Worship Matters Vol. 1: A United Methodist Guide to Ways to Worship

Rating:
Summary: A worthy matter
Review: This is the first volume of a two volume set entitled 'Worship Matters', edtied by E. Byron (Ron) Anderson. While this guide is specifically designed for United Methodists (the subtitle reads 'A United Methodist Guide to Ways of Worship') it nonetheless provides information and suggestions that are helpful across many denominations, and I find the books useful in my designing services at my chaplaincy, which is an ecumenical ministry.

Volume I has a theological orientation to it, broken into three sections. The first section examines theology, liturgy and worship. It examines patterns of worship from historical and theological contexts, the importance of sacraments of baptism and eucharist, keeping the central focus on proper subjects, and forges connections between liturgy and life. In the final essay of this subject, Anderson examines a topic he explores in other writings as well, such as the misconceptions about what liturgy really is, and how to make stronger ties between the 'work' on Sunday and the 'work' on Monday.

The second section looks at issues of theology, worship and culture. Part of this deals with looking at different cultures present in North American society - African American, Asian American, Hispanic - and part deals with other cultural issues, such as feminist issues and asking the basic question, whose worship is it anyway? Contributing author Karen Westerfield Tucker points out that no individual exists in only one culture, unaffected by others around her or him. Christian worship is always multicultural on multiple levels.

The final section of this volume examines in greater detail the theological considerations of the different 'functions' in worship and liturgy. What does it mean to preside? What does it mean to assist? Who gets communion? There are some practical considerations here, to be sure, but largely these questions are addressed from the theological standpoint. For example, in the section of media in worship, the contributing author Thomas Boomershine examines the history, the current state, the future of and appropriateness of various media in worship contexts. (It is in volume II where the reader will find the 'how to...' questions addressed.)

The two volumes are books meant to be read together, and really used - to this end, permission is given to photocopy sections for sharing in congregations and worship groups. Groups and communities reading together can gain insight and build upon this common ground for enriching and deepening their own worship experiences. The writing is engaging, educational without being unnecessarily academic or theoretical, and in many ways inspirational, as familiar and traditional things are examined in new ways.

The editor, E. Byron (Ron) Anderson, also contributed several articles to the work. Honesty requires me to declare my bias - he is a friend of mine, and I had several courses with him both as instructor and as his teaching assistant over several years. He was at the time of writing professor of worship and director of community worship at my seminary. He has since gone on to Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he continues to educate future leaders in the skills and importance of liturgy, worship, spirituality and theology.

Rating:
Summary: A worthy matter
Review: This is the first volume of a two volume set entitled 'Worship Matters', edtied by E. Byron (Ron) Anderson. While this guide is specifically designed for United Methodists (the subtitle reads 'A United Methodist Guide to Ways of Worship') it nonetheless provides information and suggestions that are helpful across many denominations, and I find the books useful in my designing services at my chaplaincy, which is an ecumenical ministry.

Volume I has a theological orientation to it, broken into three sections. The first section examines theology, liturgy and worship. It examines patterns of worship from historical and theological contexts, the importance of sacraments of baptism and eucharist, keeping the central focus on proper subjects, and forges connections between liturgy and life. In the final essay of this subject, Anderson examines a topic he explores in other writings as well, such as the misconceptions about what liturgy really is, and how to make stronger ties between the 'work' on Sunday and the 'work' on Monday.

The second section looks at issues of theology, worship and culture. Part of this deals with looking at different cultures present in North American society - African American, Asian American, Hispanic - and part deals with other cultural issues, such as feminist issues and asking the basic question, whose worship is it anyway? Contributing author Karen Westerfield Tucker points out that no individual exists in only one culture, unaffected by others around her or him. Christian worship is always multicultural on multiple levels.

The final section of this volume examines in greater detail the theological considerations of the different 'functions' in worship and liturgy. What does it mean to preside? What does it mean to assist? Who gets communion? There are some practical considerations here, to be sure, but largely these questions are addressed from the theological standpoint. For example, in the section of media in worship, the contributing author Thomas Boomershine examines the history, the current state, the future of and appropriateness of various media in worship contexts. (It is in volume II where the reader will find the 'how to...' questions addressed.)

The two volumes are books meant to be read together, and really used - to this end, permission is given to photocopy sections for sharing in congregations and worship groups. Groups and communities reading together can gain insight and build upon this common ground for enriching and deepening their own worship experiences. The writing is engaging, educational without being unnecessarily academic or theoretical, and in many ways inspirational, as familiar and traditional things are examined in new ways.

The editor, E. Byron (Ron) Anderson, also contributed several articles to the work. Honesty requires me to declare my bias - he is a friend of mine, and I had several courses with him both as instructor and as his teaching assistant over several years. He was at the time of writing professor of worship and director of community worship at my seminary. He has since gone on to Garrett Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he continues to educate future leaders in the skills and importance of liturgy, worship, spirituality and theology.