ME513:
Christian Worship in Context (4 units)
Roberta R. King, Associate Professor of Communication and
Ethnomusicology
Summer 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
This course pursues an in-depth theological study of Christian worship, with particular reference to appropriate cross-cultural worship forms. It focuses, more particularly, on the role, influence, and importance of worship in Christian witness, Christian formation, and church growth, especially within varying cultural contexts. A Biblical foundation and practical framework for effectively creating and leading in meaningful Christian worship will be developed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
•
Students will
understand a Biblical theology of worship, particularly as it relates to
mission.
• Students
will learn missiological precedents for contextualizing worship.
• Students
will develop practical tools of planning and leading worship in cross-cultural
contexts.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lectures, guest lecturers, worship demonstrations, audio and video clips, class discussions, and student presentations create a multi-media format. Participation in class activities, including worship sessions, is crucial for integrating theological reflections and developing appropriate worship patterns for varying cultural contexts.
REQUIRED READING:
Black, Kathy. Culturally-Conscious
Worship. Chalice Press, 2000.
Dawn, Marva J. A Royal "Waste"
of Time: The Splendor of Worshiping God and Being Church for the World. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999.
Hawn, C. Michael. One Bread, One Body:
Exploring Cultural Diversity in Worship.
The Alban Institute, 2003.
Hoffman, Lawrence A. The Art of Public
Prayer: Not for Clergy Only, 2nd Ed. Woodstock, VT:
Skylight Paths Publishing, 1999.
Law, Eric H. F. The Wolf Shall Dwell with
the Lamb. St. Louis, MO: Chalice
Press, 1994.
Morgenthaler, Sally. Worship
Evangelism. Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1995.
Peterson, David. Engaging with God: A
Biblical Theology of Worship. Eerdmans,
1992.
Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993.
Torrance, James B. Worship, Community
& the Triune God of Grace.
InterVarsity Press, 1999.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Allen, Ronald and G. Borror. Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel. Portland, OR: Multnomah Press, 1982.
Carson, D. A., Ed. Worship by the
Book. Zondervan, 2002.
Goens, Linda M. Praising God through the
Lively Arts. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1999.
Johnson, Jan. Enjoying the Presence of
God: Discovering Intimacy with God. Grand Rapids: NavPress, 1996.
Leisch, Barry. People in the Presence of
God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988.
Martin, Ralph P. The Worship of God. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.
Webber, Robert. Celebrating Our Faith:
Evangelism Through Worship. San
Francisco: Harper & Row, 1986.
ASSIGNMENTS:
• One typed, double-spaced, worship
observation report, five-pages in length, due by week three.
• A
two-page book critique for each of three required reading textbooks, due
throughout the term.
• A
group-project presentation on worship.
• A
ten-page paper addressing a specific aspect of worship with accompanying
strategies for mission and/or ministry, due during finals week.
Th.M. Students: An additional 5-10 pages on the final paper.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Optional course in
the Worship, Theology and Arts program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.