Alumni Dinner Reception that night. Follow the link below for photos.

Here are a few comments from seminar attendees:

  • “Wow. Just wow. I’ve never had the privilege of attending a lecture by Dr. Ruth. This important content will definitely be communicated to our worship planning team.”
  • “This was an incredible seminar taught by the incomparable Lester Ruth. I could have gone on for several more days.”
  • “Organized, informed, humble, engaging, fair.”
  • “Lester Ruth was fantastic. He teaches with humility. The content was intriguing and pertinent! I especially enjoyed the sessions on the theology of worship.”

Click the link to access the 2025 Worship Seminar resources (audio and video files and photos from the seminar and alumni dinner reception).

2025 Worship Seminar Resources

Honoring Faculty Legacy

The highest praise from students and alumni about IWS always points to our faculty. Hands down. We are blessed with a legacy of knowledgeable, skillful, seasoned faculty members. It is sad when we experience times of transition. But we rejoice in the immeasurable impact each one has had in countless lives. We bid farewell to these beloved faculty members who have served faithfully for so many years: Andy Hill (teaching since 1999, inaugural class, DWS 701), Reggie Kidd (teaching since 2001, inaugural DWS 704 course), Melody Kuphal, D.W.S. 2017 (teaching since 2019, inaugural Graduate Research and Writing courses), Greg Wilde, D.W.S. 2009 (teaching since 2003, inaugural MUS 502 course). The Lord be with them as they move on to a new season in life and kingdom service.

Here are their personal words of farewell.

Andrew Hill

Dear IWS Family,

It has been an honor and a privilege to be a founding member of the IWS faculty for the course DWS 701. Who knew what Bob Webber was getting us into and what he was getting into us twenty-five years ago! I have appreciated the opportunity to serve alongside gifted Christian colleagues who I esteem as dear friends, sisters and brothers in Jesus the Messiah. It has been a delight to work with the choice students God has sent our way each session over these past twenty-seven years. I have enjoyed participating in Bob Webber’s vision to renew worship in the Christian church by means of worship education. The expertise and the gift of helps demonstrated by the IWS administration and staff have ably supported the vision and educational ministry of the Webber Institute for Worship Studies over the years.  I have also learned much along the way about our Triune God and his redemptive narrative for the world. God is clearly renewing IWS as well. This current iteration of IWS needs a “next generation” of faculty persons, and a revitalized curriculum, “IWS 2.0,” to meet the challenges and demands facing the worshiping global Christian church as the nations rage roundabout. I recognize the timing is right for me to step aside and make room for that next generation of IWS worship educators for the benefit of Christ and his church and the glory of God—Father, Son, and Spirit. 
Respectfully, and with gratitude,
Andy Hill, Professor, DWS 701

Reggie Kidd

Dear friends,

As is true for many of us, the IWS experience has meant for me: a glorious recentering of worship around the leadership of Jesus, an exciting expanding of the vision of God’s people in communion across time and space — and maybe most personally, the gaining of new friendships, deep and lasting. The June 2025 session was my 50th session, rounding out 25 years of service. That session feels like a good time to retire: to wrap up and close out my teaching of DWS 704, “The Sacred Actions & Ministries of Christian Worship.” My partnership in that course with Amy Davis Abdallah has been an utter joy, and my readiness to step away has a lot to do with my confidence in her ability to carry the course into the next phase of IWS’s life and mission.

One of the profoundest blessings in my life was Robert Webber’s invitation to be a founding faculty member. I’m grateful for the Lord’s amazing work in my life through IWS, and for the way it has significantly shaped this past 25 years of ministry for me, including its enticing me into a whole new ecclesiastical world. The past quarter of a century has been, as I’ve said before (channeling my best Darrell Harris, Dean Emeritus of the Chapel), a gloriously “ruinous visitation” of the Holy Spirit. I’m grateful for the gift of being able to speak into this chapter of the life of IWS, and for the profound sense of koinonia we — faculty, students, staff, and board — have enjoyed in the gospel.
Richest blessings to you, in Christ,
Reggie M. Kidd

Melody Kuphal

I am sad to resign my position teaching Research Writing for IWS. The June Term 2025 will be my final semester. The timing of the four 6-week courses (plus extension students and the intensive weeks) has been challenging alongside the ministry seasons at Hosanna!, my home church. Additionally, our senior pastor of 39 years is retiring this summer; we are about to enter an interim pastor contract for 12 – 18 months followed by calling our new senior pastor. The next few years will be a season of transition at Hosanna! that God has called me to help facilitate. When I come out the other side of this transition season, I’m excited to see how God will steer me whether that’s working with IWS or in other directions. I will continue to work with my current thesis students and may even take on a few more, as God directs. I will miss being a part of the IWS faculty and will continue to hold all of you in prayer!
God’s Peace,
Melody

Greg Wilde

Dear IWS family,

Greetings in Christ Jesus. You all know that I have decided to retire my tenure of teaching at IWS, and that my decision becomes effective at the end of the June 2025 semester. What you cannot know is just how difficult the decision was to make, both as I considered my own experience as faculty, and as I considered the student body, and all the feedback I have received over the years. Blessings abound as memories wash over me.

