The Van Lunen Fellows program is designed for the heads of Christian schools who have been in their positions for at least one year and report directly to the governing board of their schools.

Developed in partnership with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, this course equips leaders of all types of ministries, including worship leaders and worship planners, with practical tools for relating well to people from a variety of cultures. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is key to a healthy ministry. Participants will generate self-awareness, humility, curiosity, and “other orientation” through the understanding of cultural values.

With wisdom shared from scholars such as Pennylyn Dykstra-Pruim, David I. Smith, and John D. Witvliet, among others, the course, created by Kai Ton Chau, is online and asynchronous but includes interaction between students and guided discussion by the faculty leader.

Those who complete the course will earn a digital badge, Cultural Values in Ministry, to validate their learning.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Name and recognize the differences of five cultural values.
• Analyze how these cultural values influence individuals' behaviors, perspectives, expectations, and choices, particularly related to church ministries.
• Explain interpersonal techniques to communicate and collaborate well with people from varying cultural orientations.

Register

Join a cohort of learners from around the globe. Upcoming dates: April 20-May 1, 2026.

• Course will be offered in an accelerated, two week time frame (with extra time allowed at the end for those preferring a slower pace). 
• Registration costs $100 per individual. Register 3 or more people from your team to receive a 50% off rate (coupon code: GROUP50).
• Takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete asynchronously. Complete the coursework at whatever time works for you.
• Contact continuingstudies@calvin.edu for more information.

In this online module, you will be learning about pain in general, anxiety and then cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain. You will also take part in a simulation exercise of an inpatient psychiatric patient who is experiencing chest pain.

Pain is the most common reason people seek medical care, so in this session the following objectives will be met:

• Discuss what pain is.
• Describe types of pain.
• Recognize symptoms of anxiety.
• Explain cardiogenic and noncardiogenic causes of chest pain.

Available for cohort-based registration – contact Abbie Lipsker with questions.

Request information