Books for Worship Committees & Church Libraries

The following books are suggested for general congregational use.  They will introduce the community to a full range of resources focused on visual arts, theology, and worship.  They move from easy access of images for your next newsletter to resources on Christianity and the arts.

Hunter, Lynn Joyce (ed)
Graphics for Worship 2.0 (CD-Rom)
Minneapolis, MN:  Augsburg Fortress, 1999

Designed for those times when easy access to images is needed, quickly!  Artists such as Steve Erspamer and Tanja Butler are represented on this disk containing over 350 higher quality visual images which can be used for bulletin covers, PowerPoint presentations, newsletters, posters, etc.
XX(752531.1)

Though this book is out of print it is worth searching for a used copy or going regularly to the library and checking out.  With character and playfulness Siegl's woodcuts bring to life over a hundred images from Old Testament stories.  Organized by books and scripture references. 
Black and white, 117 pages.
Other publications include Clip Art:  Block Prints for Sundays, Cycle A, B, C (1990).

Halstead, Elizabeth Steele
Visuals for Worship
Grand Rapids, MI:  Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2006

This publication combines images with their theological and historical background and biblical references. Although it can be used on its own, Visuals for Worship is organized around The Worship Sourcebook sections—providing churches with practical, visual images to enhance their use of the Sourcebook. A CD-ROM for downloading images and other material is also included.
Black and white, 117 pages.

Chinn, Nancy
Spaces for Spirit:  Adorning the Church
Chicago, IL:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1998

Chinn talks of the process of doing art and the practicalities of forming an art committee, but more importantly, she looks at why using the visual arts would benefit the church and enhance worship.  The use of case studies is helpful and the wide variety of ideas can be tailored to any size church.  Studying this book in a group setting, along with William Dyrness' Visual Faith: Art, Theology and Worship in Dialogue (see below) would be wonderful dual resources for a church interested in beginning a dialogue on the use of arts in the church.  Color, 72 pages.
NK 2190 C45 1998

Filled with photos of vestments and paraments, this book showcases historical works and travels around the world to highlight patchwork and quilted works used in worship spaces.  At the end there is a section on “ways and means” which gets at details of technique.  Also included is a section on Christian symbols.  Color, 172 pages.

Seasons for Praise include a range of easy to difficult ideas for the whole sanctuary space. Black and white, 71 pages.
NK 2190 S83 2000

Botts, Timothy R.
Portraits of the Word: Great Verses of the Bible in Expressive Calligraphy
Wheaton, IL:  Tyndale House Publishers, 2001

Botts chooses seventy-five of his favorite calligraphy pieces for Portraits of the Word.  Along with the illustrated scripture passage each layout includes an original sketch from which the work developed, Botts' notes on the creative process, and a prayer of response.  An index of the Scripture passages is included.  Color, 152 pages.
BS 491.5 B68 2001
Other published works include:  Doorposts (1986), Messiah (1991), Proverbs (1994), The Book of Psalms (1997), Best-Loved Bible Verses (1999), and The Holy Bible (2000).

Hall, Sarah
The Color of Light:  Commissioning Stained Glass for a Church
Chicago, IL:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1999

With beautiful photographs, The Color of Light introduces the materials, techniques, design and installation of stained glass.  Your church may not be planning to commission a new stained glass project but many churches have stained glass windows!  This book introduces you to the history and techniques of stained glass, an art form many of us know little about. Most helpful for churches interested in stained glass installations are the sections covering design (choosing a designer, a studio, a style, reviewing and approving a design) and commissioning (very helpful committee "to do lists," and questions a committee should be asking).  Appendixes include information on maintenance and restoration, resources, and a glossary. Color, 101 pages.
TT 298 H33

Kaai, Anneke
From Beginning to End
Carlisle, United Kingdom: Piquant, 2006

64 abstract and symbolic paintings exploring the heart of the liturgy (formal or informal) of most Christian denominations in the West: Creation, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed and Apocalypse. Re-issuing the paintings from Kaai's earlier publications I Believe and Apocalypse in a brand-new format, with the 'Creation' series added. 88 pages

