Published during the tenth anniversary of the "Book of Common Worship" (1993), "The Companion to the Book of Common Worship" is a practical guide, answering questions such as how do I use the "Book of Common Worship" to its fullest advantage? and how can the "Book of Common Worship" form a congregation into a community that glorifies and enjoys God?

The Revolt of the Netherlands has long been familiar to English-speaking readers, but the Reformation there has remained largely a closed book. The Reformation in the Low Countries developed along very different lines from German Lutheranism. While the decentralised character of political authority ensured the survival of religious dissent, a prolonged persecution of heresy postponed the formation of public Protestant churches until after 1572. Conflicting interests and beliefs, as well as the war and political struggle, shaped the final religious outcome. Local considerations and individual responses played their part alongside the decisions of rulers, whether Philip II and his lieutenant, the duke of Alva, or William the Silent. Alastair Duke's work is of central importance to a proper understanding of both Reformation and Revolt.

Writing from the perspective of the parish pastor, Presbyterian pastor J. Dudley Weaver Jr. presents a complete and accessible overview of Reformed worship. Weaver moves from the history and theology behind Reformed worship to practical information for clergy, including help for planning worship, celebrating the dates of the church year, and working with others in the congregation to plan the liturgy. This concise handbook is ideal for all clergy in Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

Worship renewal is now on the agenda of many Reformed churches, as the need for adaptation and new approaches is acutely felt all over. How can the church faithfully worship God in the midst of rapidly changing situations? How can it constructively relate to widely differing cultural contexts? What is its place in the wider ecumenical scene? In preparing a sweeping survey of Reformed worship across time and place, this volume provides some help to those engaged with vital questions like these.

Written by theologians and liturgical scholars from a wide range of churches and countries, these chapters explore the history of Reformed worship on every continent from the sixteenth century to the present. Surveying the most significant developments in the growth of Reformed worship, the book identifies the major "ingredients" that make the Reformed worship tradition distinctive and highlights those aspects of Reformed worship that are particularly relevant to present efforts at renewal. Indeed, an important component of this book is the inclusion of "A Common Reflection on Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Today, " the result of a major consultation in January 2001 at the International Reformed Center John Knox.

Revealing the rich variety of forms and diversity of perspectives that have made and do make up Reformed worship worldwide, this volume will be a valuable resource for church and worship leaders both in and outside the Reformed family.

CONTRIBUTORS: Horace T. Allen Jr.
Emily R. Brink
Livingstone Buama
Coenraad Burger
Bruno Burki
Gerson Correia de Lacerda
Alan D. Falconer
Kasonga wa Kasonga
Baranite T. Kirata
Elsie Anne McKee
Seong-WonPark
Ester Pudjo Widiasih
Alan P. F. Sell
Joseph D. Small
Bryan D. Spinks
Leonora Tubbs Tisdale
Lukas Vischer
Isaiah Wahome Muita
Geraldine Wheeler
Marsha M. Wilfong
John D. Witvliet

The book describes in clear and understandable language what baptism means in a Presbyterian church. Davison discusses the sacramental aspects of baptism, the symbolic meaning of water, baptism in the name of God, the baptismal (Apostles') creed, and how baptism leads to service.

This book has many uses. It can be given to candidates for baptism and the parents of children to be baptised. It can also used in church school classes, study groups, or in any setting where Presbyterians desire to understand the biblical, theological, and practical aspects of baptism.

In this concise introduction to Calvin's life and thought, Christopher Elwood offers an insightful and accessible overview of Calvin's key teachings within his historical context. The trials and travails Calvin encountered as he ministered and taught in Geneva are discussed, with special attention given to theological controversies associated with the Trinity and predestination. Elwood indicates the ways that Calvinism developed and its influence in today's world. Illustrations are interspersed throughout the text and humorously illuminate key points providing an engaging introduction to this important theologian. Written by experts but designed for the novice, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are essential supplements for first-time encounters with primary texts, lucid refreshers for scholars and clergy, and enjoyable reads for the theologically curious.

Though probably best known for his scholarship on John Calvin, John Leith's work in the church and the academy has earned him honors in many areas. This collection of writings reveals some of his areas of expertise, including not only Calvin, but also the history of the Presbyterian Church, civil rights and integration, a Christ-centered faith, theological education, issues of sexuality, and the nature of the church.

Building upon the idea of liturgy as the "work of the people," Dean Chapman provides a "job description" for the Sunday pew sitter, describing in clear, accessible language what each aspect of worship is, why we do it, and how to do it well.

