Book: Beyond the Worship Wars: Building Vital and Faithful Worship

Joyce Borger

Thomas G. Long. Alban Institute, 2001. 132 pp. $16.00. ISBN 1566992400. www.alban.org

If you are looking for a book to help your church move beyond the worship wars consider Thomas C. Long’s book. Long begins by identifying two forces at work in our worship struggles and their historic roots, characterized as the “Hippolytus Force” (rediscovering ancient worship practices) and the “Willow Creek Force” (being culturally relevant to the unchurched). In the following chapters Long examines the characteristics of congregations who have found a third way that seeks to harness the best of both forces. This is a book that’s easy to read, informative, and thought provoking; a great resource for churches who are struggling in the midst of these two forces.

Rev. Joyce Borger is a program manager at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship for the area of practical worship planning and leading, which includes co-managing ReformedWorship.org, as well as serving as a content editor and resource creator for the website. Joyce is keen to listen to the questions being asked by churches and then identify, learn from, and amplify wise and gifted voices who can speak to them, as well as create platforms for gifts and learning to be shared. She has worked in the area of worship for over 20 years and has served as editor of several musical collections, including Psalms for All Seasons, and Lift Up Your Hearts: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2011, 2013). She has taught worship courses at Kuyper College and is an ordained minister.