Kaai, Anneke
The Psalms:  An Artist's Impression
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 1999

Twenty-five paintings grace the pages of The Psalms.  Dutch artist Anneke Kaai explains the imagery and color symbolism she uses to express the Psalm on which each painting is based.  At the same time, extracts from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson allow the reader to encounter and meditate on a contemporary rendition of the scripture passages.  Color, 55 pages.
Other published works include: Apocalypse (based on book of Revelation), I Believe (1997, based on the Apostles' Creed), In a Word (2004, explores in word and image words of the faith such as grace, mercy, and death).
ND653.K215 A4 1999

For the children of the congregation (children of all ages) - a book on the life of Christ illustrated with the frescos from the Scrovegni Chapel, Padova, Italy, by Giotto.  Color, 64 pages.
BT 302 L63 1990
Other published works include:  Walking on Water:  Reflections on Faith and Art (Shaw, 1980).

O'Grady, Ron (ed), Asian Christian Art Association, World Council of Churches
Christ For All People:  Celebrating a World of Christian Art
Maryknoll, NY:  Orbis Books, 2001

Christ for All People stretches our Western view of things beyond our own borders.  Through the art biblical stories connect to a cultural context as well as how our human condition connects us all.  This book begins with a brief historical overview of depictions of Christ, then focuses on contemporary artistic interpretations of the life of Christ from every continent of the world - from the annunciation, through Christ's ministry, to the final triumph.  Reflections on the images, by artists and writers, invite the reader to contemplate the many faces of Christ.  Scripture passages are included.  Color, 159 pages.
N 8050 C39 2001

Schaeffer, Francis A.
Art and the Bible
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 1973

A classic.  In this small pamphlet Schaeffer discusses the place of art in the Christian life.  In the first essay he looks at Scripture's references to art.  The second essay is on developing a Christian perspective on art from which we consider and evaluate works of art.  Black and white, 63 pages.
BR 115 A8 S3

The Gift of Art looks at the biblical foundations of art as well as the role of Christians in the artistic arena.  Black and white, 130 pages.
BS 680 A77 V44 1983

Ryken, Leland, et al. (eds)
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery:  An encyclopedic exploration of the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors, figures of speech and literary patterns of the Bible
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 1998

This reference book is essential for every pastor, artist, worship committee member and church's library shelf!  No reference book is such a joy to read and so packed with information and references.  Each paragraph you read will give you a broader, more vivid picture, and a deeper understanding of the imagery of the Bible.  Black and white, 1058 pages.
BS 537 D48 1998

Re-Pitching the Tent is an excellent practical guide for worship committees asking practical questions.  Exercises are assigned to help you answer these questions of space redesign, including a look at education and neighborhood issues that come into play.  Black and white, some color plates, 255 pages.
BV 604 G472 1999

Dyrness, William A.
Visual Faith:  Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue
Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Book House, 2001

In Visual Faith Dyrness shares insights into the biblical, historical, theological and practical relationship between the arts and worship.  This overview would be particularly helpful for churches beginning a dialogue on worship and the arts (a great option for an adult Sunday school study!)  Excellent sections on dealing with contemporary challenges, new opportunities for Christian involvement in the arts, and how culture can be engaged. Includes bibliography for further study.  Color plates, 188 pages.
BR 115 A8 D97
Also published: Reformed Theology and Visual Culture: The Protestant Imagination from Calvin to Edwards (Cambridge University Press, 2004).