The Westminster Handbook to Reformed Theology is a superb and uniquely designed reference tool for scholars, pastors, and students, featuring compact yet comprehensive entries on theological concepts, terms, and historical figures prominent in the Reformed tradition. Written by esteemed Reformed scholars, this book provides easy access to a wealth of information and summarizes the most significant aspects of Reformed theology. The Westminster Handbook to Christian Theology series provides a set of resources for the study of historic and contemporary theological movements and Christian theologians. These books are intended to help students and scholars find concise and accurate treatments of important theological terms.

What was John Calvin's relationship to covenant theology? Tracing the historical development of the covenant idea, this title examines the writings of Calvin for evidence and description of Calvin's covenant thought. It argues that Calvin developed an extensive covenant theology. It is suitable for scholars of the Reformation and the 16th century.

The body looks healthy on the outside, but inside a sickness has set in. With the line between truth and error blurred, theological distinctives considered inconsequential, and the pulpit becoming the focal point of a commitment to entertainment rather than the faithful ministry of the Word of God, postmodern evangelicalism is suffering from theological anemia. In spite of this weakening state, a strengthening cure is available.In Life transforming truth: an introduction to the doctrines of grace, William E. Payne has provided the mega-vitamins so needed today. With a thoroughly biblical approach coupled with clarity of thought and expression, Life-transforming truth is the perfect primer for a weak and ailing Christian church. Explaining and amplifying "the doctrines of grace with the grace of the doctrines," Pastor Payne provides answers to the profound questions of those struggling with the wonderful truth of God's sovereign grace while strengthening and bringing a deeper understanding to those already embracing these God-honouring doctrines. Understanding depravity - Rejoicing in election - Affirming particular redemption - Effectual calling - Explaining perseverance - Exploring regeneration - Declaring justification - Experiencing sanctification - The privilege of adoption - The hope of glorification. Be prepared to be challenged and changed as you read these pages and discover God's gracious dealings with humankind. These truths will transform your life - from the inside out - as you consider God's wonderful kindness to a sinful world. 80 pages, 6" x 9," perfectbound Published March 2001.

This abridgement of Ford lewis Battles' Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion provides an introduction to the seminal work in Reformed theology. In a concise format, McKim follows the main development of calvin's thought, accentuating his positive convictions without lingering over matters of only dated importance. The sheer bulk of the Institutes can be intimidating. This concise edition of only 220 pages should help to fulfil the demands of anyone who desires to become acquainted with the authentic texts of the Reformed tradition. It includes an interpretive introduction and notes by an established scholar of Reformed theology.

Using case studies of authentic congregations--diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts--William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop faithful ministries in challenging times.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) often seems to relish its division more that it celebrates the unity that exists within the denomination. In "What Unites Presbyterians," Clifton Kirkpatrick and William Hopper compellingly call attention to the ties that bind Presbyterians together as a community of faith.

Drawing from his experience as longtime pastor of Preachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, W. Frank Harrington says that if the church is to flourish in this time, it must return to its primary purpose--the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind. To be successful, proclamation must be rooted in faith, and faith has to be lived out in the real world of need and evil.

Offering an overview of the history and development of Congregationalism in the United States, Youngs chronicles the denomination from its origins in Europe through its colonial beginnings to the recent merger of many of its members with other groups to form the United Church of Christ. He carefully summarizes basic information about the church, provides original interpretations of particular episodes in the church's history, and offers new ideas about particular issues within the church. Demonstrating Congregationalism's close relationship to Puritanism, Youngs also shows how the Puritan way of seeing God, humanity, and salvation has continued to influence Americans and how the unique spiritual sensibility of the early Puritans endured throughout the colonial period and long afterwards. This student edition, ideal for classes in American Religion, Protestantism, Denominational History, and American social and cultural history, includes a chronology of significant events in the history of the church in the U.S., and concludes with a bibliographic essay intended as a guide for further reading in the history of Congregationalism.

John Calvin's first catechism--originally written in French in 1537 and then in Latin in 1538--provides a valuable, clear, and concise introduction to his thought. Now for the first time, readers have available Ford Lewis Battles' English translation of the 1538 Latin edition and a current discussion of it in the same volume. This commentary on the first catechism also utilizes other sources such as Calvin's "Commentaries" and "Institutes," as well as the latest Calvin research. This volume is an excellent introduction to Calvin's theology and will be useful as a text for college and seminary courses as well as church discussion groups.

The Columbia Series in Reformed Theology represents a joint commitment by Columbia Theological Seminary and Westminster John Knox Press to provide theological resources from the Reformed tradition for the church today. This series examines theological and ethical issues that confront church and society in our own particular time and place.