A Primer On Christian Worship

"A respected scholar of theology and culture, William Dyrness here explores Christian worship in terms of its past, present, and future. He shows where the church has been, theologically and historically speaking, and how that shapes - and needs to shape -where the church will go. Through accessible language, clear examples, and thoughtful questions for reflection and discussion, Dyrness makes an essential conversation about worship available to a wide audience of pastors, worship leaders, and church members." --Book Jacket.

In Worship, Keith Pecklers aims to gives theologians, liturgists, clergy and laity of all denominations a new sense of the theology of liturgy. From a historical/theological treatment of the evolution of Christian worship in the West, Pecklers addresses 20th century liturgical reforms and emphasizes the liturgy's role in the social and moral transformation of human society. The social dimension of worship is further highlighted in chapters on popular religion and inculturation. He considers the future of Christian worship in light of a new sociological reality: the break up of the stable parish community, credible preaching within an increasingly secularized society, hospitality to those who are often made to feel like pariahs in our assemblies, and the growing rift between conservatives and progressives who share membership in the same church.

There has to be more to leading worship than what I've been doing. That nagging thought drove William Kirkwood to develop this primer on worship for all lead pastors and worship planners who have wondered the same thing. Most pastors come out of seminary with little training in worship yet are ultimately responsible for the worship life of their church. Most worship planners/leaders have musical and leadership skills but little theological background in worship. Kirkwood brings his decades of worship leading experience and education from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies into the pages of this timely book. He explores the biblical, historical, theological, and cultural foundations of worship and brings them together with practical guidance on how to create vibrant worship services that facilitate a divine-human interaction. The primer is written for leaders in contemporary "free" churches, traditional/liturgical churches, and charismatic/Pentecostal churches. Each chapter includes thoughtful exercises and questions to help in your own church context, as well as recommended resources for further study.

In Worship, Keith Pecklers aims to gives theologians, liturgists, clergy and laity of all denominations a new sense of the theology of liturgy. From a historical/theological treatment of the evolution of Christian worship in the West, Pecklers addresses 20th century liturgical reforms and emphasizes the liturgyGÇÖs role in the social and moral transformation of human society. The social dimension of worship is further highlighted in chapters on popular religion and inculturation. He considers the future of Christian worship in light of a new sociological reality: the break up of the stable par.

You Say You Want a Reformation? It is no secret that our world desperately needs change. Politicians know this and use it to collect votes. Journalists exploit it to sell newspapers and magazines. Advertisers, to sell everything else. Each of these groups (and countless others) spend their lives working to convince others that they hold the key to a better country, a better life, a better future. But what exactly is this change we all long for? And how can it ever come about? A Primer on Worship and Reformation proposes that true change begins, not with a process or an idea, but through faithful worship. To witness true global change -- true reformation -- we must first pray the Lord that we would see worship at the center of life. The truth is that when the Word is faithfully preached, even the gates of hell tremble. When the Psalms are sung, the meek inherit the earth. When the church celebrates at the Lord's Table, those who mourn are comforted. If we learn these lessons and believe them to be true, we will find that through renewed worship God brings change to every facet of our lives.

Providing structure for thinking seriously about worship as a part of Christian faith and experience, Foundations of Christian Worship addresses the question, what is Christian worship and why do Christians worship as they do? Beginning with an overview of the theological, biblical, historical, and anthropological foundations of Christian worship, Susan J. White then turns to discussing its components--prayer, creeds, music, time, ritual, and art. Later, she delves into the nourishment of the Christian life and the major worship events throughout the human life cycle. Finally, she discusses contemporary challenges to Christian worship and concludes with case studies for further exploration. With helpful appendixes and a glossary of liturgical terms, Susan White's Foundations of Christian Worship is an excellent primer for seminary students and ministers early in their careers.

Is it singing? A church service? All of life? Helping Christians think more theologically about the nature of true worship, Rhythms of Grace shows how the gospel is all about worship and worship is all about the gospel. Mike Cosper ultimately answers the question: What is worship?