Required Texts:
- Ronald P. Byars, Christian Worship (Louisville: GenevaPress, 2000)
- Book of Common Worship (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993)
- Presbyterian Hymnal (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1990)
- "Directory for Worship", Book of Order (a current edition -- 2004 or later)
This course is a general introduction to Reformed Worship. We will focus on understanding worship historically, theologically and contextually. The course will be taught with a Presbyterian focus, leading toward certification of Commissioned Lay Pastors.
The class will nurture students' facility with designing and leading worship that is authentic and appropriate (Book of Order, W-1.2002) by analyzing and writing liturgical texts, by discussing the role of music in worship (instrumental, congregational, choral), by discussing appropriate actions, movements, gestures and practices in worship services.
?Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God's claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God's service in the world.? Book of Order , W-1.1001
We will focus on understanding worship:
- Historically: how has the church worshipped over the centuries?
- Theologically: what do we believe about worship? how does our worship tell us what we actually do believe?
- Contextually: how do we plan/conduct worship that is attentive to the local congregation?
We will also nurture students' facility with designing and leading woship that is authentic and appropriate ( Book of Order , W-1.2002):
- by analyzing and writing liturgical texts.
- by discussing appropriate movements, gestures, and practices in worship services.
- by discussing the role of music in worship, including instrumental, congregational, and choral music.
We will teach this course with a Presbyterian focus, leading toward certification of Commissioned Lay Pastors. Thus we will be guided by the Directory for Worship in the Book of Order , and will be especially attentive to Presbyterian resources: Book of Common Worship , the Presbyterian Hymnal , and Lift Up Your Hearts . In addition, you will have the opportunity to use LabOra, a very helpful computer resource that is keyed to the Book of Common Worship , and includes the Presbyterian Hymnal , the Directory for Worship , the Book of Occasional Services , and the Bible !!!