Introduction to Christian Worship

Designed as a general introduction to Christian liturgy, this book explores the meaning, history, and practice of worship in Eastern and Western, Catholic and Protestant traditions. Its chapters cover the theology of worship, the historical development of Eucharist and the Prayer Offices, the lectionary and customs of the church year, other sacramental rites, and the use of music and the arts. As such, it is a perfect textbook for students seeking to understand the basics of liturgical worship, as well as a reliable guide for worship leaders.

An Important Study on the Worship of the Early Church This introduction to the origins of Christian worship illuminates the importance of ancient liturgical patterns for contemporary Christian practice. Andrew McGowan takes a fresh approach to understanding how Christians came to worship in the distinctive forms still familiar today. Deftly and expertly processing the bewildering complexity of the ancient sources into lucid, fluent exposition, he sets aside common misperceptions to explore the roots of Christian ritual practices--including the Eucharist, baptism, communal prayer, preaching, Scripture reading, and music--in their earliest recoverable settings. Now in paper.

A resource for everyone engaged in studying and teaching the forms and meaning of Christian worship. Praise for Documents of Christian Worship: "A treasure trove of primary sources, from many Christian traditions, this book contributes to the study and renewal of worship by allowing readers to hear what Christians of the past said they expereinced in worship." --Ruth C. Dick, Professor of Worship, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. "Documents of Christian Worship belongs in Christian libraries

The history of dancing in liturgy ... models for using dance in the eucharist ... and examples of dance consistent with the church year. How to dance. Why to dance. And how dance fits into liturgy. Kane's easy-to-follow format lets you choose the right movement for different parts of worship, much as you would choose the right music. VerEecke shares his personal account as a dancer - a theologian's conception of his art. Gagne provides a historical look at dance in worship and a chronology of the events which have shaped attitudes toward dance. Includes suggested gestures for danced prayer, step-by-step dance movements for use in your church, and many photographs. Inspiring. Informative. Easily reachable. A practical guide - with scholarship to back it up. -- from back cover.

Is a church just something we create to serve our purposes or to maintain old traditions? Or is it something more vital, more meaningful, and more powerful? In this introduction to the nature of the local church, historian and missionary Scott Sunquist brings us a portrait of the church in motion, clarifying the two primary purposes of the church: worship and witness.

Early Christian Worship is a straightforward, readable introduction to worship in the first four centuries of the church's existence. How did early Christians see and understand their own worship? How did this interact with early Christian beliefs? The book has been brought up-to-date and revised, with some chapters rewritten and an updated bibliography. Paul F. Bradshaw is professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, and priest-vicar of Westminster Abbey and a member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission. He is the author or editor of several major books (The Search for the Origins of Christian Worship, Eucharistic Origins, Reconstructing Early Christian Worship, The Study of Liturgy, A Companion to Common Worship, volumes 1 and 2).