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A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship
Now in paper!
"There is a distinct weariness with market-driven, showbiz worship. The pendulum has swung to the longing for transcendence, substance, challenge, and biblically driven worship. Michael Horton shows us the way." --Robert Webber, president, Institute for Worship Studies; author of Ancient-Future Faith
"Horton's enlivening wisdom is surely a godsend to all evangelicals." --J. I. Packer, Regent College
"There is a distinct weariness with market-driven, showbiz worship. The pendulum has swung to the longing for transcendence, substance, challenge, and biblically driven worship. Michael Horton shows us the way." --Robert Webber, president, Institute for Worship Studies; author of Ancient-Future Faith
"Horton's enlivening wisdom is surely a godsend to all evangelicals." --J. I. Packer, Regent College
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
25 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scott Horton
86 books330 followersDr. Horton has taught apologetics and theology at Westminster Seminary California since 1998. In addition to his work at the Seminary, he is the president of White Horse Inn, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk-show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine. Before coming to WSC, Dr. Horton completed a research fellowship at Yale University Divinity School. Dr. Horton is the author/editor of more than twenty books, including a series of studies in Reformed dogmatics published by Westminster John Knox.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 13, 2022
It's a shame this book never really got the widespread attention it deserved. While it is not Horton's hottest book, in many ways it is one of his more important earlier books. Like in other books, Horton's use of the covenant is evident. Here he places the Covenant as something that structures worship. Quite a few folks do this, but often with troubling results. Horton seems to avoid that. I wonder if this book were taken more seriously if more and more churches would start having weekly communion.
September 29, 2017
Good discussion of Reformed worship by one of my favorite authors. The book breaks down into three parts, part one on preaching, part two on the sacraments, part three on other issues in worship.
The nuts and bolts of what Horton argues for, I like A LOT.
However, I did find myself frustrated with a couple of things,
First, with how he articulates his foil of evangelicalism. The book leans way too much into the "let's beat up on evangelicalism" tone. In doing this, he makes points that are too vague, or broad, or poorly defined to ever be sure what exactly he is finding fault with in other churches.
As an example "relevance." When we use this word, are we using it, frankly, according to its dictionary definition of something that is "on point, suitable to the occasion and circumstances of the audience" or something else? If we are using it according to its proper definition, I cannot imagine why this is something a preacher/church should be against (in fact, Reformed theology, historically has been FOR this & ALL of the evangelism done in Acts was done in a way that showed the Gospel's relevance to the world).
And this actually is a problem consistently through the book--where the description of what is wrong 'out there' is poorly defined or steps on the toes of things that are not wrong in themselves (like being practical, or communicating in the sermon so that non-Christians can understand the sermon, or the pastor striving to be relatable).
A second issue is that, unfortunately, the book really does present Reformed worship as a panacea for all the troubles of worship, church, and Christianity in America. As someone whose spent a lot of time in Reformed circles, I know this isn't the case. And I know how some of the stereotypical Reformed shibboleths can be abused and turned into sweeping criticisms of what is happening 'out there,' that are not well thought out at all.
In fairness, Horton does at points suggest ways that Reformed worship can go awry, but I would say he doesn't spend enough time doing this. I would argue that any book on Reformed worship needs to make the point that it is possible to have the right 'stuff' in worship, and deploy it badly and in a way that does not help the people of God (see "Why Johnny Can't Preach" for an example of this phenomenon). And my conversations with outsiders tell me this is a much bigger problem for our "Reformed types" than we personally tend to admit or realize.
"Glory story" is a phrase I hear Reformed people use to describe wrong ways of envisioning the Christian life. We need to get better at talking about 'becoming Reformed' in this or that in a way that doesn't make it sound like yet another "Glory story."
The nuts and bolts of what Horton argues for, I like A LOT.
