DESCRIPTION:

In this course we will explore the theology and practice of worship in the Reformed Tradition. Special attention will be paid to the ways in which the distinctives of Reformed theology have contributed to historic patterns of worship. The course will develop an overview of current liturgical forms and models and provide a reflective introduction to the voices that advocate a more "contemporary" style of worship. Special attention will be paid to the structure of the Sunday worship service, the sacraments, hymnody, weddings, funerals and the place of children and youth in worship.

Worship is the essential act of a community of Christians. In this course we will examine how worship shapes us, our life together, our relationship to God and our place in the world.

This will be a participatory class, and the teacher expects that scheduled assignments will be completed before each class. The teaching methods will include lectures, case studies and group discussions. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Drew, Anne Marie. The Innkeeper's Wife and Four Other Dramatic Readings for Christmas. Abingdon, 1990.

Easum, William. Dancing with Dinosaurs. Abingdon Press, 1990.

Martin, Ralph P. Worship in the Early Church. Eerdmans, 1975.

Rice, Howard L. Reformed Spirituality. Westminster, 1991.

White, James F. A Brief History of Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1993.

Willimon, William H. Worship as Pastoral Care. Abingdon, 1979.

Liturgical Resource of your denomination:

PCUSA: Book of Common Worship. Westminster/John Knox, 1993 OR
Supplemental Liturgical Resources, No. 1-4. Westminster, 1984.

RCA: Liturgy and Psalms. Eerdmans, 1968.

Disciples of Christ: Thankful Praise: A Resource for Christian Worship. CBP Press, 1987.

Costen, Melva W. African American Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1993.

Mutshi Morrisine, Flennaugh and Stephen Bartlett. African Americans in Mission. Office of Global Awareness and Involvement, WMD, PCUSA, 2000.

Osbeck, Kenneth W. 101 Hymn Stories. Kregel Publications, 1982

Pregent, Carol. When a Child Dies. Ave Maria Press, 1993.

White, James F. Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transitions. Westminster/John Knox, 1989.

1. One midterm examination on fundamentals of liturgy and theological reflection on the worship of the church.

2. Three participant-observer reports of Sunday services with analysis (1-2 pages each).

3. One paper analyzing and/or adapting contemporary resources for worship (5-8 pages).

4. Final examination.

Meets M. Div. Core requirement in Pastoral Ministry and Theology (MIN 6).