Essays on the History of Contemporary Praise and Worship

by Lester Ruth

Publisher:

Pickwick Publications

, 2020

Overview

Seeking to push the historical study of the liturgical phenomenon known as “Contemporary Worship” or “Praise and Worship” to a new level, this collection of essays offers an introduction to the phenomenon, documents critical aspects of its development, and suggests methods for future historical study. This multi-authored work investigates topics in both the Pentecostal and mainline branches of this way of worship, looking at subjects little explored by prior work. The provocative issues explored include Integrity Hosanna! Music, James White, charismatic renewal, John Wimber, the development of second services, Black Gospel, overlooked (non-white) sources of worship music, degree programs for worship leaders, and Robert Webber.

Praise for Essays on the History of Contemporary Praise and Worship

“A Google search returns no shortage of materials claiming insight into the contemporary worship movement. Those broad, unchallenged sources muddle scholarship on the movement’s history. This text moves the conversation forward, providing a standard for future study. Meticulously researched, methodologically sound, and inclusive in its telling of a complex narrative that is sometimes misleadingly reduced—this work will inform conversations on the subject for years to come.”

—Emily Snider Andrews, Instructor of Music and Worship, Samford University



“Lester Ruth has argued for years that contemporary praise and worship is a ‘thing’—a thing worthy of theological and historical consideration. This eclectic volume of essays helps prove it, as Lester Ruth leads a wonderful slate of eager young scholars whose work causes one to reassess what qualifies as historical research, and which subjects are worthy of historical inquiry.”

—Ron Rienstra, Professor of Preaching and Worship Arts, Western Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title : Essays on the History of Contemporary Praise and Worship
• Author: Ruth, Lester
• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication Date: 2020
• ISBN: 9781532679032

About Lester Ruth

Dr. Lester Ruth is the Lily May Jarvis Professor of Christian Worship. He began teaching at Asbury Theological Seminary in 2000. He received a B.B.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University, 1981; a M.Div. from Asbury Seminary, 1985; a Th.M. from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, 1988; and a M.A (1994) and a Ph.D. (1996) from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to teaching at Asbury Seminary, Dr. Ruth was assistant professor of Liturgical Studies at Yale University Divinity School and Institute of Sacred Music. He has been an adjunct at Tyndale Theological Seminary (Toronto), Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (Chicago) and the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (Jacksonville, Fla.). He is a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy. Dr. Ruth is a member of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was ordained as a deacon in 1984 and as an elder in 1987. He has served three appointments. His book, A Little Heaven Below: Worship at Early Methodist Quarterly Meetings (Nashville: Kingswood Books, 2000) was awarded the Jesse Lee Prize by the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History. He has also received three teaching awards at Asbury Seminary , two for use of media and one for extended learning. He was on the advisory board for the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship liturgical renewal grants program from 1999 to 2004. He was also a John Wesley Fellow, funded by A Foundation for Theological Education during graduate school. Dr. Ruth is currently editing a multi-volume set of worship case studies from church history as well as continuing research into the theology of contemporary worship music. Dr. Ruth and his wife, Carmen have two daughters. (particularly ) with the