A Historical Theology of Worship

Understanding Freedom, Order, and Participation from the Perspective of a Free Church Tradition

Author: Elaine Sarah Colechin and David Cornick Series: Princeton Theological Monograph

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Description

Why does the church worship as it does? Worship is central to the life and vocation of the church. Yet the church's understanding of worship is more often connected to practicalities and a congregation's likes or dislikes. This book seeks to take the reader beyond the practical; to explore where God is in worship and the impact worship should have on the life of the church. Through a historical narrative of the evolution of worship in a British Free Church (the United Reformed Church and its antecedents, the Congregational Church in England and Wales and the Presbyterian Church of England), freedom, order, and participation are identified as the key elements of worship. Investigation into their interrelationship develops a theology of worship that is applicable not only to churches of the Free Church tradition in Britain, but potentially to the universal church.

Critic Reviews

"There are passionate arguments in churches today about the content and style of worship, and words like 'freedom' and 'participation' are weaponized. Here, by contrast, is thoughtful reflection that highlights the freedom that must be God's too, a freedom that thrives on order and, like a soaring jazz saxophone, is grounded in a tradition, yet always new and transforming. A book that takes worship seriously as theology, while grounded in practice too."
--Susan Durber, president from Europe, World Council of Churches

"How might worship be revived and refreshed? How might worshippers always encounter the living God? Elaine Colechin's book does not offer definitive answers to these questions, but through a consideration of 'freedom, ' 'order, ' and 'participation' in one Free Church tradition, she makes a valuable contribution to the debate. Matters raised here will resonate with those who are concerned about Christian life and mission in the world today, both in the United Reformed Church and beyond."
--Robert Pope, director of studies in church history and doctrine, Westminster College, University of Cambridge

About the Author

Elaine Sarah Colechin is a minister of word and sacraments in the United Reformed Church, serving in South East London, and previously West Suffolk, UK. She also served as chaplain to a moderator of the United Reformed Church's General Assembly.