However, I did find myself frustrated with a couple of things,
First, with how he articulates his foil of evangelicalism. The book leans way too much into the "let's beat up on evangelicalism" tone. In doing this, he makes points that are too vague, or broad, or poorly defined to ever be sure what exactly he is finding fault with in other churches.
As an example "relevance." When we use this word, are we using it, frankly, according to its dictionary definition of something that is "on point, suitable to the occasion and circumstances of the audience" or something else? If we are using it according to its proper definition, I cannot imagine why this is something a preacher/church should be against (in fact, Reformed theology, historically has been FOR this & ALL of the evangelism done in Acts was done in a way that showed the Gospel's relevance to the world).
And this actually is a problem consistently through the book--where the description of what is wrong 'out there' is poorly defined or steps on the toes of things that are not wrong in themselves (like being practical, or communicating in the sermon so that non-Christians can understand the sermon, or the pastor striving to be relatable).
A second issue is that, unfortunately, the book really does present Reformed worship as a panacea for all the troubles of worship, church, and Christianity in America. As someone whose spent a lot of time in Reformed circles, I know this isn't the case. And I know how some of the stereotypical Reformed shibboleths can be abused and turned into sweeping criticisms of what is happening 'out there,' that are not well thought out at all.
In fairness, Horton does at points suggest ways that Reformed worship can go awry, but I would say he doesn't spend enough time doing this. I would argue that any book on Reformed worship needs to make the point that it is possible to have the right 'stuff' in worship, and deploy it badly and in a way that does not help the people of God (see "Why Johnny Can't Preach" for an example of this phenomenon). And my conversations with outsiders tell me this is a much bigger problem for our "Reformed types" than we personally tend to admit or realize.
"Glory story" is a phrase I hear Reformed people use to describe wrong ways of envisioning the Christian life. We need to get better at talking about 'becoming Reformed' in this or that in a way that doesn't make it sound like yet another "Glory story."
June 6, 2016
Another great book by Horton. Its an interesting idea that every Sunday church service is a covenant renewal ceremony- I guess it is but I am not used to thinking about it that way (I wonder how many people do?)- but I think we should. I am also not quite used to looking at the sacraments the way he does- the weight he gives to them is so much more intense than I am used to. There is a lot to chew on in this book. I was also challenged by his view of the Sabbath and really enjoyed it. The chapter I was looking most forward to reading was the one explaining the different parts of the liturgy which is a fascinating topic to me. I would like to read a whole book on it!
August 4, 2017
Very thought-provoking book.
Best book on worship and church practice I've read thus far. There isn't a single person on earth I would not recommend this book to. Take up and read!
Best book on worship and church practice I've read thus far. There isn't a single person on earth I would not recommend this book to. Take up and read!
July 21, 2023
Horton does a great job of demonstrating the importance of placing the gospel message at the centre of worship, before going on to demonstrate how the gospel is preached in non-verbal ways in the sacraments (while also surveying sacramental theology). He then turns to a more practical note, concerning the proceedings and liturgy of the service and explaining the value of essential elements of traditional (Reformation) liturgies: Invocation, Greeting, Reading of the law, Confession and Absolution, Pastoral prayer, Sermon, and crucially, the Lord's Supper. Lastly, he targets style and underlying assumptions: demonstrating that style (and liturgy) is not neutral and always carries a message, which then begs the question: what message do 'modern' worship styles push? Horton argues that popular worship styles (and 'Christian music') falls prey to modern philosophies of consumerism and individualism (as a result of capitulating too far to the surrounding culture), as demonstrated by the emphasis on marketing and how fast fads come and go (compared to how steadfast and solid older liturgies and hymns seem to be [relatively speaking]). To discover a better way, therefore, requires one to first sort out one's theology of worship (i.e. the ground covered in the previous chapters of the book) before deciding which cultural habits to prefer and which to reject (based on theological, not cultural standards).
