Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven: Exploring Worship as a Spiritual Discipline

by Rory Noland

Rory Noland addresses the challenges of Christian worship head-on, offering practical suggestions gleaned from Scripture on understanding and experiencing vibrant worship. The first half of Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven explores what it means to grow as a private worshiper. The practices of the psalmist David provide insight to help people worship God on their own. Second, Noland discusses corporate worship by exploring the glorious gatherings in heaven, as described in the book of Revelation. He presents immediately applicable ideas for becoming a better corporate worshiper.

This book includes:
• Slice-of-church-life scenarios. Every chapter begins with a brief scenario that presents a worship-related issue or a conflict corresponding to the chapter topic.
• Group discussion questions. Based on the opening scenario, these questions help readers think about and discuss worship-related topics from different perspectives.
• Issue-by-issue practical guidance from a biblical perspective.
• “Ponder and Apply” application questions. Each chapter ends with a series of discussion questions and action steps to help readers identify key insights and make personal applications.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2011

About the author

Rory Noland is the director of Heart of the Artist Ministries, an organization dedicated to serving artists in the church. He leads retreats for artists, speaks at workshops and conferences, mentors worship leaders, and consults with churches in the areas of worship and the arts. Rory currently leads worship for the Transforming Center, a ministry that cares for the souls of pastors and leaders. Rory is Head of the Worship Department at Nebraska Christian College where he teaches courses in worship and spiritual formation for artists. He is also a regular contributor to "Worship Leader" magazine and his "Daily Praise Offering" is posted every day at www.heartoftheartist.org. Rory is a published songwriter and has authored four books, all published by Zondervan:

The Heart of the Artist: A Character-Building Guide For You and Your Ministry Team
Thriving as an Artist in the Church: Hope and Help For You and Your Ministry Team
The Worshiping Artist: Equipping You and Your Ministry Team to Lead Others in Worship
Worship on Earth as it is in Heaven: Exploring Worship as a Spiritual Discipline

Rory earned a Bachelor's Degree in music from the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University as well as a Master's Degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. He is a trained spiritual director through the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation and has a certificate in spiritual formation from The Transforming Center. Rory served as the music director at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, for twenty years and most recently as Pastor of Worship for Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Reviews

[Paul Grobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is written in an easy-to-read style. It is much more than worship.

The principles explained will take you also into a deeper relationship with GOD.

The principles will help from a conservative church to the latest modern church.

The author explains what to look for in worship, what to do during worship as well as the principals involved at every stage of worship.

Off all the books I have read on worship this one is the most recommended.

[Sylvia Jeronimo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was both convicted and encouraged. A thorough exploration of a christians connection to God through worship in community. The concept of Gods glory was so well written. Thankful and privileged to sit under Rory’s worship leading through the Transforming Center.

[JoAnn R · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a worship planner, I appreciated the various aspects of worship addressed in this book.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book for both the congregation member and the worship team member. It is a pretty easy read while being full of important truth's and very helpful, practical tips helping worship to become a Spiritual Discipline. I will probably right up a little bit more of a review and recommend this book to the congregation at my church.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great springboard for discussion in a Sunday School setting over what biblical worship should be both privately and corporately. It had some great hypotheticals to think about as well as some practical suggestions to think about incorporating.

[Mark Chaffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well articulated and engaging look at who God desires us to be as worshippers. One of the best I have read on the subject.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great entry level book on worship for worship teams or small groups.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful book on why and how-to worship, both privately and corporately. I especially like the practical component, and that he is clear in how he draws his suggestions from scripture.