Home > Resources > Leadership > Planning Worship
The Worship Planners' Bookshelf
John D. Witvliet, Director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Edward D. Seely, Manager, Ministry Resource Center
January 2004
I. INTRODUCTION
- Books aren't the only type of useful resource, but are still among the best
- Content of books (nearly) always need to be adapted pastorally to local situations
- Books are best read in collaboration for shared learning
- Read some things to savor (quality) and some things to glean (quantity)
- Life is too short and the stakes in ministry are too high to go it alone, without learning from wise mentors, or to settle for second-rate resources.
Our goal today is to promote the habit of ongoing learning, at a sustainable pace, neither feeling like you have to read every book under the sun, but also not missing wonderful and strategic opportunities for learning.
II. INTRODUCING CICW RESOURCES
[view this sample in LibraryThing]A. CICW PUBLICATIONS
B. MINISTRY RESOURCE CENTER
- The MRC is a premier collection of practical resources for all areas of ministry, e.g., Worship Leadership, Youth Ministry, Small Group Ministries, Adult Education, Pastoral Care
- The MRC is unique in drawing from the best products of all Christian publishers.
- The MRC collection contains the finest resources (i.e., consistent with the Bible and historic Christian theology) in the following media: print, audio-visual, and digital.
- The MRC will save you time and money.
- Before spending large amounts of money and time, to purchase materials you're not sure are as good as the marketing purports them to be or attend expensive conferences to examine costly materials, use the MRC to identify and, if you live nearby, examine the resources that will best match your ministry needs.
- Limited circulation insures representative resources always will be available for examination.
- To find what you need begin at the MRC with the computer's user friendly database search screens.
- All the materials are quickly located and much other information is given as well.
- Annotations quickly inform users as to the subject matter of the resource and the following information:
- Any special features, e.g., a leader's guide with an accompanying video
- The audience envisioned: what specific ministries could use this resource
- Any caveats to consider
- If you don't live in this area, you and other church leaders all over the world are able to see what resources Calvin recommends for every area of ministry via the Internet.
- When using the MRC, save time by beginning with the computer: the entire database of the MRC is online.
- On the toolbar click Search the MRC, then click Browse.
- A quick look at the Browse page gives an overview of many, but not all, of the MRC's main categories.
- Refine your search by clicking on Basic Search or Advanced Search.
- E-mail or write for help 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays: amanda.drost@calvin.edu (616) 526-8731 or edward.seely@calvin.edu (616) 526-8865. While you're on campus, let us help you find a specific resource for an area of interest and/or need you have now and become familiar with the MRC for future planning.
- Sample Worship Resources in the MRC Classified by Subject Area:
|
Category |
Number in MRC (as of 1/19/04) |
Example |
Notes |
|
Arts (visual) in Worship |
8 |
Imaging the Word: An Arts and Lectionary Resource by Kenneth T. Lawrence, ed. |
|
|
Children's Worship |
15 |
Forbid Them Not: Involving Children in Sunday Worship by Carolyn C. Brown |
|
|
Dance |
31 |
Introducing Dance in Christian Worship by Ronald Gagne et al. |
|
|
Disability Ministries and Worship |
4 |
Breaking Barriers |
|
|
Drama |
65 |
Dramas with a Message: 21 Reproducible Dramatic Sketches for the Local Church, by Doug Fagerstrom |
|
|
Family Worship |
170 |
See materials on display in the MRC during each season, in person or on the web site. See also Celebrate Jesus! at Easter: Family Devotions for Ash Wednesday through Easter by Kimberly Ingalls Reese |
|
|
Global Worship |
12 |
Think Globally, Sing Locally from the Iona Community |
|
|
Healing |
21 |
They Will See His Face: Worship and Healing by Richard C. Eyer |
|
|
History of Worship |
18 |
Christian History journal and Glimpses bulletin inserts |
|
|
Homiletic Resources |
23 |
The Preaching Life by Barbara Brown Taylor; Soon Coming: Watch for a recommended reading list by CTS President Neal Plantinga that will be posted on the MRC web site. |
|
|
Hospitality |
14 |
Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine Pohl |
|
|
Intergenerational Worship |
11 |
Intergenerational Liturgies of the Word |
|
|
Justice |
18 |
Loving Justice: God's Acceptable Worship: 12 Studies for Individuals or Groups by Bob and Carol Hunter |
|
|
Lectionary |
45 |
The New Handbook of the Christian Year by Hoyt L. Hickman et al. |
|
|
Liturgy |
