REFORMED WORKSHIP & SACRAMENTS
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Richard J. Shaffer Jr.
Phone: (563) 589-3691
Email: rshaffer@dbq.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course in Reformed Worship and Sacraments introduces CLP students to basic scriptural, historical, and theological principles of Christian worship as viewed from a Reformed perspective, with special focus on liturgical practice in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate and/or articulate the following:
• An introductory knowledge of Christian worship from the Reformed perspective;
• An introductory knowledge of the resources available for preparing and planning for worship;
• An ability to plan a worship service with commentary, explaining the theological and liturgical spirit of each major component of the service;
• A knowledge of the sacramental practices of the church;
• An introductory knowledge of the theological principles and practices in funeral and wedding services, as well as an introductory knowledge of resources available for planning these services.
COURSE ASSESSMENT:
In order to successfully complete this course, each student shall do the following:
• Keep up with weekly readings and lectures;
• Participate in each weekly discussion forum;
• Complete an annotated worship service with commentary. This is a final project that demonstrates the student's ability to 1) plan a complete worship service and 2) provide a theological and liturgical explanation for the contents of the service as well as the decision-making process that produced the service.
REQUIRED TEXTS: (Students will need to have these texts available for use throughout the course.)
Bower, Peter C. ed. The Companion to the Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Geneva
Press, 2003.
Byars, Ronald P. Christian Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God. Louisville: Geneva
Press, 2000.
P.C. (U.S.A.) The Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press,
1993.
P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I, The Book of
Confessions [current edition with index] (also available online)
P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of
Order [current edition] (also available online)
SUGGESTED TEXTS: (These texts are not required, but will provide added insight to our conversation.)
Old, Hughes Oliphant. Worship Reformed According to Scripture, revised and expanded
edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
P.C. (U.S.A.) Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal. Louisville: Westminster John Knox
Press, 2013
P.C. (U.S.A.) Book of Occasional Services. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press,
1999.
- Teacher: Richard (Skip) Shaffer