James R. Hart

Evangelical versus Liturgical?

Preaching & Worship

“This book is a passionate, heartfelt cry for embracing commonalities among all Christian churches while not ignoring the differences that may exist between liturgical and evangelical traditions. Ross calls for us to seek 'local middle ground' in order to overcome the false liturgical/evangelical dichotomy. Her call should resonate with all worshipping communities.”

Liturgical Mission

Preaching & Worship

“The well-known Latin phrase Ite, missa est can be translated as 'Go! You are sent!' This simple yet profound phrase was proclaimed at the end of Christian worship at least as far back as the third century. The whole dynamic of Christian worship is to form the church (the 'called out' ones) morally, theologically, and spiritually into Christlikeness, in order to be sent on mission to draw the broken world back into the life of the triune God. We gather for worship to be sent, and we are sent to be gathered for worship. Winfield Bevins does a spectacular job of bringing together all the essential elements and implications of such a posture. This understanding of the mutually implicative relationship between liturgy and mission is essential to our common call to be poured out for the life of the world.”

Worship Formation

Preaching & Worship

“In Worship Formation, Steven Brooks rightly posits that worship is ‘the most important priority of the church’ and that through active engagement with worship, and all of the activities involved with worship, we are spiritually formed to be more like Christ. That perspective is at the very center of why we exist and how we are to live—to glorify our Creator by becoming like him. This theosis, or becoming like God in Christ, summarizes the entirety of our raison d’être. Feasting on Christ the Living Word and partaking of his Body and Blood, we become Christ broken for the life of the entire created order. Nothing is of greater importance than that. Dr. Brooks’ love for God and his passion to see God’s people adopt a posture of continuing formation through worship is evident and clear.”