Worship the Lord – Church Architecture

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New Series: Church Architecture

Winston Churchill’s famous remark at the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament is quoted in numerous books and articles on church architecture: “We shape our buildings, and ever after they shape us.” Perhaps Churchill is frequently quoted because people aren’t completely happy with their church designs. James White wrote, “Church architecture not only reflects the ways Christians worship but architecture also shapes worship or not uncommonly, misshapes it.”

This issue of Worship the Lord begins a series on church architecture. Most readers of this newsletter are not planning to build or renovate. Still, the principles to be articulated are worth our time and thought for minor changes to existing buildings or as catalyst for a more extensive future remodeling project. Design topics can be theological or practical. While there is no single correct way to design various features of a church, there is often room for improvement.

Worship the Lord – Worship Planning

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A SERIES ON WORSHIP PLANNING

Planning for worship involves far more than picking hymns and choir music [early enough!] for the coming season or year. Short range planning is important so that everyone can work together for the best possible worship. Long-range planning is also diverse but doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.

With this issue of Worship the Lord, we begin a series on worship planning. We hope that some of the ideas shared will be helpful for you. While pastors are the primary Worship the Lord audience, musicians and worship committee members might also benefit from reading these articles.

Worship the Lord – Contemplative Worship

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A SERIES ON CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP

Much recent attention given to worship, at least in some circles, is about making worship upbeat, energetic, and exciting. This trend has contributed to the much-discussed worship wars; a recent Google.com search showed almost half a million worship war links! This trend has led to arguing and division about an event that should display a parish’s love and unity: public worship.

Receiving far less attention, but significant and even newsworthy, is a growing interest in contemplative worship—worship that is quieter, calmer, and slower-paced. This worship allows time to pause and reflect, time for wonder and awe. This worship doesn’t depend on an energetic leader or music for its appeal. Its power lies in a simple dialogue between God and his people with ample time for meditation.

The next few issues of Worship the Lord will bring descriptions of contemplative worship from parishes in WELS that have been exploring such worship.

Worship the Lord – Liturgy

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Worship the Lord

With this short newsletter we will bring you a variety of theoretical, theological, and practical worship ideas. Each issue will not always contain all areas, but the content will eventually be balanced among all three. The first topic is liturgy, and the first issue sets an important foundation by defining liturgy.