Discussion Board for Practical Theology of Worship Arts
The Goal of this discussion is to guide the student(s) in learning to formulate and evaluate factors involved in leading a congregation in worship. We will recognize that an effective evangelistic, prophetic, and pastoral ministry requires meaningful expression in worship. We will also consider the role of community and how this affects the way we do corporate worship. To accomplish this task, we will be using the book, The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services. Each week of class the student will respond to the following questions and will reply to at least one other student. Further, they will make sure that any questions posted by other students are completely answered. The first post should be answered formally, while the "reply" may be less formal.
Students: The Worship Architect Discussion Board: Required – 150 points – 10 points a week Due: Weekly
Description: The Chapter discussion will need to be 150-200 words and must hold the high standard of academic writing (Due Sunday at 11:59 pm). The student must then respond to one student's post. This response must continue the conversation to the next level. Each student must reply to any post placed on their initial post – in other words, you will have the last word (Due Monday at 12:45pm).
Chapter Discussion: Student must respond to one of the following questions (5 points) (Make sure you state the question at the top of your post). Respond to one student and respond to anyone who comments on their initial posts (5 points):
Analyze: What new idea from the reading seemed really intriguing and what are the possible successes and roadblocks of that new idea? Evaluate: How might an idea in this chapter impact your worshiping community if it were to be implemented? Create: What theological concept was discussed in this chapter and how might it take shape in your worshiping context? Create: What new question arose after reading the Chapter and how might you go about answering that question?
Cherry, Constance. The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2010.
The Worship Architect: A Blueprint for Designing Culturally Relevant and Biblically Faithful Services
"The metaphor of an architect is used throughout the book to illustrate how persons responsible for worship in the local church function similarly to architects: They envision the concept, do the ground work, develop a plan, establish the framework, create focal points of beauty, and design it all with a special purpose in mind. In the case of worship, the purpose is for the community to be in relationship with the one true God through Jesus Christ. This book provides a reliable architectural plan for designing worship on a weekly basis. It sets forth basic principles and demonstrates how those principles are conducive to virtually any style of worship practiced today in a myriad of Christian communities. Readers will learn how to create services that are faithful to Scripture, historically conscious, relevant to God, Christ-centered, and engaging for worshipers of all ages in the twenty-first century."