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A Primer on Christian Worship: Where We've Been, Where We Are, Where We Can Go (Eerdmans, 2009)

Description
"For all the declarations of advance and creativity made for contemporary worship," William Dyrness says, "the controversies that swirl around it are anything but new. And they call us to reflect on the sources of our inclinations in our current circumstances."

A respected scholar of theology and culture, Dyrness here explores where the
church has been, theologically and historically speaking, and how that shapes —
and needs to shape — where the church will go. He shows how both medieval worship
and Reformation spirituality have continued to determine the development of Christian
worship in both its Catholic and its Protestant forms.

Through accessible language, clear examples, and thoughtful questions for reflection and discussion, Dyrness makes a very vital conversation
about worship available to a wide audience of pastors, worship leaders, and church members.

Author
William A. Dyrness is professor of theology (and past president) of New College Berkeley in California. During his many years of teaching there and at Asian Theological Seminary in Manila, the Philippines, he has wrestled extensively with how to relate the gospel to culture.

Endorsements
A Primer on Christian Worship explores the history and current state of worship with clarity and humility. William Dyrness does not resort to soapboxes but shows careful discernment. As the chapters unfold, one is invited to rethink what we do when we 'tell the story of God's love' each time we gather. At once foundational and practical and visionary, this book will be superb for worship committees that want to think about worship theologically and historically—and want to learn how various styles of worship shape our faith. Those who come to this book with an open mind and heart will finish it knowing they have encountered wisdom.
—C. Michael Hawn, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, and author of Gather into One: Praying and Singing Globally

It is all too rare to find a book that is as practical and useful for the real challenges of congregational worship as it is theologically insightful and richly rooted in church history. The historical theology of Bill Dyrness's Primer on Christian Worship leads clearly to the actual practice of worship without limiting worship by 'style' or other superficial concerns that beset so many congregations. Dyrness's thoughtful, engaging book is enhanced by his clear and warm writing style, the questions for discussion at the end of every chapter, and its well-focused breadth as a useful introduction to the history, shape, and practice of Christian worship.
—Robbie F. Castleman, John Brown University, and author of Parenting in the Pew

CICW Liturgical Studies Series with Eerdmans
This series is designed to promote reflection on the history, theology, and practice of Christian worship and to stimulate worship renewal in Christian congregations. Written by pastoral worship leaders from diverse communities and scholars from a range of disciplines, these volumes seek to nurture worship practices that are at once spiritually vital and theologically rooted. To find all the books in this series, go to Publications and under "Publisher," select "Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing."