Worship Words: Discipling Language for Faithful Ministry

by Debra Rienstra, Ron Rienstra, Clayton J. Schmit (Editor), Todd Johnson (Editor)

Overview

Words have great significance, but they are easily taken for granted. In Worship Words, the third volume in the Engaging Worship series, the authors make a careful examination of the role and use of language in the worship of the church. Their goal is to help pastors and worship leaders come to a renewed appreciation and understanding of words in worship and to inspire them to use words more intentionally—to the greater glory of God and the greater blessing of God's people. Topics in this reflective yet highly practical book include dimensions of language, repetition, authenticity, metaphor, tradition, lament, and worship planning. It is broad-ranging in its audience, addressing important questions that cut across worship styles and various church traditions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801036163
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/01/2009
Series:	Engaging Worship
Pages:	286
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Debra Rienstra (PhD, Rutgers University) is assistant professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has taught on worship in both workshops and seminary settings and is the author of Great with Child: On Becoming a Mother and So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality. Ron Rienstra is assistant professor of preaching and worship at Western Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America. He is currently completing the PhD program in worship and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous articles in Reformed Worship and scholarly journals.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Acknowledgments 15

How to Use This Book 17

Introduction 19

1 The Dimensions of Language in Worship 27

2 Worship as Dialogic Encounter 43

3 On Chatter and Patter 61

4 On Repetition 75

5 The Puzzle of Authenticity 95

6 Watch Your Figures: Metaphor in Worship 115

7 Naming God: Meeting the One Who Is 143

8 Something Old: Inviting Tradition into Today 175

9 Something New: Incarnating the Gospel Now 189

10 Something Borrowed: Worshiping with the Global Church 201

11 Something Blue: The Ministry of Lament 221

12 The Embedded Word: Putting It All Together 233

Appendix 1 Practical Advice for All Occasions: Ten Tips 245

Appendix 2 Worship Planning Process 253

Appendix 3 Assessing Songs for Congregational Use 261

Notes 267

Recommended Resources 275

Index 281