Robert E. Webber’s Legacy: Ancient Future Faith and Worship

Robert Webber took a big picture approach to worship—always aiming to place it within the biblical narrative. Photo courtesy of Jim Whitmer.

What’s behind recent interest in worship from other traditions, especially the early church? The late Robert E. Webber defined it as tasting the “communion of the fullness of the body of Christ.”

Always a step or three ahead of the church, Webber devoted his life to inviting believers to worship as “one body,” joined through “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4-5).

Webber was an American theologian, author, Worship Leader columnist, and founder of what is now the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.

Inventively, patiently, repeatedly, (and, to some, annoyingly) he stirred up worship renewal by focusing on “roots, connection and authenticity in a changing world.” As he so often put it, “the road to the future runs through the past.”

Read more.

www.calvin.edu/worship/stories/webber.php

Worshiping the Trinity

The Trinity is one of the richest, most pastorally profound themes in all of Christianity. The trinitarian dynamic extends our worship: the Father receives our worship, the Son perfects it, and the Spirit prompts it. The doctrine of the Trinity helps us realize that God is not simply the passive receiver of our worship, but the active agent who makes it possible. That single claim entirely changes how we think about what we are doing when we gather for worship.

Resources for Worshiping the Trinity

www.calvin.edu/worship/trinity

Classic Book: Basil's "De Spiritu Sanctu"

Many Christians in a variety of traditions suffer from an under-developed theology of the Holy Spirit. One resource that can help to remedy this is Basil the Great's timeless book "De Spiritu Sanctu," or "On the Holy Spirit." Basil's vigorous pneumatology helped ensure the Spirit's place in the doctrine of the church for centuries to come. Basil argues vividly that the Spirit is integral to the most basic work of God in creation.

Read more about this classic book in the latest newsletter of the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College, a ministry partner of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

www.ccel.org

Children and Worship Workshop
Western Theological Seminary
Holland, Michigan
June 19-22

The 21st Annual Children and Worship Workshop presents a joyful way for both children and adults to experience the wonder and mystery of God through a unique storytelling format and multi-sensory materials. Through demonstrations and lectures, one learns to present biblical stories and parables to create an environment that cultivates the imagination and deepens love for God.

Details.

www.calvin.edu/worship/events/calendar.php

Recent Posts at our Worship Weblog

- Report from Legacy Christian School: Vertical Habits
- Report from Uganda Trip
- Blogging Toward Sunday

More posts.

www.calvin.edu/worship/weblog

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Calvin Institute of Christian Worship 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402

worship@calvin.edu 616-526-6088