Ancient Fire: The Power of Christian Rituals in Contemporary Worship

by Ken Heer

Publisher:

WPH

, 2010

Overview

The greatest challenge and responsibility in contemporary worship is distinguishing between the fire and the ashes—to stoke the fire of God's presence while simultaneously disposing of the ashes of obsolete worship styles and practices. As contemporary worship moves from traditional to modern to postmodern, how can pastors and worship leaders be sure they are retaining what is essential to genuine worship even as they leave behind the practices of the past?

In this penetrating and insightful book, Ken Heer challenges church leaders to rediscover the power and significance behind the church's ancient rituals and sacraments so the fire of God's presence in them can be carried forward to present and future generations. Heer offers substantive discussion on the meaning of our rituals as well as practical guidance on transferring these ancient forms into modern and postmodern worship settings.

Ignite the power of Christian ritual in your church with Ancient Fire. All Scripture passages are linked to your favorite Bible translation in your library. With the advanced search features of Logos Bible Software, you can perform powerful searches by topic or Scripture reference—finding, for example, every mention of "ritual" or "worship."

Key Features

• Notes for further study and discussion
• Includes bibliographical references

Contents

• Stoke the Fire
• Remove the Ashes
• Keep the Regulations
• Set Up Stones
• Teach Them How to Worship
• Call on the God Who Answers By Fire
• Avoid Offering Strange Fire
• Add Fuel to the Fire
• Remember the Lamb
• Baptized By Water and Fire
• Fan into Flame the Gift of God
• The Lord Added to Their Number
• The Glory of the Lord Filled the Temple

Top Highlights

“Effective churches periodically do an audit of worship practice in which they ask themselves why things are being done as they are, with a willingness to follow God in the ways He is currently connecting with His people.” (Page 59)

“Fire is dynamic—ever moving, never contained, and always consuming. There will always be pastors who fail to see the fire is dying, because they remain preoccupied with practices and patterns that no longer connect people and God.” (Page 24)

“Ancient Fire is the reason for worship. Without it, our meetings are little more than mediocre social gatherings. We must renew our commitment to keep the fire burning and never let it go out.” (Page 25)

“But pastors cannot escape the responsibility of giving attention to the fire and the ash.” (Page 34)

“We have to allow for the differences that exist in churches, people, and the context in which they minister. At the same time, if our history restricts progress; if our worship patterns no longer communicate meaning; if our people would rather die than change; if new spiritual births are never experienced or welcomed in our church; then whatever hinders God’s work in us has become ash that is killing the fire. There is little life or warmth found by gathering around the ashes of what once was a blazing fire.” (Pages 36–37)

Product Details

• Title: Ancient Fire: The Power of Christian Rituals in Contemporary Worship
• Authors: Ken Heer
• Publisher: Wesleyan Publishing House
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 224

About Ken Heer

Ken Heer is the executive assistant to the Board of General Superintendents of The Wesleyan Church and coordinator of the Leadership Development Journey. He has served twenty-eight years in pastoral ministry and eighteen years in denominational leadership positions. He is the author of Luke in the Wesleyan Bible Commentary series.