164 |
Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration, Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities 2004 |
|
|
Multi-sensory Worship |
2 |
Handbook for Multi-sensory Worship by Kim Miller and the Ginghamsburg Church Worship Team |
|
|
Music |
161 |
The New Worship: Straight Talk on Music and the Church by Barry Liesch and CDs such as Music for the NOVEMBER FEASTS |
|
|
Occasional Services |
9 |
Book of Occasional Services: A Liturgical Resource Supplementing the Book of Common Worship, 1993 by the Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); The Book of Occasional Services 1994 by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church; and Occasional Services: A Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship |
|
|
Pastoral Care in Worship |
25 |
Worship as Pastoral Care by William H. Willimon |
|
|
Personal Devotions |
146 |
See materials on display in the MRC during each season, in person or on the web site. |
|
|
Prayer |
224 |
Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old |
|
|
Sacraments |
11 |
The Meaning of Mystery: Baptism and Communion by Lisa Hansen-Trice |
|
|
Scripture Reading |
14 |
Let the Scriptures Speak: Reflections on the Sunday Readings by Dennis Hamm |
|
|
Seasons |
25 |
Sacred Seasons: A Journey through the Church Year by Brett Webb-Mitchell & Diane Archer. See also materials on display in the MRC during each season, in person or on the web site. |
|
|
Space |
13 |
From Meetinghouse to Megachurch: A Material and Cultural History by Anne C. Loveland and Otis B. Wheeler |
|
|
Styles of Worship |
21 |
The Worship Maze: Finding a Style to Fit Your Church by Paul Basden and Beyond the Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship by Thomas G. Long |
|
|
Technology of Worship |
8 |
High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely by Quentin J. Schultze |
|
|
Theology of Worship |
21 |
Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship by David Peterson |
|
|
Youth Worship |
59 |
The Book of Uncommon Prayer: Contemplative and Celebratory Prayers and Worship Services for Youth Ministry by Steven L. Case |
|
|
Worship Leading |
7 |
Preaching and Leading Worship by William H. Willimon |
|
|
Worship Planning |
23 |
So You've Been Asked to…Plan a Worship Service; Our Father in Heaven: Christian Faith and Inclusive Language for God by John Cooper; A Liturgist's Guide to Inclusive Language by Ronald D. Witherup |
CICW Recommends:
A Sampling of Top-Tier Worship-Related Resources
** CICW Publication
+ Symposium 2004 Presenter
I. BOOKS ON WORSHIP FOR ALL INTERESTED WORSHIPERS
A list of must-haves for all church libraries, church staff libraries, books to recommend to choir members, and other volunteers, church retreats, general adult or children's education . . .
A. For Adults
- **Authentic Worship in a Changing Culture (CRC Publications, 1997).
- Robert Benson, That We May Perfectly Love Thee: Preparing Our Hearts for the Eucharist (Paraclete Press, 2002).
- Robbie Castleman, Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship (InterVarsity, 2002).
- Andrew Wilson-Dickson, The Story of Christian Worship: From Gregorian Chant to Black Gospel, An Illustrated Guide to All the Major Traditions of Music in Worship (A Lion Book, 1992).
- **+Neal Plantinga and Sue Rozeboom, Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Worship Today (Eerdmans, 2003).
- Matt Redman, The Unquenchable Worshiper: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship (Regal, 2001).
- N.T. Wright, For All God's Worth: True Worship and the Calling of the Church (Eerdmans, 1997).
- N.T. Wright, The Meal Jesus Gave Us: Understanding Holy Communion (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1999).
- **So You've Been Asked To Series (Faith Alive)
- Lead a Worship Service
- Sing a Solo
- Plan a Worship Service
- Design Visuals for Worship
- Read Scripture
- Lead in Prayer
- Develop a Worship Team
- Give the Children's Message
- Lead Congregational Singing
- Present a Group Reading
- Greet or Usher
B. For Children
- Carole Lea Arenson and Eric M. Ledesma (illustrator), Boots the Church Cat (Choristers Guild, 1998).
- Ruth L. Boling, Come Worship With Me: A Journey through the Church Year (Geneva Press, 2001).
- Herbert F. Brokering and Preston McDaniels (illustrator), Earth and All Stars (Morehouse Publishing, 2002).
- Gail Ramshaw and Judy Jarrett (illustrator), Every Day and Sunday, Too (Augsburg, 1996).
- Gail Ramshaw and Christine M. Winn (illustrator), 1, 2, 3, Church (Augsburg, 1996).
- Julie Stiegemeyer and Kathy Mitter (illustrator), Things I Hear in Church (Concordia, 2002).
- Julie Stiegemeyer and Kathy Mitter (illustrator), Things I Do in Church (Concordia, 2002).
C. Reference Books for Church Libraries
- One hymnal handbook: e.g., **Psalter Hymnal Handbook (Faith Alive, 1998); or your denomination's/hymnal's handbook.
