Return to the Building Blocks of Worship with GBHEM’s New Primer

Steven D. Bruns takes readers back to the basics of Christian worship in his new book, “Introduction to Christian Worship: Grammar, Theology, and Practice.” Released by the Publishing Office of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, this book offers a useful liturgical primer for lay and clergy alike.

Bruns explores the foundations of worship: preaching, fellowship, sacraments and prayer. While the forms have changed over time, these four elements are still the basic grammar of worship and remain constant across the richly diverse practices of Christian communities.

Grounded and beginning with Scripture and the priesthood of all believers, Bruns introduces readers to the theological and practical fundamentals of planning and leading worship. Although the book’s perspective is broad, it draws heavily from the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition.

“With ‘Introduction to Christian Worship,’ Steven Bruns has written an important primer for any scholar, pastor or lay person,” writes Jonathan A. Powers, assistant professor of worship studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. “Exploring the significance of ‘the nouns and verbs of Christian worship,’ Bruns investigates the vital intersection of doxology, liturgical practice and spirituality. An engaging and informative read that has the potential to lead the church into greater depths of praise and prayer to God.” 

Steven D. Bruns is chair of the Ministry and Theology Department at Central Christian College of Kansas and is often called to interpret the building blocks of worship through his work as a pastor with the Free Methodist Church.

“Introduction to Christian Worship” is available now on Amazon and Cokesbury.

Wesley’s Foundery Books is an imprint of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Representing the rich diversity of the church, Wesley’s Foundery Books offer a disciplined and balanced approach. GBHEM’s publishing office produces books that engage, nurture, and advocate for the intellectual life of The United Methodist Church.

Visit us at GBHEM.org, follow @GBHEMPublishing on Facebook, and for catalogs and review copies, email us at publishing@gbhem.org.

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.