Dupré, Judith
Churches
New York, NY:  HarperCollins Publishers, 2001

An introductory interview with architect Mario Botto opens Churches.  Structures from The Patheon in Italy, Beta Ghiorghis in Ethiopia, St. Basil's Cathedral in Russia, Thorncrown Chapel in the U.S., to Santa Maria in Portugal, and many places in between, are presented to the reader.  Included on each are photos, architectural drawings, quotes by viewers or artisans, and informative descriptions.  A prayer bar with scripture texts runs across the top of each page.  Each church presented in the book is referenced separately in the bibliography.  A general index is also included.  Color, 168 pages.

Finney, Paul Corby (ed)
Seeing Beyond the Word:  Visual Arts and the Calvinist Tradition
Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1996

Seeing Beyond the Word is a collection of essays on Calvinist churches from Europe to the New World.  It looks at architecture, icons, graphic arts, and more.  This is a fresh perspective on the long-debated question of Calvinism's relationship to the visual arts.  Color plates, 540 pages.
BX 9423 A77 S44 1999

Bruggink, Donald J.
Christ and Architecture:  Building Presbyterian/Reformed Churches
Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1965

This historically interesting volume addresses the relationship between theology and architecture.  In the first section a preacher and theologian discuss the issues.  In the second half an architect presents the practical and technical aspects of achieving theological goals. It contains photos of Reformed churches throughout Europe and the US.  Black and white, 708 pages.
NA 4800 B69
Also published:  When Faith Takes Form:  Contemporary Churches of Architectural Integrity in America (1971, photos and descriptions of 12 North American churches).

Kapikian, Catherine
Art in Service of the Sacred
Nashville, TN:  Abingdon Press, 2006
N7830 .K37 2006

An architectural look at the rise of the evangelical megachurch, designed to attract a large following.  This book reviews the evolving models and influences.  Color, 336 pages.
NA 4828.5 L68 2003

Books for the Pastor's Shelf

For pastors the following books should be added to the resources listed above.  A varied diet of resources, ranging from practical to inspirational to serious study, is recommended along with regular review of the journals Reformed Worship and Ministry & Liturgy.

Out of print but worth searching for or checking out of the library.  Black and white drawings illustrate content that is practical and theologically significant.  Caemmerer looks at church history, church liturgy, and the church mission to encourage congregational participation in worship through the use of the arts.  Bibliography.  Black and white, 94 pages.
BV 150 C34

A theological look at the arts in the church.  Beginning with a brief history the authors then turn to guidelines for placing art in churches, for viewing art, and for understanding art for worship.  Resource list, references with further reading list, and index.  Black and white with photos, 110 pages.
BR 115 A8 I83 2002

An excellent resource to begin looking at connections between art and worship – looking to the past, listening to the church and listening to artists plus thinking about the future with principles for partnership between the artist and the church.  Black and white, 136 pages.
BR 115 A8 W35 1988

Mark Searle states in the forward to A Place for Baptism: "Kuehn has written a book that does far more than offer ten tips on how to upgrade your baptistery.  She draws on the riches of scripture, history and contemporary liturgy to unfold the symbolic or sacramental dimensions of the baptismal font.  Why is this important?  It is important because, after about a thousand years. we have recently come to reappropriate a much older mentality which saw the whole rite and its participants and its timing and the spatial context of its unfolding as sacramental."  Black and white, 137 pages.
NA 5070 K8 1992

In its second printing, this book has been a standard work in the area of church architecture.  This is a must read for those thinking of building or reorganizing their worship space.  The authors discuss six distinct spaces: gathering space, movement space, congregational space, choir space, altar-table space, baptismal font and pulpit space, to look at how space functions as an essential agent in forming the worship life of the congregation.  Black and white, 176 pages.
NA 4810 W45 1988
Also published: Protestant Worship and Church Architecture: Theological and Historical Considerations (Oxford University Press, 1964).