- +Robert E. Webber, ed., Complete Library of Christian Worship (Hendrickson, 1992).
- Paul E. Bradshaw ed., New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship (Westminster/ John Knox Press, 2002).
II. HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON WORSHIP
. . . perhaps one book per year (or half-year) for every worship committee, worship team, worship group, professional support group, etc.
A. On What the Bible Teaches about Worship
- Walter Brueggemann, The Psalms & the Life of Faith (Augsburg, 1995); Israel's Praise: Doxology against Idolatry against Ideology (Fortress Press, 1988).
- Philip D. Kenneson, Life on The Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community (InterVarsity, 1999).
- Tremper Longman III, Immanuel in Our Place: Seeking Christ in Israel's Worship (P&R Publishing, 2001).
- +David Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship (InterVarsity, 1992).
- Marianne Meye Thompson, The God of the Gospel of John (Eerdmans, 2001).
B. Theological Perspectives on Worship—for broad evangelical and ecumenical use
- Harold M. Best, Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts (InterVarsity, 2003).
- Timothy L. Carson, Transforming Worship (Chalice Press, 2003).
- Marva Dawn, A Royal Waste of Time (Eerdmans, 1999) and How Shall We Worship? (Tyndale, 2003).
- Thomas Long, Beyond the Worship Wars (Alban Institute, 2001).
- F. Russell Mitman, Worship in the Shape of Scripture (Pilgrim Press, 2001).
- **+Neal Plantinga and Sue Rozeboom, Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking about Christian Worship Today (Eerdmans, 2003).
- Don E. Saliers, Worship as Theology: Foretaste of Glory Divine (Abingdon, 1994); Worship Come to Its Senses (Abingdon, 1996).
- Clayton Schmit, Too Deep for Words: A Theology of Liturgical Expression (Westminster John Knox Press, 2002).
- Frank C. Senn, New Creation: A Liturgical Worldview (Fortress Press, 2000).
- Paul J. Wadell, Becoming Friends: Worship, Justice and the Practice of Christian Friendship (Brazos Press, 2003).
C. Perspectives on Word and Sacraments (as opposed to how-to)
- Maxwell E. Johnson, Forum Essays 6: Images of Baptism (Liturgy Training Publications, 2001).
- +Arthur R. Just, The Ongoing Feast: Table Fellowship and Eschatology at Emmaus (Liturgical Press, 1993).
- Richard Lischer, ed., The Company of Preachers: Wisdom on Preaching Augustine to the Present (Eerdmans, 2002).
- John W. Riggs, Baptism in the Reformed Tradition: An Historical and Practical Theology (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2002).
- Laurence Stookey, Baptism: Christ's Act in the Church (Abingdon, 1982); and Eucharist: Christ's Feast with the Church (Abingdon Press, 1993)
- +Robert E. Webber, Journey to Jesus: The Worship, Evangelism, and Nurture Mission of the Church (Abingdon, 2001).
- James F. White, The Sacraments as God's Self-Giving (Abingdon Press, 2001).
- William H. Willimon, Remember Who You Are: Baptism, a Model for Christian Life (The Upper Room, 1980).
D. History of Christian Worship
- Paul Bradshaw, Early Christian Worship: A Basic Introduction to Ideas and Practice (The Liturgical Press, 1996).
- **+Karin Maag and John D. Witvliet, eds., Continuity and Change (University of Notre Dame, 2004).
- Robb Redman, The Great Worship Awakening: Singing a New Song in the Postmodern Church (Jossey-Bass, 2002).
- Frank C. Senn, Christian Liturgy: Catholic and Evangelical (Augsburg, 1997).
- +Robert Webber, Worship Old and New (Zondervan, 1994).
- Paul Westermeyer, Te Deum: The Church and Music (Fortress Press, 1998).
- James F. White, A Brief History of Christian Worship (Abingdon, 1993); Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transition (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989).
- Susan White, A History of Women in Christian Worship (Pilgrim Press, 2003).
E. Worship in the Reformed Tradition (History, Theology)
- D. A. Carson, ed., Worship by the Book (Zondervan, 2002).
- Michael Horton, A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship (Baker Books, 2002).
- Hughes Oliphant Old, Worship: Reformed According to Scripture (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2002).
- Graham Redding, Prayer and the Priesthood of Christ in the Reformed Tradition (T&T Clark, 2003).
- Philip Graham Ryken, Derek W. H. Thomas, and J. Ligon Duncan III, eds., Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reformed Worship (P&R Publishing, 2003).
- James B. Torrance, Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace (InterVarsity, 1996).
- **Lukas Vischer, ed., Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present (Eerdmans, 2003).
- **+John D. Witvliet, Worship Seeking Understanding (Baker Academic, 2003).
