Contemporary worship continues to gain strength as the form of worship of choice for many churches across the country. The Art of Worship is a complete resource to which a musician or pastor can turn when asked to lead contemporary music. It provides in-depth instruction to every aspect of contemporary worship leadership--from assembling the team to choosing the music to conducting rehearsals. Author Greg Scheer takes a balanced, holistic approach, embracing the contemporary style without denying older traditions and encouraging excellence without ignoring the realities of the local church context. Worship team leaders, musicians, and pastors looking for a quality, comprehensive resource need look no further.
The Art of Worship is about transitioning our understanding and practice of worship to one of design or curation. According to Mark Pierson, a pioneer in worship, worship needs to be seen as an art form rather than a linear task of filling in the gaps on an order of service. Many practical examples are used to illustrate ways in which worship in regular services as well as in specially designed spaces inside and outside the church building can be designed and delivered for spiritual formation and mission.
Harold M. Best casts a holistic vision for worship that transcends narrow discussions of musical style or congregational preference, corrects errors in how Christians have viewed the arts and misunderstandings about the use of music, and offers instead a more biblically consistent approach to artistic action.
Paintings from the National Gallery, London, many illustrating Christian themes and familiar biblical stories, are presented alongside selected prayers, poems and quotations to encourage private prayer, contemplation and meditation.--From back cover.
Worship—the Key Is your worship of the Lord bringing you closer to Him? Is it everything He is worthy of receiving? The Lost Art of Pure Worship is a gathering of great spiritual leaders who share their unique experiences and desires about the precious act of worshiping a worthy heavenly Father. James W. Goll, premier voice in the global prophetic and prayer and worship movements is joined by four other spiritual powerhouses to provide inspiration and insights about praise and worship. Contributors include: Chris DuPre, great song writer, seasoned worship leader, and teacher on the Father’s heart of God. Jeff Deyo, former lead singer of renowned Christian band Sonic Flood, song writer and leader of the Pure Worship Institute. Sean Feucht, young leader of Burn 24/7, brings a next-generation voice. Julie Meyer, one of the best worship leaders and prophetic voices from the International House of Prayer world in Kansas City. Together, these four voices direct you into practical truths, passion with a purpose, and experience in pure worship to the one true God. The Lost Art of Pure Worship adds depth to individual worship as well as the global worship movement and tools for local churches. The Lost Art of Pure Worship completes James Goll’s inspiring The Lost Arttrilogy series. First was thought-provoking The Lost Art of Intercession, followed by the spirit-searching The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence (originally titled Wasted on Jesus). This series has been used by individuals, groups, and churches to revive three vitally important aspects of every believer’s spiritual life.
Senses of the Soul explores the way art and visual elements are incorporated into Christian worship. It incorporates research conducted in Los Angeles congregations. Through extensive interviews in a sample of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox congregations it looks into the way visual elements actually become part of the experience of worship. By looking at attitudes and experiences of beauty, art, and memories, it suggests that believers appropriate images and aesthetic encounters in terms of imaginative structures that have been formed through worship practices over time. By comparing responses across denominations, the book proposes that people receive visual elements in ways that have been shaped by long traditions and specific background beliefs. In addition to discussions of the differences between the major Christian traditions, the book also examines the relation of art and beauty to worship, the role of memories and everyday life, and the power of images in spirituality and worship. By its focus on the worshiper, the book seeks to make a contribution to the growing conversation between the arts and Christian worship and to the process of worship renewal.
Ruth is such a gift to us—her voice is strong and honest, yet believably grace-filled and kind. We learn and grow into who we want to be when Ruth's words and art lead us. —Annie F. Downs, bestselling author of 100 Days to Brave and host of That Sounds Fun podcast Become What You Behold You are in the process of becoming. Every day is an opportunity to be shaped and formed by what moves your heart…drives your thoughts…captures your gaze. Is it any wonder that where you direct your eyes and your heart matter in your day-to-day? We become what we behold when we set our hearts and minds on Christ and His redemption story here in the details of our daily lives. Not just on Sunday, not just on holidays, not just when extraordinarily hard or wonderful things happen…but today. Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons invites you on a new journey to Beholding and Becoming. With more than 850 pieces of intricate, original artwork, Ruth encourages you to elevate your gaze to the One who created all things. Today is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His love and His faithfulness in the midst of your mundane. No circumstance is too ordinary or too forgotten for Him to meet you there in worship. His transforming grace turns your “everyday ordinary” into a holy place of becoming.
