Product Overview
This revised edition of the popular textbook on worship by renowned hymn writer and professor Ruth C. Duck provides theological foundations for worship and explores the ways Christians have adapted worship to various cultures to help them live faithfully and to communicate the gospel to others. The author celebrates the many languages and cultural settings in which the gospel has been, and is, preached, sung, and prayed. The goal of this volume is to support good pastoral and congregational reflection on what worship is and does. Consequently, Duck discusses many different forms of worship from several cultures (African American, Asian, Euro-American) and offers advice on how to read a congregation and define its culture in order to plan culturally appropriate worship. She includes many practical suggestions for preparing and leading worship, including diverse ministries of music, movement, and visual arts that are becoming more popular today.
From worship’s theological underpinnings, the book turns to worship leadership, forms of prayer, preaching, the sacraments, ordination, and various other liturgies. Because of its emphasis on vital and Spirit-led worship, this comprehensive book on Christian worship will be used in years to come, not only as a core textbook for seminarians and ministry students from a variety of cultures and traditions but also as a resource for local church pastors and laity who are dedicated to the enlivening of Christian worship.
In this new edition, Duck updates and expands the recommended resources, updates the section on worship trends, enhances the section on multicultural worship, and revises marriage information based on cultural and denominational changes.
Highlights include stories of four churches that are developing creative ways to grow andmeet the possibilities and challenges of these times, especially in seeking justice, serving people in their neighborhood, and building bridges among cultures and religious groups. In addition, a new appendix by David Gambrell addresses the theological and practical questions surrounding online worship in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
Reviews
“Worship for the Whole People of God, Second Edition, by Dr. Ruth Duck offers relevant and riveting scholarship that displays a deep commitment to ecumenicism, cultural diversity, and ecclesial integrity in worship. This is a resource that can be used by many who seek to deeply engage in worship exploring history, theology, liturgical practice, and pastoral sensibilities. I celebrate this resource and all that it offers the future of Christian worship.”
—Khalia J. Williams, Assistant Dean of Worship and Music, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
“Ruth Duck brings together historical, theological, liturgical, pastoral, cultural, anecdotal, and practical elements in a comprehensive resource that students and ministers will want to use as a reference guide for years to come.”
—John Ambrose, United Church of Canada, pastor, worship staff, and hymnal editor
“This revised edition is a timely response to the changing context for Christian worship. The updated sections and new additions make this volume one of the most resourceful, insightful, and practically useful textbooks for teaching and learning Christian worship in our multicultural world.”
—Eunjoo Mary Kim, Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics, Iliff School of Theology
“Updated and adapted to address emerging needs, this second edition of Worship for the Whole People of God offers pragmatic guidelines for planning and leading worship in the twenty-first century. With her easily accessible writing style and a carefully organized text, Ruth Duck has crafted the ideal worship handbook, historically and theologically grounded, for seminaries and churches alike. In Worship for the Whole People of God, Ruth Duck once again inspires and educates with ease, inclusion, and grace.”
—Mary Scifres, Worship Consultant and Author