Bob Webber called me as the Alpha class was taking their first course, and he asked me if I could commit to teaching in the as yet non-existent Master’s program.  Of course, I could not say no, but I never imagined that my “yes” would lead to twenty-two years of delight mixed with friendships and personal growth, as I watched all of us take in God’s gracious provision and make of it the Church-shaping tool that IWS has come to be.  How satisfying to be a part of that work! How much richer all of our lives are now!

I can only hope that I will be able to come back for visits, to taste of more richness and to garner more friendships in the future, but it is time to turn the wheel over to God’s next choice of professor. I pray many blessings over the faculty who are my very good friends, and over the new leadership who will lead IWS into God’s future, as well as over my many years of students—a full generation of them.  Seeds become trees and an orchard full of delicious fruit thrives by His hand.  We will meet again.
Your grateful friend and father,
Greg Wilde+

Introducing the Regional Gathering Initiative

By Sarah Hernandez, D.W.S. 2025

At IWS, we take study and community seriously. Our on-campus intensives and alumni workshops foster deep thinking and meaningful connection—but the demands of life and ministry can make it difficult to sustain those relationships or share what we’ve learned with others. We carry something valuable, but it’s not always easy to share.

The Regional Gathering Initiative is here to help. It offers a way for IWS alumni, students, faculty, and friends to:

  • Connect (or reconnect!) with others in their region,
  • Develop through continued learning and spiritual formation, and
  • Multiply the IWS community by introducing prospective students to the life-giving community and instruction we’ve experienced.

This is an invitation to joyfully steward the legacy of the past 26 years and invest in the future of IWS. Let’s keep growing and building together!

Come to an Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 (Sep 20 for NC Gathering)

Join us at one of the five inaugural gatherings on September 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. local time in the following locations:

Los Angeles, CA Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025
Hope International University 
(building next to the parking lot on Titan Dr.)
2500 Nutwood Ave. 
Fullerton, CA 92831
Contact: Matt Thompson

Dallas/Fort Worth Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025
Vine Family Fellowship
5229 Kelly Elliot Road
Arlington, TX 78617
Contact: Jan Johansen or Sarah Hernandez

Indianapolis, IN Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025
Chapel Rock Christian Church
2020 N. Girls School Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Contact: Sheri Bradley or Karen Hetrick

Charlotte, NC Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 20, 2025
New City Church (Common Grounds Christian Counseling Building)
931 Industrial Dr
Matthews, NC 28105
Contact: Stewart Fenters or Laurie Cosby

Tampa, FL Inaugural Gathering on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025
Tampa Covenant Church
13320 Lake Magdalene Blvd.
Tampa FL 33618
Contact: Kyle Mullett or Leslie Rewald

Contact Sarah Hernandez to explore starting a Regional Gathering in your area.

Honoring Dr. Mark Torgerson’s Distinguished Service as IWS Bibliographer

The Institute for Worship Studies celebrates the remarkable service of Dr. Mark A. Torgerson, who concludes his role as Bibliographer after more than two decades of faithful work.

Since first joining the IWS community in 2000 as a co-instructor for DWS 702 alongside Dr. Constance Cherry, Dr. Torgerson’s impact has been profound. In 2003, at the invitation of IWS founder Dr. Robert Webber, he transformed a modest ten-page resource list into one of the most comprehensive and valuable bibliographies on Christian worship studies.

What began as a foundational reference has grown into a richly annotated, 215-page compendium covering Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Dr. Torgerson’s bibliography spans a broad range of topics—from biblical and theological studies to worship design—and now includes important areas such as the arts, evangelism, social justice, intergenerational worship, accessibility, women in worship, cultural diversity, technology, and worship teams. You can download the IWS Bibliography on Worship Studies HERE.

Balancing this monumental work with his responsibilities as Department Chair of Christian Leadership and Professor of Worship Studies at Judson University, Dr. Torgerson’s scholarship has been a steadfast behind-the-scenes resource supporting IWS students, faculty, and alumni alike.

We honor Dr. Torgerson for his unwavering commitment to nurturing worship renewal and servant leadership. His legacy continues to inspire and equip worship leaders worldwide through the invaluable resource he has so carefully maintained.

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Torgerson for his extraordinary dedication and lasting contribution to the Institute for Worship Studies community.

IWS Bibliography on Worship Studies

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About the author

Alumni Director, Practicum Professor, and DWS graduate.
2 Responses
  1. Evelyn Martinez

    What a wonderful addition. It’s been a couple months since I’ve read the last one and I haven’t read all of it now, but I promise I will read every word. I just want to say that I am so impressed on the way it’s laid out in the information in the news from everyone you’re doing a great job. Thank you. IWS it’s always near and dear to my heart as it changed my life as well. I love hearing from you so that’s why I subscribed. I pray for you often.

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