People in the Presence of God [Paperback]

Barry Liesch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1988

Is there one correct way for the people of God to worship him? It turns out that Scripture offers many models and forms for worship, all of which are acceptable but not necessarily appropriate or functional in a particular setting. Barry Liesch, a professor of music at Biola University, helps his readers to grasp that fact and it's implications for worship in the church today. This is a one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches. It offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for worship leaders, church musicians, study groups, pastors, worship committees, and a host of others who are interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models. Within each of the twenty chapters the author shares many suggestions for enhancing and transforming worship in the church today. Not only does he present the various biblical models and offer a wealth of suggestions, he takes up some of the major concerns of worship leaders, planners, and participants -- concerns such as the role of music, uses of symbolism, the appropriateness of dance, modes of celebration, expressions of reverence, and many others.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Is there one correct way for the people of God to worship him? It turns out that Scripture offers many models and forms for worship, all of which are acceptable but not necessarily appropriate or functional in a particular setting. Barry Liesch, a professor of music at Biola University, helps his readers to grasp that fact and it's implications for worship in the church today. This is a one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches. It offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for worship leaders, church musicians, study groups, pastors, worship committees, and a host of others who are interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models. Within each of the twenty chapters the author shares many suggestions for enhancing and transforming worship in the church today. Not only does he present the various biblical models and offer a wealth of suggestions, he takes up some of the major concerns of worship leaders, planners, and participants -- concerns such as the role of music, uses of symbolism, the appropriateness of dance, modes of celebration, expressions of reverence, and many others.

About the Author

Dr. Barry Liesch is Associate Professor of Music at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. He has received his B.M. from the University of British Columbia, his M.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton, and his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego. He has served as music director in many different churches.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 20, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310316014
• ISBN-13: 978-0310316015
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Barry Liesch is Associate Professor of Music at Biola University in La Mirada, CA. He has received his B.M. from the University of British Columbia, his M.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton, and his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego. He has served as music director in many different churches.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A panoramic look at the biblical foundations of worship., August 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: People in the Presence of God (Paperback)

People in the Presence of God was nominated for a goldmedallion award (best christian book of the year). I believe my bookhas both depth and innovation. It explores the richness of worshipin the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. Since I'm a music professor at Biola University, I emphasize the arts (music, art, etc). The book intersperses throughout many practical applications derived from five biblical models or worship--(1) the patriarchs, (2) the tabernacle/temple, (3) the synagogue, (4) Pauline worship, and (5) worship in the book of Revelation. It shows how these models relate to contemporary worship practice. To this day, the issues in this book have affected me profoundly--especially worship in the book of Revelation--there are five chapters on this. People in the Presence of God took ten years to write and has been used by pastors and worship leaders worldwide, and as a text in many colleges and seminaries--including Fuller Seminary, Biola University, Azusa University, Calvin College, Ashland Seminary, Trinity University, and so on. I think you'll find it mind-stretching. Also, check out my other worship book, The New Worship.