Written Review
Started reading May 2, 2024. Finished reading May 3, 2024.
Another great 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches book! Matt Merker, I didn't realize that I'd heard Matt lead worship at the Together For the Gospel Conference in 2022! How neat to get to read this book! I learned so much, and I look forward to applying some of these thoughts into my own worship structure.
"Corporate Worship" by Matt Merker is a profound exploration of the significance and beauty of worship within the context of the corporate body of believers. Merker delves into the biblical foundations of corporate worship, emphasizing its communal nature and its centrality in the life of the church.
One of the strengths of the book is Merker's ability to blend theological depth with practical application. He doesn't just discuss abstract concepts; he provides tangible guidance for today's worship culture within local congregations. Whether it's discussing the importance of congregational singing, the role of Scripture in worship, or the significance of the Lord's Supper, Merker offers valuable insights that can enrich any worship experience.
Merker writes with a pastor's heart, expressing a genuine desire to see God's people grow in their understanding and practice of worship. His passion for the subject is evident on every page, making the book both engaging and inspiring to read.
Overall, "Corporate Worship" is a must-read for anyone involved in leading or participating in corporate worship. It challenges readers to rethink their approach to worship and provides practical tools for fostering a deeper, more meaningful worship experience within the local church. Whether you're a worship leader, pastor, or member of a congregation, this book will undoubtedly enrich your understanding and practice of corporate worship.
Back Cover
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CORPORATE WORSHIP IN THE CHURCH?
Christians worship God at church every week, but many don't know exactly what worship is or why they do it. For some, it's a warm-up for the sermon. For others, it's a "me-and-Jesus" moment. What is the biblically informed way to view corporate worship?
In this book, Matt Merker shows that corporate worship is the gathering of God's people by his grace, for his glory, for their good, and before a watching world. He offers biblical insights and practical suggestions for making worship what is truly is meant to be: a foretaste of God's people worshiping together for eternity in the new creation.
Memorable Quotes
"The point isn't so much the intensity of the emotional experience we have from week to week - we can leave that up to God. The point is that as we sing, we grow in knowing, trusting, and adoring the triune God who is worthy of our praise. Through our singing, we help others delight in him as well. " (p. 139)
"If your church meets in a context where you can sing as loud as possible without fear of arrest, why would you not take full advantage of that freedom?" (p. 150)
"Together as a church, we raise our voices in unison, knowing that one day the storms of darkness will end. Our singing anticipates something else - another time and another place. Our singing is not yet what it one day will be. It offers a foretaste of the day when all of God's family will gather around the throne. One that day, we will gather alongside our brave brothers and sisters in the new heaven and new earth, where no power or principality will oppose them because King Jesus has won." (p. 150)
"I'll bet they will sing their lungs out. The trumpet will sound, a new song will begin, and God's people from every tribe and tongue will lift up an anthem of praise that will echo on and on and on - into eternity" (p. 150)