F. Contemporary Context of Ministry
- +Craig Barnes, Searching for Home (Brazos Press, 2003).
- Todd E. Johnson, ed., The Conviction of Things Not Seen: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century (Brazos, 2002).
- Brian McClaren, A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey (Jossey-Bass, 2001).
- +Robert E. Webber, The Younger Evangelicals (Baker Books, 2002).
G. Global Scope
- **C. Michael Hawn, Gather Into One: Praying and Singing Globally (Eerdmans, 2003).
- Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid, Diverse Worship: African-American, Caribbean and Hispanic Perspectives (InterVarsity, 2000).
- **Lukas Vischer, ed., Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present (Eerdmans, 2003).
III. WORSHIP PLANNING RESOURCES
Basic worship planning library might include 1-2 key resources in each of the following areas.
A. Texts
- Foundational Resources
- **Reformed Worship (CRC Publications, quarterly journal)
**The Worship Sourcebook (Faith Alive Publications/Baker Books/CICW, 2004)
**+Ron Rienstra, Ten Service Plans for Contemporary Worship (CRC Publications, 2002).
Your denomination's official texts, plus at least two other denomination's texts, for reference:
Book of Common Worship (PCUSA/Westminster John Knox Press, 1993).
Book of Common Order (Church of Scotland).
Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal/Church Hymnal Coporation, 1979).
Book of Worship: United Church of Christ (United Church of Christ, 1986).
Chalice Worship (Disciples of Christ/Chalice Press, 1997).
Lutheran Book of Worship (Lutheran/Augsburg, 1978).
Prayers for Pastor and People (Episcopal/Church Hymnal Corporation, 1984).
The Roman Missal: The Sacramentary (Catholic Book Publishing, 1974).
The United Methodist Book of Worship (United Methodist Publishing House, 1992).
- **Reformed Worship 24 (CRC Publications, June 1992). Theme issue on funerals.
**Leonard Vander Zee, In Life and In Death (Faith Alive Publications, 1992).
**Reformed Worship 16 and 54 (CRC Publications). Theme issue on Christian marriage.
- **Reformed Worship (CRC Publications, quarterly journal)
- Christian Year/Seasonal Resources
- Hoyt Hickman, Don Saliers, Laurence Stookey, and James White, The New Handbook of the Christian Year (Abingdon, 1992).
- Other Supplemental Resources
- Iona: A Wee Worship Book (GIA Publications, 1999), There Is One Among Us (GIA Publications, 1998), Kathy Galloway, ed., The Pattern of Our Days: Worship in the Celtic Tradition from the Iona Community (Paulist Press, 1996).
- Taizé: Songs and Prayers from Taizé (GIA Publications, 1991).
- Reformed Sources: Belonging to God: Catechism Resources for Worship (Geneva Press, 2003); Martha S. Gilliss, ed., Let Us Pray: Reformed Prayers for Christian Worship (Geneva Press, 2002).
- Anthologies: The Complete Book of Christian Prayer (Continuum, 2000).
B. Art and Environment
See presentation by Betsy Steele Halstead. Visit www.calvin.edu/worship/visual_arts/resources/book.php.
C. Drama
**Scripture Alive: Dramatic Readings from Scripture (CRC Publications)—15 titles
**Noel Series: Dramas for Advent and Christmas (CRC Publications)—5 titles
D. Congregational Song
A great $100 library would include 2-3 denominational hymnals, 1 major non-denominational hymnal, one children's songbook or hymnal, 1-2 good recent composite supplements, and perhaps 3-4 collections of repertoire from sources that represent various communities, authors, styles.
- Your denomination's official hymnal, plus at least two other denomination's hymnal, for reference:
To order hymnbooks call 1-800-THE-HYMN or browse their website, www.thehymnsociety.org.- Anglican Church of Canada: Common Praise (1998)
Baptist: The Baptist Hymnal (1991)
Brethren/Mennonite: Hymnal: A Worship Book (1992)
Christian Church, Disciples of Christ: Chalice Hymnal (1995)
Christian Reformed: Psalter Hymnal (1988)
Episcopal: The Hymnal 1982
Lutheran, ELCA: Lutheran Book of Worship (1978); This Far By Faith (African-American Hymnal)
Lutheran, Missouri Synod: Lutheran Worship (1981)
Lutheran, Wisconsin Synod: Christian Worship (1993)
Mennonite Brethren: Worship Together (1995)
Moravian: Moravian Book of Worship (1995)
Presbyterian Church of America/Orthodox Presbyterian Church (PCA/OPC): Trinity Hymnal (1990)
Presbyterian Church in Canada: The Book of Praise (1998)
Presbyterian Church in the US (PCUSA): Presbyterian Hymnal (1990)
Roman Catholic: Lead Me, Guide Me (1987) African-American, Gather (1988, 1994), Gather Comprehensive (1994), Ritual Song (1996), Glory and Praise, 2nd edition (1997), We Celebrate (1997), Catholic Community Hymnal (1999), Worship III (1986)
United Church of Canada: Voices United (1996)
United Church of Christ: New Century Hymnal (1995)
United Methodist: The United Methodist Hymnal (1989); Psalms for Praise and Worship (1992)
- Anglican Church of Canada: Common Praise (1998)
- Children's hymnals
- All God's People Sing (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1992)
Rise Up and Sing: Young People's Music Resource (Portland, OR: OCP Publications, 1992).
