Small Church Worship

This week I've read two books on the topic of Worship. The are both recent publications with up-to-date research. The first is called Where 20 or 30 Are Gathered, and is written by two Canadian Presbyterians. This was a good read, challenging small churches to worship in ways that are natural to their size and character. While it does focus on the smallest of the small churches (congregations of 15 to 50), it offers a fresh call to make worship a priority in the small church--and not just singing, but whole worship service and the whole worship space.

The second book is called Worshiping in the Small Membership Church, and is written by a seminary professor named Robin Wallace. This was an excellent book. It builds on the central conviction that God is present in small church worship. The author says it like this: "We are the right size, no matter whether we are two or three, seventeen or fifty, for whenever even two or three are gathered, Jesus has promised to be among us (Matthew 18:20)." Building on this conviction the book outlines a variety of practical considerations and suggestions for making worship in the small church more communal (meaning, everyone is able to participate), more authentic (meaning, it fits the style and character of the church and its people), and more formational (meaning, it invites us into the presence of God). However, it makes its case while staying firmly committed to worship that is grounded in scripture and in the Christian tradition. I really enjoyed this book.

Blessings, David