DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, 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 "present-day" 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.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Through reading and lectures the students will master the theology and practice of worship and the administration of the sacraments in the Reformed tradition. Personal & Ecclesiastical: By exposing the student to different styles of worship, the student will become familiar with diversity of worship styles and practices within the Reformed tradition. Skills: Students will learn to identify and practice the basic elements that are distinctive of the Reformed tradition.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Worship is the essential act of a community of Christians. This course will examine how worship shapes us, our life together, our relationship to God, and our place in the world.

COURSE FORMAT: 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.

REQUIRED READING: 1,000-1,200 pages of reading from the following list, chosen according to one's English proficiency in consultation with the professor. Readings with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

Boschman, Lamar. Alabanza Profética. Editorial Vida, 2002.

*Darío, Miguel Angel. La Adoración, Primera Prioridad. Casa Bautista de Publicaciones, 2004.

*Herrington, Russell. Cómo Planificar Cultos de Adoración. Casa Bautista de Publ., 2003.

Old, Hughes O. Worship: Reformed According to Scripture. Westminster Press, 2002.

*Sartelle, John P. El Bautismo de los Infantes. Traducido por R. Colón. P&R Publ., 1997.

*Varela, Juan. Culto Cristiano, El Origen, Evolución, Actualidad. Casa Bautista de Publ., 2004.

Webber, Robert E. Worship is a Verb. Hendrickson, 1992.

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

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

*PCUSA: Manual Sobre La Adoración Para Oficiales y Líderes de la Iglesia. Donald Wilson Stake, Presbyterian Publishing House, 1990.
OR Supplemental Liturgical Resources. Nos. 1-4. Westminster Press, 1984.

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

Keifert, P. Welcoming the Stranger: A Public Theology of Worship and Evangelism. Fortress 1992.

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

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

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

Webber, Robert E. Worship Old and New. Zondervan 1994.

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

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