Overall a great read and one that induces much soul-searching. It is high time modern churches slow down and, in line with Chesterton's Fence, analyse whether it is wise to change their styles of worship (rather than blindly changing at a rapid pace simply because more popular churches are doing it, and/or because it is culturally relevant [and therefore 'seeker-friendly']).
Overall a great read and one that induces much soul-searching. It is high time modern churches slow down and, in line with Chesterton's Fence, analyse whether it is wise to change their styles of worship (rather than blindly changing at a rapid pace simply because more popular churches are doing it, and/or because it is culturally relevant [and therefore 'seeker-friendly']).
February 7, 2018
Um livro com começo, meio e fim. Horton aborda com maestria os problemas e tentações atuais no que diz respeito à igreja e ao culto. Apartando-se da polarização "tradicional" vs. "contemporâneo", leva o leitor aos caminhos da aliança, conforme registrados na Escritura Sagrada. Corajoso, faz-nos pensar além de esteriótipos, para entendermos a essência do culto, a importância perene dos meios de graça (pregação da Palavra e sacramentos) e como aplicá-los com fidelidade e temor em nosso tempo. Uma obra obrigatória para os ministros da Palavra.
November 2, 2020
Horton's book is very thoughtful and Scripturally informed as he seeks to reshape the way we conduct our corporate gatherings in light of the redemptive-narrative of God's people. Horton lays the foundation of the book by seeing the elements of worship not just by their examples in worship, but by their significance in the history of the people of God. The significance of preaching, baptism, the Lord's Supper, singing, and the Lord's day are all traced from the Old Testament through the New in a way that is meant to reorient us every time we worship to the image of God's Son rather than to the image of the world.
May 29, 2023
A Better Way is a better work. Anyone familiar with Horton’s works know that he pegged reuses his material. For that reason I have to say that the best chapter in the book is the final chapter. Shadows of Hortons books on the covenant all promises shine through. He sees what the current trends are and how we are to respond to them. They are not to run to the world but to God and His ordained form of worship. We do not need more gimmicks but more God. This is a call to dont form worship to our own preferences but to the point and purpose of God ordained worship.
June 7, 2019
It's a good book, had to look up a few words (thankful for an e reader with a dictionary!). I was expecting a different focus, and while good, it was not quite what I was looking for. Great for preachers.
April 16, 2022
Excelente livro, apesar de não concordar com tudo o que o autor diz, ele trata muito bem sobre o assunto da liturgia, pegando vários ganchos para os elementos do culto e traçando um paralelo com a igreja do passado e do presente. Um destaque para os capítulos 11 e 12.
May 21, 2025
Good introduction to a philosophy of worship. There is not much direct "how to" in here, but it does help to provoke thoughts that inevitably lead to the "how to." Horton's writing in here is often dense, and it is obvious that he thoroughly researched this topic.
January 13, 2020
Excellent. Full review coming latter this week...hopefully.
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January 23, 2020A Better Way is not currently available at local libraries.
February 1, 2021
One of those books I'd give to all my friends if I could.
March 21, 2018
A fantastic and thorough discussion on the true drama and substance of worship, and role of the means of grace. Seeks out the correct balance between overemphasizing form and neglecting God's chosen means of working. Wonderfully connects human faithfulness and obedience to the work of the Spirit within these means. Incredibly helpful for applying these principles to all aspects of the worship service.
August 20, 2020
Michael Horton’s “A Better Way” lays out a theology of worship based on the drama of the creator God breaking into the realm of His creation to redeem man from the consequences of His sin.
The stated thesis of the book is, “God has promised to save and keep his people through the means he has appointed and through no others; the ordinary means of grace are limited to the preached Word and the administered sacraments; God’s rationale for these means is made explicit in Scripture.” Dr. Horton obviously believes that the Word and sacraments are the central aspects of our worship and I thought he made an excellent case for his thesis.