Lawrence, Kenneth, Blain, Susan, and Gouwens, Sharon (eds)
Imaging the Word (Volumes 1-3)
Cleveland, OH:  United Church Press, 1994-1996

Imaging the Word is a stimulating combination of images, writings (quotes, sayings, poetry, and prayers), with the scripture readings organized on the Lectionary (the volumes have an excellent Scripture index for churches that do not follow the lectionary cycle).  With such a broad selection from around the world and over time one, if not many, are sure to stimulate ideas for your church's particular needs.  Color, each approx. 275 pages.
BV 30 L39 Vol. 1-3

Nouwen, Henri J.M.
The Return of the Prodigal Son:  A Story of Homecoming
New York, NY:  Doubleday, 1992

A spiritual classic with the use of Rembrandt's painting on the Prodigal Son.  Sure to inspire a sermon as well as a new interest in the visual arts as biblical commentary.  Color overleaf for viewing while reading, 152 pages.
BX 2350.2 N677 1992
Other publications include:  Behold the Beauty of the Lord:  Praying with Icons (1987/2002, meditations on four Russian icons: Holy Trinity, Virgin of Vladimir, Savior of Zvenigorod, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit)

Takenaka, Masao
The Bible Through Asian Eyes
Auckland, New Zealand:  Pace Publishing, 1991

Organized by the Old Testament and then New Testament, The Bible Through Asian Eyes helps us see familiar things in a new perspective.  Works from Japan to India, Australia to China is presented.  Each example has information on the artist, a description of the artwork and a Scripture reference.  Color, 200 pages.
N7982.T35 1991

Ryken, Leland, et al. (eds)
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery:  An encyclopedic exploration of the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors, figures of speech and literary patterns of the Bible
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 1998

This reference book is essential for every pastor, artist, worship committee member and church's library shelf!  No reference book is such a joy to read and so packed with information and references.  Each paragraph you read will give you a broader, more vivid picture, and a deeper understanding of the imagery of the Bible.  Black and white, 1058 pages.
BS537.D48 1998

These six lectures discuss Calvinism as a worldview.  One is entitled "Calvinism and art."  Black and white, 199 pages.
BX 9422 K8 C2 1975

Seerveld, Calvin
Rainbows for the Fallen World:  Aesthetic Life and Artistic Task
Toronto: Tuppence Press; Beaver Falls, PA:  U.S. distributor, Radix Books, 1980

Out of print with limited availability, yet a classic worth finding.  A must read for anyone interested in aesthetics.  Covers topics such as the biblical charter, an obedient aesthetic life, the contribution of Christian aesthetics to reading the Bible, theory, and modern art.  Appendices look at iconography, the Reformation, "glory to God in the kitchen," and Henry Moore.  Color, 244 pages.
BH 39 S432

Jensen, Robin M.
The Substance of Things Seen:  Art, Faith, and the Christian Community
Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2004

In a pragmatic way Jensen looks at "the arts as a way of expressing, exploring, forming, and challenging faith" [author's preface].  Six essays "open the conversation" on art and spiritual formation, visual exegesis, idol or icon, moving beyond decorative and didactic, distinction of place and space, and a conversation on taste and religious value.  Black and white, 152 pages.
BR 115 A8 J46 2004

Also published:  Understanding Early Christian Art (Routledge, 2000); Face to Face: Portraits of the Divine in Early Christianity (Fortress Press, 2004)

Kieckhefer, Richard
Theology in Stone:  Church Architecture from Byzantium to Berkeley
New York, NY:  Oxford University Press, 2004

"For individuals and for communities, liturgy is a means of integration.  Liturgical formulas and the environments provided for them can seem to present a jumble of unrelated images and notions. .  Liturgy and liturgical space are effective to the extent that they give scope for experiencing and expressing the connections" [pp. 137-138].  Black and white, 372 pages.
NA 4800 K53 2003

De Gruchy, John W.
Christianity, Art and Transformation:  Theological Aesthetics in the Struggle for Justice
Cambridge, UK:  Cambridge University Press, 2001