**Songs for LiFE (Living in Faith Everyday curriculum resource), Emily Brink, ed.(Grand Rapids: CRC Publications, 1994)
To God with Love, William S. Haynie and Barbara B. Bartlett, eds. (Kingston, NY: Selah Publishing Co., Inc., 1995).
We Sing of God: A Hymnal for Children, Robert N. Roth and Nancy L. Roth, eds. (New York: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1989).
- All God's People Sing (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1992)
- Supplemental composite books
- +Robert Webber, Renew! A Hymnal for Blended Worship. Accompaniment Edition (Hope Publishing, 1995).
**Sing! A New Creation (CRC Publications, 2001)
Hymns for the Gospels (GIA, 2001)
- +Robert Webber, Renew! A Hymnal for Blended Worship. Accompaniment Edition (Hope Publishing, 1995).
- Books that represent particular styles, repertoire, authors—samples:
Taize: Songs from Taizé, Songs for Prayer, Songs and Prayers from Taizé; to order see www.giamusic.com or call 1-800-GIA-1358
Iona: One Is the Body: Songs of Unity and Diversity (John L. Bell), Wee Worship Book, A (Iona Community; John L. Bell), Many and Great (John L. Bell; Graham Maule), Sent by the Lord (Iona Community), Come All You People: Shorter Songs for Worship (Iona Community [John L. Bell]); to order see www.giamusic.com or call 1-800-GIA-1358
Contemporary Praise and Worship: composite volumes Songs for Praise & Worship, More Songs for Praise & Worship, More Songs for Praise & Worship 2, or collections from Vineyard, Hillsongs, etc.
A Sampling of Single Author Collections (1-800-THE-HYMN), by such writers as Carl Daw, Richard Leach, Joy Patterson, Herman Steumpfle, Thomas Troeger, etc.
IV. BOOKS FOR THOSE WITH ROLES IN WORSHIP MINISTRY
A. Preachers (books that explore the link between preaching and worship)
Susan A. Blain, ed., Imaging the Word: An Arts and Lectionary Based Resource (United Church
Press, 1996).
David M. Greenhaw and Ronald J. Allen, eds., Preaching in the Context of Worship (Chalice Press,
2000).
G. Robert Jacks, Just Say the Word! Writing for the Ear (Eerdmans, 1996).
Mark Pryce, Literary Companion to the Lectionary: Readings throughout the Church Year (Fortress
Press, 2001).
William Skudlarek, The Word in Worship: Preaching in a Liturgical Context (Abingdon, 1981).
B. Writers (those who prepare prayers, etc.)
Ruth Duck, Finding Words for Worship: A Guide for Leaders (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1995).
H. O. Old, Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship (Eerdmans, 1995).
Laurence Stookey, Let the Whole Church Say Amen! : A Guide for Those who Pray in Public
(Abingdon Press, 2001).
C. Scripture Readers
G. Robert Jacks, Getting the Word Across: Speech Communication for Pastors and Lay Leaders
(Eerdmans, 1995).
Clayton J. Schmit, Public Reading of Scripture: A Handbook (Abingdon, 2002).
Harvey Smit, So You've Been Asked To Read Scripture (CRC Publications)
D. Musicians (books about music, rather than music itself)
John Bell, The Singing Thing: A Case for Congregational Song (Wild Goose Publishing, 2000).
Randall Bradley, From Postlude to Prelude: Music Ministry's Other Six Days (MorningStar, 2004).
Robert Buckley Farlee, ed., Leading the Church's Song (Augsburg, 1999).
David Cherwien, Let the People Sing (Concordia Publishing, 1997).
David Haas, The Ministry and Mission of Sung Prayer (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2002).
C. Michael Hawn, Gather Into One: Praying and Singing Globally (Eerdmans, 2003).
Gabe Huck, How Can I Keep From Singing: Thoughts about Liturgy for Musicians (Liturgy Training
Press, 1989).
Calvin M. Johansson, Discipling Music Ministry: Twenty-first Century Directions (Hendrickson
Publishers, 1992).