The beginning of the book especially, makes the case that the above mentioned drama looks much like an ancient form of covenant known as a Suzerain treaty. In this form of covenant a greater king (the suzerain) would impose a treaty on a lesser king in which the great king promises to rescue/protect the lesser king and in return the lesser king gives his allegiance to the greater king. In God’s drama, He is the suzerain and we are the subjects that have been rescued by Him and who owe Him our allegiance. Our worship services were then compared to covenant renewal ceremonies.
The part of the book I found most interesting (and which made me wish I lived near a Reformed church) was chapter 9, “What Should Our Service Look Like?” This chapter described the elements that should be present in our worship services if they are to be covenant renewal ceremonies.
I found the last few chapters more difficult to digest and will not comment on them because I am not sure how well I have understood them. (I don’t consider this a bad thing though. Trying to gain a better understanding gives me something to look forward to the next time I read this book.)
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and heartily recommend it!
The stated thesis of the book is, “God has promised to save and keep his people through the means he has appointed and through no others; the ordinary means of grace are limited to the preached Word and the administered sacraments; God’s rationale for these means is made explicit in Scripture.” Dr. Horton obviously believes that the Word and sacraments are the central aspects of our worship and I thought he made an excellent case for his thesis.
The beginning of the book especially, makes the case that the above mentioned drama looks much like an ancient form of covenant known as a Suzerain treaty. In this form of covenant a greater king (the suzerain) would impose a treaty on a lesser king in which the great king promises to rescue/protect the lesser king and in return the lesser king gives his allegiance to the greater king. In God’s drama, He is the suzerain and we are the subjects that have been rescued by Him and who owe Him our allegiance. Our worship services were then compared to covenant renewal ceremonies.
The part of the book I found most interesting (and which made me wish I lived near a Reformed church) was chapter 9, “What Should Our Service Look Like?” This chapter described the elements that should be present in our worship services if they are to be covenant renewal ceremonies.
I found the last few chapters more difficult to digest and will not comment on them because I am not sure how well I have understood them. (I don’t consider this a bad thing though. Trying to gain a better understanding gives me something to look forward to the next time I read this book.)
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and heartily recommend it!
February 2, 2015
A refreshing, biblical, Reformed look at worship. This book ought to be read by anyone who thinks the worship leader is the head musician. It presents corporate worship within the context of redemption history and God's covenant with His people. Beyond a holistic look at regular Sunday worship focusing on Word and sacrament, Dr Michael Horton explores questions of music, architecture, and the like; such questions have been asked and profoundly answered in generations past, but today many either don't ask the questions or find them irrelevant.
This book will free you from the tyranny of "worship experiences."
This book will free you from the tyranny of "worship experiences."
March 26, 2012
For those who always wondered what church is all about, or what church should be all about, read this book. You may not agree with everything Dr. Horton contends for, but you will leave with a greatly heightened appreciation for the gathering of the saints on the Lord's Day every week. Church service isn't just a place we go to get some good advice or encouragement for our week, it's not just a small group writ large, it is so much more than that as Dr. Horton ably explicates a truly Biblical vision of the worship of God.
January 8, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. began my thinking of worship in a more biblical way. how we should approach the exercise, both from a corporate and personal standpoint. even when we disagreed, i found his argument profitable.
implores us to approach worship as if God is the audience. has profound impact, not just on the worship service, but life.
implores us to approach worship as if God is the audience. has profound impact, not just on the worship service, but life.
June 23, 2010
Does a great job of holding forth the drama of the gospel in worship.
February 1, 2011
I think Horton is my new favorite author.
September 6, 2012
Definite must-read on the subject of biblical worship.
March 11, 2013
Super helpful book that should be read by Pastors and worship leaders. Argues that God is active and infuses Lord's Day worship, and life for that matter, with drama.
September 6, 2013
What a thought provoking read on worship, preaching, and church life. Well worth the effort
January 12, 2021
The best book on worship I've ever read.
March 18, 2016
Horton always challenges and edifies me.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews