PC515 - Christian Worship

  • 0 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 4
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

  1. Biblical perspectives on the theology and practice of Christian worship.
  2. Historical development of Christian worship.
  3. Major current approaches to Christian worship in contemporary Australia.
  4. Contemporary issues in theology, practice and leadership of Christian worship.
  5. The practice of worship.
  6. Selected approaches to Christian worship.

B. Be able to

  1. Explain the theology and practice of worship in the Old and New Testaments.
  2. Analyse the major current forms of worship in contemporary Australia.
  3. Discuss contemporary issues in the theology, practice and leadership of Christian worship.
  4. Observe corporate worship patterns of two traditions other than their own.
  5. Evaluate selected approaches to Christian worship.

C. Be in a position to

  1. Integrate perspectives from their other theological studies into an approach to Christian worship.
  2. Plan, prepare and conduct Christian worship as areflective practitioner.

Content

Section A: Biblical Perspectives

The theology and practice of worship through a study of the Old and New Testaments. 

This requires an examination of the theology and practice of worship in the Old and New Testaments (with reference to Jewish and early church patterns of worship, e.g., as in the Didache, Justin Martyr’s First Apology and the Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus).  It will involve reflection on themes such as sacrifice, service, the nature of praise, corporate prayer, adoration, confession and forgiveness, the confession of faith, the relationship of worship, discipleship and ethics, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, preaching and teaching, prayer and offerings and other elements of worship.

Section B: Historical Developments

The major, current forms of worship in Australia through reflection upon present practice and significant elements in the historical processes which have led to the present situation.  The focus will be upon the principles and practice of worship in Protestant denominations and traditions but including reference to the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.  These traditions should be interpreted in the light of their historical development, including the liturgical principles and practice of the Reformation and denominations.  Cultural and other developments and influences which have led to the present forms of worship.  Where possible opportunity should be given for particular study of one of these traditions.

Section C: Contemporary Themes

Reflection upon contemporary issues in the theology, practice and leadership of worship.  This requires an examination of contemporary issues in worship in the light of scriptural principles, historical developments and cultural perspectives.  To be included are: the forms of leadership; the style of liturgy; structure and freedom; doctrine and experience; the relationship of traditions of worship to contemporary culture and sub-cultures; receiving and offering; personal and communal dimensions; symbolism; architecture; music and the use of the creative arts and the influence of feminism, multiculturalism and the media.

Section D: The Practice of Worship

The aim is to equip students with basic skills in the leadership of worship.  This involves a study of the basic principles of the planning, preparation and conduct of worship.  Wherever possible students should be observers of the planning, conduct and evaluation of corporate worship and take an active part in the planning and leadership of at least three services of worship.

Set Readings

General Works

Webber, R. E. (ed.), The Complete Library of Christian Worship (Vols I–VII; Nashville: Star Song, 1993-1994).

Particular Topics

Basden, P., The Worship Maze (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1999).

Carson, D. A. (ed.), Worship by the Book (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002).

Davies, H., Bread of Life & Cup of Joy (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993).

Dawn M. J., Reaching Out without Dumbing Down (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995).

Dawn, M. J., A Royal Waste of Time (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999).

Horton, M., Rediscovering the Drama of God Centred Worship (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002).

Hurtado, L. W., At the Origins of Christian Worship (Carlisle: Paternoster, 1999).

Krieder, E., Given for You (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998).

Peterson, D., Engaging with God (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1992).

Plantinga, C. and S. A. Rozeboom, Discerning the Spirits (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Ray, D., Wonderful Worship in Smaller Churches (Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim, 2000).

Wakefield G. S., An Outline of Christian Worship (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1998).

Webber, R., Planning Blended Worship (Nashville: Abingdon, 1998).