The Next Worship

Recently an emerging Latina leader posted this article in my Alma Mater’s Mosaic Bulletin (pg 14). Notice anything? Seven years ago, this interview of me was posted in the Graduate Scrawl (student newspaper) at the same institution: [Editors’ note: Sandra Van Opstal graduates in December with her MDiv. She has been recognized in numerous ways by students and faculty for her passion for worship and preaching in the context of multicultural fellowship and racial reconciliation, […]

Want to be a white ally? Three tips from the 2018  Golden Globes. PRESENCE. White evangelical leaders should be asking themselves what their presence at an event, institution, or publication means. If you agree to speak at an event that that does not include the voices, concerns or narrative of people of color you are saying something to me. If you are a male who feels super proud of a publication or event you have […]

Who is a woman you take on this trip with you? This was the question that was asked of us as we started this #rubywoopilgrimage last night.  The first person I always think of is my mother. Not just because she is beautiful and compassionate, but because of the courage it took to move to a new country and re-establish herself. My mother is still the woman I take with me everywhere I go when […]

The highlight of Sandra’s (thus far) was being able to share the stories and gifts of her community! Please hear them and share them. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. #immigrationreform #prayforreform #faithispersonalandpublic #yournewsstory #myreality

“Friday is the day Mexican culture get appropriated by everyone- florists, classrooms, bars, social media. You don’t deserve the joy and beauty of tacos margaritas, brightly colored decor, if you are not ready to stand with and advocate for the people whose culture you are co-opting. #5demayo” After I posted this, I got reposts and responses. (not all happy) Along with being told by a white person that my statement was ridiculous, I was asked by another […]

Hear how God is reaching out to our community through our church.

“How in the world did I end up here? Lord, why me? Why now?” As I pack up my car to head the to the Calvin Worship Symposium, I can’t help but have a conversation with the Lord. “How did I end up here?” As a seminary student, whenever I would ask a professor for resources on worship, they would point me to the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW).  I was told that was […]

*Photo courtesy of Native Christian leader Charles Robinson Experiencing Native American dance (Urbana03), Aztec song and dance (CCDA10), and prayers/communion by a tribal leader with their headdress worn (#prayforreform) have been some of the most powerful times of worship. Each of these experiences reminded me that we must work hard to re-imagine worship that includes the distinctive of all peoples. All of our God-given cultural beauty can be offered in our worship to the praise […]

Worship is not about entertainment! Worship draws us together as a community into God’s presence and his mission. It is fully about God and it fully involves us.  When we gather across differences to celebrate our distinctives, God is honored.  Creating atmospheres in worship where people can experience reconciliation, healing and deliverance and move towards a life of just worship inspires me to wake up in the morning. InterVarsity student life introduced me to a […]

Anticipation, sadness and gratitude are some of the many feelings I’m having as I prepare to receive yet another worship team in my home (Casa Azul) and at Grace and Peace Community. I have spent the day waiting – not passively since there were beds to make, food to buy, songs to chart, and rehearsal resources to print. I’ve been actively waiting and anticipating. Gathering worship leaders in community to learn from one another bring […]