The Great Worship Awakening: Singing a New Song in the Postmodern Church [Paperback]

Robb Redman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2002

In this helpful (and much-needed) book, author Robb Redman-pastor, consultant, and educator-offers a unique insider's explanation of the ins and outs of Christian worship trends. The book explores the four major developments that comprise what he calls the "worship awakening": the seeker service movement, the "praise and worship" movement, the Christian worship music industry, and the liturgical renewal movement. Redman explains that these trends offer important examples and lessons for established churches. The Great Worship Awakening also includes helpful guidance for congregations who are considering making changes to their current worship style.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Robb Redman, the former director of the D. Min. program at Fuller Theological Seminary, argues that American Christianity is in the midst of a "worship awakening." In The Great Worship Awakening: Singing a New Song in the Postmodern Church, Redman argues that the shift is best seen in the popularity of seeker services, the "praise and worship" movement, the growth of the Christian worship industry and the renaissance of liturgical traditions. Redman traces demographic changes to understand why worship has taken on new significance, pointing to increasing ethnic diversity and inter-generational dynamics. This is not the most sophisticated book on changes in American Christian worship practices; recent contributions by Robert Webber and Leonard Sweet have hit the mark more forcefully. However, it is a competent and resourceful overview.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Few writers today combine the breadth of scholarship and the kind of cultural relevancy that can put a finger on the pulse of what is going on in churches across America. In this book, Robb Redman draws upon his experience as a scholar, pastor, and consultant to thousands of pastors across America. He offers a biblically grounded analysis along with practical alternatives for those who are seeking a worship awakening in their church."
— David Miller, pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church, Seminole, Flordia; author, Contemporary Worship in the Reformed Tradition

"With all the various strains, tensions, and changes in Protestant worship today, it is easy to get lost. Robb Redman provides a useful map to negotiate current trends in worship. Confused? Overwhelmed? Redman's assessment of the influences on worship today-their background, importance, and Achilles' heels-and his understanding of the different contexts for Protestant worship provide guidance in a tumultuous, exciting time."
— Lester Ruth, assistant professor of worship and liturgy, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky

"Robb Redman provides a most helpful perspective on postmodern worship.
Regardless of the perspective of the reader, all will benefit from the
author's balanced critique of each perspective and recommendations for
local congregations."
— C. Michael Hawn, professor of church music, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas

"Robb Redman has located the key concerns that underlie the worship
anxieties I encounter in my work as a pastor and worship consultant. As
Christians we are called to be "in the world, but not of the world!" So
away with all these concessions to pop culture! Redman does established
church culture a great favor by bringing it into dialogue with the
contemporary world and at the same time providing a very helpful
vocabulary for the discussion."
— Lyell Heise, pastor, Avondale College Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Cooranbong NSW, Australia

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (September 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787951269
• ISBN-13: 978-0787951269
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #252,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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