Worship as praise of an all-powerful deity has traditionally been associated with the passive side of life. If worship as praise is indeed passive, it could be that such worship has the effect on people of taking power away. Worship as praise would be at best irrelevant and at worst a hindrance in an age that is, as perhaps never before, preoccupied with the active exercise of power. The central issue of this book is the question, Can worship be both praise and empowerment? By examining Christian worship in these terms, the author seeks to make a strong affirmation of the importance of worship for the movements of liberation that are seeking to exercise power responsibly in our time. In this respect Worship as Praise and Empowerment can be described as a major work of liberation theology in the North American setting. Why worship? What are some of the contemporary obstacles to worship? What really transpires in the act of worship? These are just some of the important questions addressed in this insightful book of liturgical theology.

In A Spirit-Empowered Church, Alton Garrison points us to the heart of dynamic church growth: creating Spirit-empowered disciples who are involved in five activities--connect, grow, serve, go, and worship--to change individuals, families, and communities with the love and power of God's mighty Spirit.

Scripture assures us that God is present with us in a very real way when we praise Him. Along with His nearness comes a new level of His power operating in our lives. Empowered by Praise will expand your knowledge about praising God and energize your daily practice of praise, resulting in a powerful, personal spiritual transformation. When praise is practiced according to the Biblical model: 1. It releases us from earthly concerns 2. It transports us into God's presence 3. It opens the door to God's power

What if your understanding of praise in the life of a believer is completely wrong? This book will help you recognize that praising God does more than honor the Lord; it puts you in a position to enjoy His nearness and to experience His touch in your life. Empowered by Praise will guide you into a richer understanding of admiration for God. In learning to praise God in an abounding variety of forms, you will begin to experience God's powerful presence in your life. And expressing glory to God will motivate and guide you in your daily decisions and relationships. Scripture assures us that God is present with us in a very real way when we praise Him. Along with His nearness comes a new level of His power operating in our lives. When praise is practiced according to the biblical model: It releases us from earthly concerns It transports us into God's presence It opens the door to God's power Throughout this book, Dr. Michael Youssef will grow your wisdom in praising God and energize your daily practice of praise. He will teach you new ways to give praise that will result in personal growth and spiritual transformation. FEATURES AND BENEFITS: An updated and expanded edition of one of Michael Youssef's best-selling books, including a study guide for individuals and groups.

In his insightful book, Damazio lays out for the serious student a broad discussion of what it means to be responsible for a group of "followers.

Most Christians agree that discipleship is important, even essential for Christian maturity; few understand biblical principles and even fewer apply a biblical process when it comes to discipleship.

This book is a continuation of the LICC series begun by Neil Hudson's Imagine Church Whole-Life Worship will demonstrate that the contemporary Western Church has reached a point where our "gathered" worship is separated from our "scattered" lives outside of church. This is detrimental to the congregation's spiritual development and their effectiveness on their "frontlines". Church worship should be inspired and informed by our everyday experiences. It should empower and send the congregation out to continue worshipping. The book will provide patterns and resources to better connect gathered worship with the lives of the congregation beyond church meetings. The book will unpack a biblical grounding for both gathered and scattered worship. It will then identify patterns within our gathered services which help us re-make these connections. It will provide practical resources such as songs, prayers and activities which can help churches connect Sunday to the rest of the week. It will draw examples and stories from other church streams and traditions, to demonstrate how different kinds of Christian spirituality engage worshipfully with everyday life. In the second half of the book is a practical resource looking specifically at different aspects of a gathered service, and how each one can have an "outward" dimension.

A clear explanation of the different aspects of worship and how it renews faith and shapes believers into Christ's image.

"Examines the history of worship in the Black Church in America, the enduring effects of white supremacy on its liturgical heritage, and proffers a new liturgical paradigm, using a womanist hermeneutic"--

Christianity Today Book Award Winner One of Worship Leader Magazine's Editor's Picks Current discussions about worship are often driven by pragmatics and personal preferences rather than by the teaching of Scripture. True worship, however, is our response to God's gracious revelation; in order to be acceptable to God, worship must be experienced on God's terms. Respected Old Testament scholar Daniel Block examines worship in the Bible, offering a comprehensive biblical foundation and illuminating Old Testament worship practices and principles. He develops a theology of worship that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture and is applicable for the church today. He also introduces readers to a wide range of issues related to worship. The book, illustrated with diagrams, charts, and pictures, will benefit professors and students in worship and Bible courses, pastors, and church leaders.