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Worship Words: Discipling Language for Faithful Ministry
(Baker Academic, 2008)
Basic Description
Words have great significance. They both form and inform us. They convey meaning and shape understanding. They express our highest thoughts and our deepest emotions. But because of their ubiquity, words are easily taken for granted. In Worship Words, the third volume in the Engaging Worship series, English professor Debra Rienstra and pastor/worship leader Ron Rienstra make a careful examination of the role and use of language in the worship practices of the church. Their goal is to help students, pastors, and worship leaders come to a renewed appreciation and understanding of words in worship and to inspire them to use words more intentionally--to the greater glory of God and the greater blessing of God's people.
The book is scholarly--the result of much field research and theological reflection--but also highly practical. Its topics include dimensions of language, repetition, authenticity, metaphor, tradition, lament, and worship planning. It is ecumenical in scope, demonstrating understanding and appreciation for various branches of the church while addressing important questions that cut across worship styles and theological and ecclesial traditions. Each chapter includes group discussion questions and exercises for evaluating and creating worship service elements.
Authors
Debra Rienstra is assistant professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has taught on worship in both workshops and seminary settings. Debra is the author of Great with Child: On Becoming a Mother and So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality.
Ron Rienstra is assistant professor of preaching and worship at Western Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America. He is currently completing the PhD program in worship and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous articles in Reformed Worship and scholarly journals.