Christianity, Art and Transformation explores the historical and contemporary relationship between the arts and Christianity with reference to the transformation of society.  Several major themes are discussed, among them the power of images, the relationship between aesthetics and ethics, the nature of beauty and its redemptive capacity, aesthetic existence and Christian discipleship, and the role of art in the public square and in the life of the church.  The book is a contribution to the study of theological aesthetics today from both an ecumenical and Reformed perspective, global in its scope yet rooted in the author's South African context [from the back cover].  Black and white, 273 pages.
BR 115 A8 D44 2001

Books for the Artist's Shelf

The following books should be added to the resources listed above.  These would be of special interest to artists and those who know artists.  They range from books that inspire to serious study and reflection on the integration of the arts and Christianity.  Add to this the journals recommended for pastors as well as Faith & Form, Image, and CIVA Seen.

Hardiman, Pamela and Niemann, Josephine
Raise the Banners High!:  Making and Using Processional Banners
Chicago, IL:  Liturgy Training Publications, 2002

A banner book for beginners as well as for advanced textile artists and their pastors!  The first chapter begins where we all should begin - asking "Why."  Why do we celebrate and use banners in worship?  How do we bring together elements of worship and make a coherent whole from all of the parts?  A look at the liturgical year is included.  The second half of the book is about the process.  Design patterns, complete instructions, pole and hanging guides, and even a banner stand are described in detail.  Excellent list of resources.  Color, 196 pages.
BV 168 F5 p376 2002

Philippart, David (ed)
Clothed in Glory:  Vesting the Church
Chicago, IL:  Liturgy Training Publications, 1997

A look at ecclesiastical textiles used for vestments, paraments, banners, mobiles, and installations.  Includes a short history of terms and usage of textiles then highlights a variety of textile artists and their work.  Color, 108 pages.
BV 167 C56 1997

Philippart, David (ed)
Basket, Basin, Plate and Cup
Chicago, IL:  Liturgy Training Publications, 2001

Basket, Basin, Plate and Cup opens with scripture references to vessels and a brief history of the use of vessels in the church.  Color photos highlight artists' works made from a wide variety of materials.  Coming from the Catholic tradition it also includes vessels for oils, incense burners, and liturgies for vessel dedication.  Color, 121 pages.
BX 1925 B37 2001

American Bible Society
Printing the Word:  The Art of Watanabe Sadao
New York, NY:  American Bible Society, 2003

This is the catalog of the Sadao exhibition in 2001 at the American Bible Society.  Beautiful Japanese folk art block/stencil prints with an introduction to Sadao's life and work.  Prints and accompanying scripture include: OT, life of Christ, teachings, miracles, and passion of Christ.  Color, 155 pages.
XX(739752.1)

Describes the 12 stained glass windows Chagall designed for Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center Synagogue in Jerusalem based on the 12 tribes of Israel.  This book gives samples of Chagall's artistic process from the initial drawing to the finished window.  Chagall offers a description of the symbolism he used and gives scriptural references for his work.  Color, 119 pages.
NK5398.C5 L433 1996

Wolfe, Gregory
Sacred Passion:  The Art of William Schickel
Notre Dame, IN:  University of Notre Dame Press, 1998

This is an excellent, wonderfully inspiring example of a contemporary artist working in the Midwest who has mastered the weaving together of all elements of the worship environment into an integrated whole.  Color, 161 pages.
N6537.S345 W65 1998

McEntyre, Marilyn
Drawn to the Light:  Poems on Rembrandt's Religious Paintings
Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2003

Through McEntyre's poems, which are based on observing Rembrandt's paintings, we encounter anew not only the mystery of the interplay of light and dark in Rembrandt's masterpieces but of the connection to our own lives the Word still holds for us today.  Color, 69 pages.
PS 3563 C33616 D73 2003
Also published: In Quiet Light:  Poems on Vermeer’s Women (2000)

Overvoorde, Chris Stoffel
Passing the Colors:  Engaging Visual Culture in the 21^st Century
Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2002

