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Worship

Join Dr. Parrett as he covers a variety of questions regarding worship. What is worship? How do the various worship traditions and styles shape Christians? What are some of the theological principles that guide us in our thinking as we plan and lead worship experiences? Take this opportunity to worship differently as an individual and as a worship leader in light of what you are learning.
Number of lessons: 15
Total length: 9 hours and 40 minutes
Format: Audio
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About This Class

These lectures were given at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary during the summer of 2001. The purpose of this course is to consider together the relationship between worship and Christian formation and implications of this for the design and leading of community worship experiences.

Some specific questions we will be asking include: What is worship? What is Christian formation? How are these related? What can we learn from worship and spiritual formation in the Old and New Testaments that will help us in designing and leading worship experiences today? What can we learn from worship and spiritual formation in the history of the Church that will help us in designing and leading worship experiences today? How do the various worship traditions and styles shape Christians? What are some of the theological principles that guide us in our thinking as we plan and lead worship experiences? How does/should worship interface with a third great task of the Church—evangelism? What are some practical concerns that we must consider as we plan and lead worship experiences? 

 

Recommended Reading:

How Shall We Worship? Biblical Guidelines for the Worship Wars, by Marva J. Dawn, Tyndale, 2003. 

Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship, by David G. Peterson, IVP Academic, 2002. 

Ancient-Future Worship: Proclaiming and Enacting God's Narrative, by Robert E. Webber, Baker Books, 2008. 

The Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship (Complete Library of Christian Worship)​, by Robert E. Webber (1st in a 5 Volume set)

Children in the Worshipping Community, by David Ng

Familiy-Based Youth Ministry, by Mark DeVries

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About the Professor

Gary Parrett

Dr. Gary Parrett, a professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary from 1998 to 2010, specializes in Christian education, catechesis, and worship. He has over 20 years of pastoral experience and has co-authored several books, including "Grounded in the Gospel." After surviving a tragic 2010 bus accident in Korea, Dr. Parrett continues to teach and equip pastors worldwide contributing hundreds of hymns for worship and is a regular speaker at conferences.

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Gary Parrett

Lessons

  • 1. Worship (Part 1)

    Worship consists of both revelation and response.

  • 2. Worship (Part 2)

    Worship is described in both the Old and New Testaments and requires active participation.

  • 3. Key Terms and Features

    Worship is focused on the character of God and involves every aspect of our lives.

  • 4. Preamble and First Commandment

    The First Commandment instructs us about who God is and that we should worship only Him.

  • 5. Second Commandment

    The Second Commandment instructs us to not worship images.

  • 6. Third Commandment

    The Third Commandment instructs us to not use God's name in a dishonorable way.

  • 7. Fourth thru Tenth Commandments

    Commandments four through ten emphasize the Sabbath, honoring your parents, loving your neighbor as yourself, and charity.

  • 8. Worship in the New Testament (Part 1)

    Discussion of the book "Worship, Community & the Triune God of Grace," by James B. Torrance. Also a discussion of the idea of revelation and response, and cultivating a lifestyle of worship are important elements in biblical worship. It is a challenge to develop an adequate understanding of who God is and how we should approach Him.

  • 9. Worship in the New Testament (Part 2)

    Jesus tries to dispel misconceptions about true worship when He has a discussion with the woman at the well in Samaria. The Holy Spirit plays an active role in guiding us to worship in Spirit and in truth. Jesus is the true worship leader. Worship transcends and includes all cultures and races. Worship celebrates the first coming of Jesus, looks forward to His second coming, and prays that His presence will be manifest in the present.

  • 10. Book Discussion 2

    Discussion of two books: "Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for This Urgent Time," by Marva J. Dawn, and "Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense," by John M. Frame.

  • 11. Designing Worship Experiences

    Including elements in a worship service like prayer, scripture reading, communion and songs of praise can help people have an authentic worship experience.

  • 12. Video Discussion 1

    Discussion of "Ancient-Future Worship," by Robert Webber from the "Ancient-Future Worship Video Series."

  • 13. Leading Music

    It is important to choose theologically balanced songs with music appropriate for the people. The worship leader is an extension of the congregation and should prepare the material and the worship team so they can communicate effectively and appropriately. It is important for praise team leaders to choose praise team members that are qualified spiritually and musically, then encourage and guide the team members effectively.

  • 14. Video Discussion 2

    Continuing discussion of "Ancient-Future Worship," by Robert Webber from the "Ancient-Future Worship Video Series."

  • 15. Structure and Elements of the Worship Service

    The structure of the worship service is centered around gathering, the service of the Word, the service of the Table and dismissal. Elements of a worship service include songs, scripture reading, offerings, sacraments, prayer and affirmation of faith.

     

     

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