Reformed Worship - Resources for Planning and Leading Worship

Reggie M. Kidd. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 2005. 224 pp. $14.99. ISBN 0-8010-6591-7.

Pete Ward. Paternoster Press, 2005. 235 pages. $15.00.

Two Letters from Readers in Asia

I have read the brief song analysis by Bert Polman (RW 71) on your website. It is quite interesting and it has given me more understanding about the songs. However, I think it would be helpful if you could add some historical background of the songs.

Jane Rogers Vann. Westminster/John Knox Press, 2004. 192 pp. $19.95.

Here is yet another book on worship, but one that stays clear of the “contemporary versus traditional” debate. In Gathered Before God, Jane Rogers Vann encourages church renewal, not through programs but through worship. She then offers an educator’s perspective on how liturgy might accomplish that goal.

Long-term Subscriber from Australia Retires

I have been a recipient of RW for close to twenty years, and during that time have found it to be a great resource for worship. I used much of the material and introduced the magazine to a number of like-minded ministers who also have found RW most beneficial and helpful.

The following list of resources is a small sampling of the growing library available on the broad topic of understanding the various generations who worship in our churches. Some of these books could be added to your resource library, others could be read and discussed in a worship committee setting. All are available from Faith Alive Christian Resources (www.FaithAliveResources.org; 1-800-333-8300).

Appreciated Resource for Those with Alzheimer’s

Edited by Tim A. Dearborn and Scott Coil. Baker Books, 2004. 206 pp. $16.99.

Whether you are a worship planner or leader, or simply have a desire to participate more fully in corporate worship, this helpful collection of previously published articles will raise important questions and offer a path for exploring worship today.

Quentin Schultze. Baker, 2004. 103 pages. $10.99.

In the past five or so years thousands of churches of nearly every liturgical tradition and style, size, denomination, and setting have begun using electronic media in worship. The rapid rise of presentational technologies has made a big impression and created some confusion as well. Electronic media has our attention, but have we stopped to ask whether such media is appropriate for worship? What are the limits? What are the criteria for theologically responsible use?

C. Randall Bradley. MorningStar Music Publishers, 2004. 330 pp. $32.00.

C. Randall Bradley offers a unique gift to those serving in the church’s music ministry: a book exclusively about thriving in the organizational and administrative aspects of the work.

Bradley systematically raises questions and issues that pastoral musicians inevitably face: