Follows the events of the Christian year, from Advent and Christmas through Easter and All Saints' Day back to Advent, and explains the meaning and symbolism of each holy day.
How is our Christian hope both expressed and experienced in contemporary worship? In this Dynamics of Christian Worship volume, pastor, theologian, and songwriter Glenn Packiam explores what Christians sing about when they sing about hope and what kind of hope they experience when they worship together.
Forty years ago, Toolan composed the words and music of the famous hymn I Am the Bread of Life, performed in 25 languages worldwide. Today, Toolan is one of the most respected writers of religious hymns in the world; the story behind her work sparks creativity in other artists and musicians. (Motivation)
In Let the Little Children Come, Scott Aniol strives to convince church leaders and parents that children best grow into faithful, mature worshipers of Jesus Christ when they are led to Jesus by their parents in the context of intergenerational church gatherings and in daily worship at home. In Part 1, Scott presents biblical and theological reasons families should worship together both on Sundays and the other six days too, addressing common objections and suggesting some practical ways family worship might be recovered. In Part 2, Scott then offers practical tips and myriads of resources for engaging children in church worship as well as family worship at home.
Come, Let Us Worship walks the reader through the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, explaining the meaning of each element and how the congregant may best participate in this fundamental act of Orthodox worship. Those new to Orthodoxy and those who wonder about the meaning of the Liturgy will find this small guide a helpful and informative companion.
In Writing Worship: How to Craft Heartfelt Songs for the Church, the Christian songwriter will explore the depths of the heart, immersing in relationship with God before learning practical worship songwriting skills. Award-winning songwriter Krissy Nordhoff helps lyricists and musicians sharpen their skills in starting songs, adding dimension, removing distractions, maintaining momentum, and co-writing. Songwriters and worship leaders are challenged to trust the Lord with their gifts as they put their new skills into practice. They also have access to: Links to video with examples A songwriter personality assessment Podcast episodes for every songwriter personality Access to special downloads, including a leader’s guide for group learning and an audiobook with extra content from Krissy
Michael A. Rogers: "It is refreshing to see biblical theology so thoroughly integrated with practical directives for developing the worship service." (Eternity) Clifford E. Bajema: " Out of Rayburn's rich experience as a teacher and as a preacher who has served five pastorates, he gives us a book which should further liturgical interest and discussion on Reformed circles... All in all Rayburn's book is very much worth reading." (Calvin Theological Journal) William F. Hunter: "Will hopefully stimulate evangelicals to explore a relatively unknown aspect to the corporate life of believers." (Journal of Psychology and Theology) Donald Macleod: "A very ambitious survey...it is a very comprehensive treatment of the worship responsibilities of the everyday parish ministry." (Princeton Seminary Bulletin) Garry Harris: "A critical self-analysis of the short-comings in the evangelical liturgical experience. (It) should serve as a guide to more meaningful corporate worship." (Seminary Review) R. O. Zorn: "A useful volume which will make ministers and their congregations more conscious of the nature and significance of public worship." (Vox Reformata) Laurence H. Stookey: "Those evangelicals who conduct worship services which are casual and uncoordinated and who shun the riches of catholic prayer and hymnody are presented with a thoughtful challenge by a writer with impeccable evangelical credentials." (Homiletics)
Saliers explores four essential qualities which characterize true and relevant Christian liturgy--awe, delight, truthfulness and hope. The faithfulness, integrity and relevance of Christian liturgy can be discerned by asking how these four qualities are sensed by worshipping congregations.
"When church historians reflect on the worship revolution that happened around the turn of the 21st century, Darlene Zschech will be credited for playing a major role," Bill Hybels says. While challenging the Christian in the congregation to be an extravagant worshiper, Zschech also presents valuable insights and help for the worship leader. These are the words of a woman of God who lives what she writes.