Biographical narrative illustrated with retrospective of own work: oils, woodcut, acrylic, drawings.  Chapters include: initial journey, calling and task of artist, artist and designer, journey as artist, artist and community. Bibliographical references included.  Color plates, 199 pages.
N 6537 S755 S76 2002

Ryken, Leland, et al. (eds)
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery:  An encyclopedic exploration of the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors, figures of speech and literary patterns of the Bible
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 1998

This reference book is essential for every pastor, artist, worship committee member and church's library shelf!  No reference book is such a joy to read and so packed with information and references.  Each paragraph you read will give you a broader, more vivid picture, and a deeper understanding of the imagery of the Bible.  Black and white, 1058 pages.
BS 537 D48 1998

Begbie, Jeremy (ed)
Beholding the Glory:  Incarnation Through the Arts
Grand Rapids, MI:  Baker Academic, 2001

Beholding the Glory is an anthology of eight essays on the engagement between theology, different art forms, and the significance of the incarnation.  Contributors include: Trevor Hart (arts), Malcolm Guite (literature), Andrew Rumsey (poetry), Sara B. Savage (dance), Jim Forest (icons), Lynn Aldrich (sculpture), Graham Cray (popular music), and Jeremy Begbie (music).  Each essay has an introductory paragraph by Jeremy Begbie, notes, and a bibliography for further reading.  Also included is a general index and index of scriptures.  Color plates, 154 pages.
NX 660 B44 2000
Other publications include:  Voicing Creation's Praise:  Toward a Theology of the Arts (2003, a look at Paul Tillich, the Neo-Calvinist tradition, and a new way forward for a Christian perspective on the arts).

Brand, Hilary and Chaplin, Adrienne
Art and Soul:  Signposts for Christians in the Arts
Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 2001

This is an excellent resource for artists attempting to integrate their faith and their art.  Art and Soul takes an honest look at the struggles artists encounter inside and outside of the church community.  It deals with the complex issues involved, recognizing that many cope by compartmentalizing these areas of their life or abandoning one altogether.  Great quotes in the margins.  Black and white, 212 pages.
BR 115 A8 B73 1999

Brown, Frank Burch
Good Taste, Bad Taste, and Christian Taste:  Aesthetics in Religious Life
New York, NY:  Oxford University Press, 2000

Brown brings together history, theology and philosophy to address the question (and disputes) over taste and judgment of quality, which have long been a part of the relationship between the arts and religion.  His analysis draws particular attention to developing a discriminating theological aesthetic. Good ecumenical approach.  Includes bibliography and index.  Black and white, 312 pages.
BR 115 A8 B785 2000

Bustard, Ned (ed)
It Was Good:  Making Art to the Glory of God
Baltimore, MD:  Square Halo Books, 2000

Anthology of 13 essays discussing the practice of making art from a Christian worldview.  Color plates, 286 pages.
NX 180 R4 I8 2000

Rookmaaker, H.R.
Modern Art and the Death of a Culture
Wheaton, IL:  Crossway Books, 1994

From a Christian perspective Rookmaaker surveys the modernist streams in visual art.  Black and white, 256 pages.

Seerveld, Calvin
Bearing Fresh Olive Leaves:  Alternative Steps in Understanding Art
Carlisle, UK: Piquant; Willowdale, ON:  Toronto Tuppence Press, 2000

Reinforcing his contributions made in Rainbows for the Fallen World, Seerveld looks at the isolation of artists and visions a wider Christian community making space for the artists in their midst.  Black and white, 224 pages.
BR 115 A8 S435 2000

Wolterstorff, Nicholas
Art in Action:  Toward a Christian Aesthetic
Carlisle:  Solway, 1997; Grand Rapids, MI:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1980

This is a must read for those interested in Christian aesthetics.  Wolterstorff explains how works of art are instruments and objects of action.  He develops his proposal for a functional approach to art. A bibliography is included.  Black and white, 240 pages.
BR 115 A8 W64