Skip to main content
Cover of Essays on the History of Contemporary Praise and Worship

Essays on the History of Contemporary Praise and Worship

  • Preaching & Worship
  • Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
  • Published: 2020

FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.

Publisher's Description

Seeking to push the historical study of the liturgical phenomenon known as "Contemporary Worship" or "Praise and Worship" to a new level, this collection of essays offers an introduction to the phenomenon, documents critical aspects of its development, and suggests methods for future historical study. This multi-authored work investigates topics in both the Pentecostal and mainline branches of this way of worship, looking at subjects little explored by prior work. The provocative issues explored include Integrity Hosanna! Music, James White, charismatic renewal, John Wimber, the development of second services, Black Gospel, overlooked (non-white) sources of worship music, degree programs for worship leaders, and Robert Webber.


Endorsements (2)

“A Google search returns no shortage of materials claiming insight into the contemporary worship movement. Those broad, unchallenged sources muddle scholarship on the movement’s history. This text moves the conversation forward, providing a standard for future study. Meticulously researched, methodologically sound, and inclusive in its telling of a complex narrative that is sometimes misleadingly reduced—this work will inform conversations on the subject for years to come.”

Emily Snider Andrews

“Lester Ruth has argued for years that contemporary praise and worship is a ‘thing’—a thing worthy of theological and historical consideration. This eclectic volume of essays helps prove it, as Lester Ruth leads a wonderful slate of eager young scholars whose work causes one to reassess what qualifies as historical research, and which subjects are worthy of historical inquiry.”

Ron Rienstra

See something wrong on this page? Report a problem