Latest reads.....

Here's what I've been reading (and rereading) lately....

Guiding Your Church Through a Worship Transition by Tom Kraeuter. Tom has written many books on worship theology and practice, and in some ways this one is his most focused upon theology and philosophy (where others have targeted the practical application). I picked this book up again after returning to worship ministry this summer; I’m not intentionally trying to take the congregation at this new church through a worship transition per se, but the topic is relevant to the extent that I am new (and the church is new to me). The book's strong suit relevance to worship ministry at any point of growth: the author cuts through the "style wars" and concentrates his instruction on the topics of theology, mission, community, team-building, and volunteer development. Tom digs into the “what” and “why” of our worship, and it’s a great worship philosophy tune-up for leaders and congregants alike.

Reveal by Greg Hawkins and Carly Parkinson. This book is the result of a multi-year survey and study by the leadership team at Willow Creek Community Church that was prompted by asking the question: “Are our ministries, plans and services producing the kinds of mature believers we are seeking according to our mission?” It’s a courageous question, and one that I find many churches are reluctant to ask for fear that their programming and ministry choices might come up empty in terms of long-range impact. The books is short and succinct; I won’t give it away, but I can promise it’s worth the 1 hour+ needed to get through it. Our pastors and I had the opportunity to go to a Reveal conference in the Dallas area a couple of weeks ago and hear Greg Hawkins discuss the study and the book (and what they’ve learned since its publication).

The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris. I have been involved in a men’s Saturday morning discipleship study each Saturday morning since March that has taken a deeper look at Spiritual Formation and the more introspective spiritual practices. We have spent the entire time in Matthew 5-7, and we’ll conclude in a couple of weeks. Besides the deep and fascinating look into the scriptures and into our own lives, one side benefit has been my introduction to a host of “reflective writers.” We have looked at and read quotes from old masters such as Augustine, Benedict, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross, as well as the modern writers such as Buechner, Nouwen, and Willard. I found The Cloister Walk through such travels among the modern writers. Norris is a lay person, a poet and homemaker who invested a period of time at an Abbey in the Midwest with Benedictine monks. She tells an incredible story of her deeply introspective time in communion with God alongside a community devoted to serving one another. It’s a fantastic read, and very inspiring.



[I also picked up a few other devotional books with the Norris: Stations on a Celtic Way by Margaret Silf, and On Pilgrimmage by Jennifer Lash. I’ll report on these once they’re finished.]

Back in the worship kitchen

It’s been over 2 months since I came back to vocational full-time ministry, and what a ride it’s been! It is refreshing and exciting to join a community of worshipers once again, and being given the opportunity (and responsibility!) to help lead them to a place of worship and sacrifice each week. And it’s very fulfilling to make new friends and work with a staff committed to discipleship.