Conviction of Things Not Seen, The: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century [Paperback]

Todd E. Johnson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

How might a congregation preserve tradition while being open to innovation? What role should music play in worship? How significant are visual representations in worship?

The Conviction of Things Not Seen offers a unique approach to the "worship wars" by focusing on the integral relationship between worship, pastoral ministry, and cultural engagement. This book will be a lighthouse for anyone navigating the unsettled seas of contemporary worship.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Whether you are a theologian, a layperson, a worship leader, a choir director, or a member of the clergy, youíve probably been confronted by some or all of the following questions:

How can a pastor care for parishioners through worship, liturgy, and sacrament? How might a congregation preserve tradition while being open to innovation? What role should music play in worship? What is the function of ritual? How significant are visual representations in worship? Can we be ìseeker sensitiveî without sacrificing the rich history of our faith tradition? How can we make our congregation more multicultural?

To the relief of pastors and laypersons alike, Todd Johnson has edited a new collection of essays which addresses each of these issues positively and constructively. Inspired by the work and witness of theologian Robert Webber, The Conviction of Things Not Seen offers a unique approach to the ìworship warsî by focusing on the integral relationship between worship, pastoral ministry, and cultural engagement. As Dr. Constance Cherry states in the opening chapter, the beginning of the twenty-first century marks ìa particularly unsettled periodî for the Christian churches. This book, with contributions by William Willimon, John Witvliet, Rob Johnston, Rodney Clapp, Donald Bloesch, and others will be a lighthouse for anyone navigating the unsettled seas of contemporary worship.

The Conviction of Things Not Seen is both erudite and devout, its scope historical and timely. A refreshing, balanced tone makes it a perfect text for worship and pastoral ministry courses.

Todd E. Johnson is assistant professor of pastoral studies at Loyola University, Chicago

About the Author

Todd E. Johnsonis the William K. and Delores S. Brehm Professor of Worship, Theology, and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587430320
• ISBN-13: 978-1587430329
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro to Many Concerns, November 18, 2010

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Rick Watts (Waco, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Conviction of Things Not Seen, The: Worship and Ministry in the 21st Century (Paperback)

This book considers the future of worship and ministry of the church into the twenty-first century. It does so by addressing a wide range of issues from contributors with differing perspectives. I would recommend this book to anyone who intends to minister or lead worship in the present or future church environment. Each chapter serves as an introduction to an area of ministry and worship that necessitates a more thorough consideration. This is both the advantage and disadvantage of the book: it is a brief survey of many concerns for the future of the church, without dealing too deeply with any single issue.