Worship Evangelism (Paperback)

by Sally Morgenthaler (Author) "WORSHIP HAS ALWAYS BEEN a controversial subject within the church..." (more)
Key Phrases: seeker event, worship director, worship evangelism, Jesus Christ, Christian Assembly, Willow Creek (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This is a how-to guide for churches who want to put worship to its biblically intended ends and it includes a study guide.

From the Publisher
Worship Evangelism pinpoints the vital place of worship in winning non-Christians to Jesus Christ. Sally Morgenthaler calls Christians to consider the remarkable, untapped potential of worship as an opportunity for unbelievers, not just believers, to encounter the presence of God. Combining the best of traditional and contemporary worship music and practices, Morgenthaler helps pastors, worship leaders, and musicians understand worship and its attraction for non-Christians; tear down walls that keep unbelievers from meeting God in church worship; and make worship evangelism happen--in any culture. This timely book offers fresh vision for worship evangelism and provides the strategies and practical resources to implement it.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031022649X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310226499
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #234,490 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Powerful Witness of Authentic Worship, September 16, 2001

By	Mark S Krenz (Anderson, IN United States) - See all my reviews

In Worship Evangelism Morgenthaler presents a comprehensive case for understanding the powerful witness of the church at worship in evoking life transformation among non-believers in the midst. Morgenthaler does not see worship evangelism as the only way to lead others to Christ. Rather, the strong witness of Christians participating in powerful, authentic, worship has often been neglected as a viable method for evangelism. Worship has traditionally been practiced as the exclusive right of the saved to the exclusion of unbelievers. Unbelievers were to be reached by evangelistic events or other targeted programs, but not worship.

Morgenthaler begins this idea of worship evangelism in the understanding that seekers are looking for an encounter with God, and the church is where they should find it. "They are hungry to see evidence of God at work in our hearts" (40)! If this is so, evangelism is a natural outgrowth.

The section in chapter three discussing what it means to worship in spirit and in truth was very insightful. Our desire for truth grows out of our worship in the spirit. In turn, our worship in truth which brings us to a greater understanding of who God is enlivens and broadens our worship in spirit.

In her chapter discussing the reasons for worship evangelism, Morgenthaler underscores that Christians and seekers find common ground at the foot of the cross, and so it is in worship. She sees worship as a great "leveler." In public worship, all must come before God broken and in need of restoration. There is room and a place for all in worship.

Morgenthaler dedicates a significant portion of the book to application of her theories. Many helpful tips and suggestions are included. For example, on page 118, Morgenthaler poses some important questions for the reader/worship leader to consider like, "What is one thing the people can do for themselves this week that we as a worship staff typically do for them?"

My only contention with book centered around Morgenthaler's discussion on how to keep boomers from leaving the church again - or any other group for that matter. She suggests the key lies in the boomers worship experience. At this point, I feel that Morganthaler's scope is much to narrow. There is more to a church, the community of believers, than worship or evangelism or worship evangelism. Worship that inspires belief will not result in long term commitments to the church or God no matter how good, relevant, or meaningful it is. Worship alone will never keep or connect anyone long-term. Believing without belonging results in leaving. Authentic Christian community is essential to longevity.

Overall, Worship Evangelism is a landmark book for pastors and worship leaders. The worship principles of this book, if properly applied will lead both Christians and seekers to an encounter with God.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blending of Worship and Evangelism, September 8, 2001

By	Michael D. Hone "pastorhone" (Hickory, NC) - See all my reviews

In Worship Evangelism, Sally Morgenthaler builds a framework of understanding the evangelical potential of worship. While many churches seek to separate worship and evangelism under the notion that unbelievers cannot know and experience the things of God, Morgenthaler argues for the blending of these two important faith areas. Unbelievers will be draw to faith through witnessing genuine worship (1999:9).

Morgenthaler takes exception with the current "seeker-friendly" service which supposedly attracts the unchurched without exposing them to "worship." Through extensive research Morgenthaler shows the steady decline of these churches and a generation hungry for worship that inspires and ultimately reaches the unchurched.

According to Morgenthaler, effective corporate worship needs four basic elements (essentials): (1) Nearness - a sense of God's presence; (2) Knowledge - worship centered on Christ; (3) Vulnerability - opening up to God; and (4) Interaction - participating in a relationship with God and others (1999:96-97).

While Morgenthaler gives some practical "hands-on" material, much of her work is devoted to building a solid theological and cultural foundation for worship evangelism.

30 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Destination, Poor Route Getting There, July 21, 2002

By	David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book is easily summarized in the following statement: True Christian worship is a powerful tool of evangelism, contrary to the common perception that seekers services are the only way to mass-evangelize in the 21st century.

Morgenthaler again and again emphasizes this point throughout her work. I agree wholeheartedly with her conclusion, but wish she had chosen a better means to support it. This volume draws heavily upon the sociological definitions of "boomer" and "buster." It interviews various worship leaders to get their perspectives on what is currently effective for them in ministry. It rambles in an almost endless explanation of what is required to reach "Seeker Bob" and "Shopper Bruce."

The bottom line here is that Morgenthaler's destination is commendable. Genuine worship CAN reach the unchurched for Christ. Her method of getting the reader to that destination however, is mediocre at best and could stand much improvement.

I would recommend that if anyone is interesting in learning more about this book, borrow, don't buy. Skim, don't read. The time and energy spent in covering every page would be better invested elsewhere.