J. Wendell Mapson, Jr., The Ministry of Music in the BlackChurch (Judson Press, 1984).
Paul Westermeyer, The Church Musician (Augsburg Fortress, 1997).
Brian Wren, Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song (Westminster/John Knox
Press, 2000).
E. Engaging Children in Worship
Carolyn C. Brown, You Can Preach to Kids Too! (Abingdon, 1997)
Robbie Castleman, Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship
(InterVarsity, 2002).
Dorothy Henderson, 45 Ways to Involve Children in Worship: Ideas for Worship Planners, Worship
Leaders, and Parents (Presbyterian Church in Canada, 1997).
Lift Up Your Hands: An Introduction to Signing in Children and Worship (Presbyterian Church in
Canada, 1999) [video].
O. Suthern Sims Jr., Creating and Leading Children's Sermons: A Developmental Approach (Smyth
& Helwys, 1999).
**+John D. Witvliet, A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship (Choristers Guild, 1999).
F. Technology Ministries
+Eileen Crowley, Liturgical Art for a Media Culture (Liturgical Press, 2004).
Richard R. Gaillardetz, Transforming Our Days: Spirituality, Community and Liturgy in a
Technological Culture (Crossroad Publishing Company, 2000).
**+Quentin J. Schultze, High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely (Baker,
2004); Habits of the High-Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age (Baker,
2002).
Susan J. White, Christian Worship and Technological Change (Abingdon, 1994).
G. Artists: See presentation by Betsy Steele Halstead, www.calvin.edu/worship/visual_arts/resources/book.php.
V. WORSHIP AND THE CHURCH'S MINISTRIES
Probe the connection between worship and each ministry of the church!
A. Adult Education
Dorothy C. Bass, ed., Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People (Jossey-Bass,
1997).
Dorothy C. Bass, Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift of Time (Jossey-
Bass, 2000).
Marva Dawn, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting (Eerdmans,
1989).
Craig Dykstra, Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practices (Geneva Press,
1999).
B. Worship and Outreach
Patrick R. Keifert, Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism
(Fortress Press, 1992).
Barry Liesch, The New Worship: Straight Talk on Music and the Church (Baker Books, 1996).
Sally Morgenthaler, Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers into the Presence of God
(Zondervan, 1995).
+Christine D. Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition (Eerdmans, 1999).
+Robert E. Webber, Ancient-Future Evangelism: Making Your Church a Faith-Forming Community
(Baker, 2003).
C. Worship and Pastoral Care
Herbert Anderson and Edward Foley, Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals: Weaving Together the
Human and Divine (Jossey-Bass, 1998).
Elaine Ramshaw, Ritual and Pastoral Care (Fortress Press, 1987).
Howard W. Roberts, Pastoral Care Through Worship (Smyth & Helwys, 1995).
William H. Willimon, Worship as Pastoral Care (Abingdon, 1979).
D. Worship and Social Justice
Anne Y. Koester ed., Liturgy and Justice: To Worship God in Spirit and Truth (Liturgical Press,
2002).
Steven Larson, H. Paul Santmire, Samuel Torvend, What Are the Ethical Implications of Worship?
(Augsburg Fortress, 1996).
+Christine D. Pohl, Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition (Eerdmans, 1999).
Harmon L. Smith, Where Two or Three are Gathered: Liturgy and the Moral Life (Pilgrim Press,
1995).
William H. Willimon, The Service of God: How Worship and Ethics are Related (Abingdon, 1983).
John Howard Yoder, Body Politics: Five Practices of the Christian Community Before the Watching
World (Herald Press, 2001).
E. Worship and Prayer Ministry
Arthur Paul Boers, The Rhythm of God's Grace: Uncovering Morning and Evening Hours of Prayer
(Paraclete Press, 2003).
James Houston, The Transforming Power of Prayer: Deepening Your Friendship with God
(NavPress, 1996.)
Douglas A. Kamstra, The Praying Church: Idea Book (CRC Publications, 2001).
Diane Karay Tripp, ed., Prayers from the Reformed Tradition: In the Company of a Great Cloud of
Witnesses (Witherspoon Press, 2001).
Alvin J. Vander Griend, The Praying Church Sourcebook (CRC Publications, 1997).
F. Worship and Youth Ministry
Dorothy C. Bass and Don C. Richter, Way to Live: Christian Practices for Teens (Upper Room,
2002).
+Aimee Wallis Buchanan, Bill Buchanan, and Jodi B. Martin, Making Worship Real (Geneva Press,
2001)
Jon Middendorf, Worship-Centered Youth Ministry: A Compass for Guiding Youth into God's Story
(Beacon Hill Press, 2000).
