Worship Frames: How We Shape and Interpret Our Experience of God
Deborah J. Kapp
Worship is a congregation’s most important practice. In worship we encounter God’s gracious presence and come face to face with the frailty, goodness, and potential of our humanity. We are comforted, corrected, forgiven, healed, challenged, and sometimes even disturbed by the divine and one another. We are morally formed and sent by God into the world.
The mysterious and uncontrollable work of the Spirit is at the heart of all genuine worship. Yet worshipers and leaders work hard to worship. In Worship Frames, Deborah Kapp explores how the sociological concept of frames can help us better understand the social and human dynamics of worship. Frames are interpretive schemes or ideas that help people locate, understand, and identify their experiences. For example, opening a service with a period of silent reflection followed by a sober hymn is a different frame for worship than opening with congregational announcements and a loud call-and-response session. She has found that this theory has opened her eyes to dynamics in worship she had not noticed before and best helped her understand differences in worship styles.
By understanding our frames, we can learn how to reframe worship to give fuller and richer expression to our faith. Kapp shares her insights with congregations and worship leaders so they will gain new perspectives from which to analyze and design worship, and deepen their perceptions about the role worship plays in faith communities.
Praise for the Book
“Finally, an informative and engaging book that helps us think more holistically as well as critically about worship. Persons seeking a way to reframe the worship discussion while deepening and strengthening their practice of worship will find this book to be a great resource.” —Craig Van Gelder, Professor of Congregational Mission, Luther Seminary
“Worship Frames provides a refreshing, creative approach to congregational leadership for worship and preaching. This book is beautifully researched, informative, and practical.” —John S. McClure, Charles G. Finney Professor of Homiletics, Chair, Graduate Department of Religion, Vanderbilt Divinity School
About the Author
Deborah J. Kapp is the Edward F. and Phyllis K. Campbell Associate Professor of Urban Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. An ordained minister of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she previously served in three congregations and with the women’s program staff of her denomination.
ISBN# 978-1-56699-367-8
Alban No. AL367
paper, 129 pages
2008
In stock
$17.00
($13.60 for members)
Create your own review
