An exploration of what worship looks like from a biblical standpoint and why the topic of worship can be so contentious among Christians. Because worship is inherently theological--because it's a manifestation of humanity's response to God's holiness--it's important to take seriously how we worship and the roles it serves in personal displays of adoration and in community with other believers. Exploring the Worship Spectrum provides an overview, critique, and celebration of six prominent worship styles: Formal-Liturgical - represented by Paul Zahl Traditional Hymn-Based - represented by Harold Best Contemporary Music-Driven - represented by Joe Horness Charismatic - represented by Don Williams Blended - represented by Robert Webber Emerging - represented by Sally Morgenthaler This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches. It allows readers to understand the various approaches to worship, carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and make personal choices without adopting a judgmental spirit. The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Worship has become a problem. It is the center of the Christian life, but like so much else in our kaleidoscopic late-modern world, worship has gotten complicated. Confusing. And even controversial. Church leaders and laypeople have joined the debate over "traditional," "contemporary" and a growing array of other worship styles. Pastor (and professor) Paul Basden believes worship should be the occasion of praise and celebration, not conflict. In this book he gently, insightfully and encouragingly leads all of us bewildered church folk through today's worship maze. First he carefully delineates five prominent approaches to worship liturgical traditional revivalist praise seeker-sensitive Then he lays out the essential hallmarks of genuine worship (of any style), sifts out the strengths and weaknesses of each major style, and shows how churches can arrive at a faithful and fitting style for their own worship. Nothing we do is more important than our gathered praise of God. Basden's sensitive, positive, much-needed book will help confused congregations restore worship to its rightful place. And it will help churches who have yet to encounter conflict over worship to road-check and fine-tune their Sunday-morning "work of the people."