**+Jane Vogel and Mary Sytsma, Sunday Morning Live (CRC Publications, 2003).
G. Worship and Disability Ministries
Elaine Costello, Religious Signing (Bantam Books, 1986).
Ann Rose Davie, That All May Worship: An Interfaith Welcome to People with Disabilities (National
Organization on Disability, 1992).
Nancy L. Eisland and Don E. Saliers, eds., Human Disability and the Service of God: Reassessing
Religious Practice (Abingdon, 1998).
Steward D. Govig, Strong at the Broken Places: Persons With Disabilities and the Church
(Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989).
Mary Therese Harrington, A Place for All: Mental Retardation, Catechesis, and Liturgy (The
Liturgical Press, 1992).
Gene Newman and Joni Eareckson Tada, All God's Children: Ministry to the Disabled (Zondervan,
1987).
Okhuijsen and Cees van Opzeeland, In Heaven There Are No Thunderstorms: Celebrating the
Liturgy with Developmentally Disabled People (The Liturgical Press, 1992).
H. Leadership
Arthur Paul Boers, Never Call Them Jerks (Alban, 1999).
Gilbert R. Rendle, The Multigenerational Congregation: Meeting the Leadership Challenge (Alban,
2002).
Anthony B. Robinson, Transforming Congregational Culture (Eerdmans, 2003).
Peter L. Steinke, Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach (Alban, 1996).
Paul Tokunaga, Invitation to Lead: Guidance for Emerging Asian American Leaders (InterVarsity,
2003).
William H. Willimon, Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry (Abingdon, 2002).
VI. PARTICULAR TYPES OF CONGREGATIONS
Explore the unique challenges and opportunities of worship in particular kinds of congregations.
African-American Congregations
+James Abbington, ed., Readings in AfricanAmericanChurch Music and Worship (GIA
Publications, 2001); Let Mt. Zion Rejoice! Music in the AfricanAmericanChurch (Judson
Press, 2001).
+Linda H. Hollies, Trumpet in Zion: BlackChurch Worship Resources (Pilgrim Press, 2001).
Melva Wilson Costen, African American Christian Worship (Abingdon Press, 1993).
+Melva Costen and Darius L. Swann, The Black Christian Worship Experience. Black Church
Scholar Series, vol. IV (ITC Press, 1992).
Mark R. Francis, Liturgy in a Multi-Cultural Community (Liturgical Press, 1991); Hymns from the
Four Winds: A Collection of Asian American Hymns (Abingdon Press, 1983).
William B. McClain, The Soul of Black Worship (Multi-Ethnic Center, Drew University, 1980);
Come Sunday: The Liturgy of Zion (Abingdon Press, 1990).
J. Wendell Mopson Jr., The Ministry of Music in the BlackChurch(Judson Press, 1984).
African-American Hymnals: available at 1-800-THE-HYMN
African American Heritage Hymnal (GIA, 2001)
This Far By Faith (Augsburg, 1999)
Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1993)
Lead Me, Guide Me (GIA, 1987)
Songs of Zion (Abingdon, 1981)
Asian-American Congregations
Seong-Won Park, Worship in the Presbyterian Church in Korea: Its History and Implications (Peter
Lang, 2001).
Paul Tokunaga, Invitation to Lead: Guidance for Emerging Asian American Leaders (InterVarsity,
2003).
_____, Come, Let Us Worship (Geneva Press, 2001).
Also Korean resources at http://www.calvin.edu/worship/global/multilingual/
Spanish-Speaking Congregations
Virgilio P. Elizando and Timothy M. Matovina, Mestizo Worship: A Pastoral Approach to Liturgical
Ministry (Liturgical Press, 1998).
Justo González, ed., ¡Alabadle!: Hispanic Christian Worship (Abingdon Press, 1996).
_____, Libro de Liturgia y Cántico (Augsburg, 1998).
_____, Mil Voces Para Celebrar: Himnario Metodista (Abingdon Press, 1996).
Also Spanish resources at http://www.calvin.edu/worship/global/multilingual/
Spanish Language Hymnals: available at 1-800-THE-HYMN
Cantemos Al Senor, staff of Our Sunday Visitor, eds. (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., 1975), El Pueblo de Dios Canta (1989); Flor y Canto (1989; 2nd ed. 2001); Todos Las Voces (1989); Himnos de Vida y Luz (1990); ¡Cantad al Senor! (1991); Celebremos su Gloria (1992); Mil Voces Para Celebrar (1996); El Himnario (1998); Libro de Liturgia y Cantico (1998)
Smaller Churches
David R. Ray, Wonderful Worship in Smaller Churches (Pilgrim Press, 2000).
Multi-Cultural Congregations
Brenda Eatman Aghahowa, Praising in Black and White: Unity and Diversity in Christian Worship
(United Church Press, 1996).
