Rediscovering Worship

Many opinions contend in the church today for what constitutes true worship of God and how best it can be practiced. This collection of essays carries on a conversation between biblical scholars and church music practitioners. It begins with three studies investigating what we can learn about worship in the Old Testament, followed by essays on the teaching about worship in the Gospels, Epistles, and the book of Revelation in the New Testament. The church music practitioners featured in the book respond to each of these essays. The final essay by Wendy Porter takes a historical journey of theological reflection on Christian worship from the days of the early church, tracing worship developments in the Western church through the centuries to today. This is an important book for anyone who wants to think theologically about how and why Christians worship God. ""I welcome this collection of the best of biblical and theological insights regarding Christian worship, combined with a serious attempt to address this matter by practitioners. It should provide a new starting point for the discussion and implementation of this key area of Christian life."" --Richard S. Hess, Denver Seminary, Denver, CO ""There can never be too many interdisciplinary conversations as leaders pursue an understanding of Christian worship from God's point of view. This collection of essays is unique: real dialogue transpires while not creating a dichotomy between scholar and practitioner. Ministerial borders are crossed throughout its pages, to the benefit of worship leaders everywhere."" --Cherry Constance, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN ""Wow! Porter's group of theologians and practitioners walk the reader through Scripture: Beginning with the Mosaic view of worship, progressing to the worship described and prescribed in the Revelation. Finally, Porter provides a worship walk through church history. This text is a resource for church musicians, pastors, and educators: it is a text to be read and referenced."" --MaryAnn Hawkins, Anderson University School of Theology, Anderson, IN ""Rediscovering Worship brings together seven essays and seven responses that explore aspects of worship in the major parts of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. . . . This book successfully brings together biblical scholarship and applied theology."" --Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NS Wendy J. Porter holds a PhD from the University of Surrey, UK. She is Director of Music and Worship at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She teaches courses on music and worship, theological reflection, spiritual formation, and the history of worship and liturgy. She plans and leads worship in numerous settings, writes worship songs, and has recorded three vocal albums.