Monique Ingalls

A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship

History & Biography

“Ruth and Lim’s A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship is a landmark volume. With remarkable breadth and analytical depth, this book provides the most comprehensive account to date of the liturgical forms that reshaped the landscape of Christian worship during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. This book will become required reading for courses in liturgy and worship, church history, and church music.”

Professional Christian

Church Leadership & Ministry

“With characteristic wit and keen insight, Bereza moves the discussion beyond popular buzzwords like authenticity and sincerity, providing new models for navigating pressures and struggles as a ‘professional Christian.’ A must-read for ministers and those preparing for ministry.”

The Next Worship

Preaching & Worship

“The Next Worship argues persuasively that achieving unity in worship requires taking diversity seriously. At once prophetic and pastoral, the book presents a set of principles for navigating the complexities of race, ethnicity and culture within congregational worship. Van Opstal calls worship leaders to be anthropologists as well as theologians: self-aware students of culture who engage in critical reflection about their contexts, who take responsibility for interpreting their actions and who summon the courage and humility to truly collaborate. Van Opstal's writing models her leadership strategy—accounts from her own experience through the years are enriched by perspectives from a number of key leaders and scholars. Though its account is ultimately hopeful, the book does not downplay the difficulties inherent in building worshiping congregations across lines of cultural difference. Rather, it shows that coming together across these differences will frequently lead to tension, discomfort and sometimes pain. A commitment to working together through these issues is key to developing the kinds of relationships that characterize the coming kingdom. The Next Worship makes a compelling argument that building worshipping communities across lines of division cannot be a niche interest. Rather, engaging diverse perspectives and learning to share authority must become priorities for all Christ-followers interested in the continued life and health of the church.”

Worship and Power

Preaching & Worship

“In this illuminating and accessible book, Johnson and Wymer bring together a varied group of scholars to engage crucial questions of power and authority within Free Church worship. With pastoral sensitivity and prophetic criticism, the diverse voices in this volume give readers the conceptual tools necessary to reflect deeply on the inner workings of power within Christian congregations. This book will become required reading for liturgical and worship scholars, along with ministers, seminarians, and lay Christians seeking to critically consider their own congregational worship practices.”