Kathy Black, Culturally-Conscious Worship (Chalice Press, 2000); Worship Across Cultures: A
Handbook (Abingdon Press, 1998).
Brian K. Blount and Leonora Tubbs Tisdale, eds., Making Room at the Table: An Invitation to
Multicultural Worship (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2001).
C. Michael Hawn, One Bread, One Body: Exploring Cultural Diversity in Worship (Alban Institute,
2003).
R. Mark Liebenow, And Everyone Shall Praise: Resources for Multicultural Worship (United Church
Press, 1999).
VII. THE “Whatever Is Lovely, Think on These Things” LIST
A. Classics—books to savor and re-read, books on worship that don't go out of style
Anthologies
R.C.D. Jasper and G. J. Cuming, Prayers of the Eucharist: Early and Reformed (Pueblo, 1987).
Early Church
Augustine, The Confessions, Maria Boulding, trans. (Vintage Books, 1998).
Basil, On the Holy Spirit, David Anderson, trans. (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1980).
Egeria's Travels, John Wilkinson, trans. (S.P.C.K., 1971).
Reformation Traditions
John Calvin, Commentary on the Psalms, Arthur Golding, trans., T. H. L. Parker, ed. (James
Clarke, 1965).
Charles Wesley, see S. T. Kimbrough Jr., A Heart to Praise My God: Wesley Hymns for Today (Abingdon, 1996).
Modern Sources
Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry (World Council of Churches, 1990).
D. Bonhoeffer, Life Together: Prayer Book of the Bible (esp. pp. 57-68) (Fortress Press, 1996).
A. Schmemann, For the Life of the World (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1988).
J. J. von Allmen, Worship: Its Theology and Practice (Oxford University Press, 1965).
Austin Flannery, O.P., ed., Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents
(Eerdmans, 1992).
Vatican II reports: available on-line at http://www.vatican.va/archive/
B. Contemporary Scripture-Text Treatments (great for pastors, worship leaders to study together)
Psalms 121-134 Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an
Instant Society (InterVarsity, 2000).
Isaiah 60 Richard Mouw, When the Kings Come Marching In: Isaiah and the New
Jerusalem (Eerdmans, 2002).
Jesus' Parables Robert Farrar Capon, Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and
Vindication in the Parables of Jesus (Eerdmans, 2002).
Gospel of John Leslie Newbigin, The Light Has Come: An Exposition of the Fourth Gospel
(Eerdmans, 1982).
Romans Gordon D. Fee, God's Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of
Paul (Hendrickson, 1994).
2 Cor. 2-5, John N.T. Wright, Reflecting the Glory (Augsburg, 1998).
Revelation Eugene Peterson, Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying
Imagination (Harper & Row, 1988).
C. Top “High-Octane, Have-the-Luxury-to-Read-an-Academic-Book” Booklist
- Jeremy Begbie, Theology, Music and Time (Cambridge, 2000).
- William T. Cavanaugh, Torture and Eucharist: Challenges in Contemporary Theology (Blackwell, 1998).
- Ellen T. Charry, By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine (Oxford, 1997).
- Eamon Duffy, The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England 1400-1580 (Yale, 1992).
- Christopher Elwood, The Body Broken: The Calvinist Doctrine of the Eucharist and the Symbolization of Power in Sixteenth-Century France (Oxford, 1999).
- David F. Ford, Self and Salvation: Being Transformed (Cambridge University, 1999).
- Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity (Oxford, 2002).
- David K. Naugle, Worldview: History of a Concept (Eerdmans, 2002).
- Gordon W. Lathrop, Holy Things: A Liturgical Theology (Augsburg, 1993); Holy People: A Liturgical Ecclesiology (Augsburg, 1999); Holy Ground: A Liturgical Cosmology (Augsburg, 2003).
- Leigh Eric Schmidt, Holy Fairs: Scottish Communions and American Revivals in the Early Modern Period (Princeton, 1989).
- Calvin Seerveld, Rainbows for the Fallen World (Toronto: Tuppence Press, 1980).
- Bryan Spinks, Sacraments, Ceremonies and the Stuart Divines: Sacramental Theology and Liturgy in England and Scotland 1603-1662 (Ashgate, 2002).
- **Calvin R. Stapert, My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach (Eerdmans, 2000).
- Geoffrey Wainwright, Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine, and Life (Oxford, 1980).
- Andrew F. Walls, The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History (T&T Clark, 2002).
For an extensive bibliography of other worship resources, see www.calvin.edu/worship/leader and www.iwsfla.org/flabibl.htm and www.library.vanderbilt.edu/divinity/bibliographies/Liturgics2004.pdf.![]()

