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What Happens When We Worship
Many churchgoers assume that worship is inherently boring, something we need to make exciting. But as Jonathan Landry Cruse shows, churchgoing only seems monotonous and mundane because our eyes are blinded to the supernatural wonder that is taking place all around us. In this book, Cruse helps us perceive the significance of worship and guides us through the spiritual actions of a worship service. Once you recognize how God is doing something to us and for us and through us in each element of the service, Lord’s Day worship will become the highlight of your week! Table of Foreword by Michael S. Horton Part 1: Introduction 1. What Happens When We Worship? Part 2: A Brief Theology of Worship 2. The Most Important Thing We Will Ever Do 3. We Are Being Shaped 4. We Meet with God 5. God Renews His Covenant 6. We Submit to God’s Agenda 7. We Commune with the Saints Part 3: The Parts of the Service 8. God Calls Us 9. The Verdict Is Pronounced 10. Jesus Gets Up to Preach 11. God Feasts with Us 12. We Get a New Name 13. We Sing a New Song Part 4: Conclusion 14. Extraordinarily ordinary Worship 15. Preparing for Worship Author Jonathan Landry Cruse (MDiv, Westminster Seminary California) is pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he lives with his wife and son. Endorsements “What happens in worship? God is at work, and the best thing we can do is receive it. I’ve known Jonathan Cruse for many years now and have enormous respect for his gifts not only in theology but in music. This book will broaden and deepen your vision while narrowing it on ‘the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ Please read, mark, and inwardly digest the teaching in this important book.” — Michael S. Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California “This excellent book is a fresh, engaging, and thoughtful call to worship. It opens up the importance, vitality, and character of worship in a very helpful way.” — W. Robert Godfrey, chairman, Ligonier Ministries “Protestant worship can appear to be boring. The remedy for some is to add beauty and grandeur, and for others, excitement. The Reformers understood that biblical worship needed spice but that such pizzazz came not from externals or style but from Scripture, faith, and a right understanding of what transpires when God’s people meet in His name on the Lord’s Day. Jonathan Cruse uses the teaching of Scripture and the wisdom of Reformed theologians to remind Protestants how extraordinary their simple worship is.” — D. G. Hart, associate professor of history, Hillsdale College “As responsibility for the faithful transmission of Reformed ministry and worship passes from one generation to the next, Jonathan Cruse has shown himself willing and able to take up the mantle. He presents the old strengths of God-centered, gospel-structured, Spirit-dependent, word-filled, and Bible-regulated worship with a fresh voice, conveying to this generation the genius of worship that is Reformed ‘according to Scripture.’ ” — Terry L.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2020
85 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 4, 2021
Loved this book! He walks you through each element of the worship service and talks about why it’s important. The first part of the book dealt with why we worship, the second was the explanation of the elements of the service, and the third part had practical applications!
May 2, 2021
Absolutely FANTASTIC. Theologically sound, encouraging, and a definite re-readable book
June 22, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORSHIP ABOUT?
This is not a manual for the "how-to" aspects of worship, nor does it wade into the "style" debates and conflicts, he doesn't look into the "why" we do certain things in worship (although he brushes against the idea). This is about the supernatural aspect to the ordinary, weekly event. This is something too few people think about when it comes to worship—we're pretty focused on what we do for those few hours, but Cruse's thesis is that this approach is backward.
CENTRAL THESIS
Humans are not the primary actors in worship—we are primarily acted upon. We're involved, we're active, but only in the secondary sense. Something happens. Something happens at every stage, in every act or element of the service. This book sets out to survey this.
He does this by sketching out "A Brief Theology of Worship." Focusing on what worship is, that the worshipper is being shaped by the event, meets with God as He renews His Covenant, the worshipper submits to God's acts and call in this time and we do so while communing with the saints. This is about one-third of the book and it informs the rest.
The heart of the book focuses on "The Parts of the Service," looking at what God does, what happens in each part. This has a distinctly Reformed flavoring and will include things not in typical Evangelical Protestant services, so some of these ideas may not be what the reader is used to.
The concluding chapters focus on the ordinariness of the extraordinary service (the extraordinariness of the ordinary service is probably how I should've put that)—how what we think of as usual, normal. ordinary is so much more and we ought to understand this. And part of that ordinary work ought to be preparing for the service, and he gives direction for that to end the book.
HIGHLIGHTS
I thought this was just an outstanding book, and could easily write a few paragraphs about why each chapter was so valuable and helpful. But I'm going to limit myself to a brief paragraph about two chapters that really stood out to me (on future readings, I fully expect other chapters to stand out in the same way)
In Chapter 12, "We Get a New Name," Cruse spends a chapter on the Benediction. I've read and own at least a dozen books on Worship and I don't think I've ever read more than a couple of paragraphs about the Benediction—much less a whole chapter. This was gold. I'd grasped and been taught about its importance before, but this kind of focus was new to me. He begins by describing it as:
He expands that, reminding readers what having God's name on them, ties it into Baptism and develops the idea into God sending His people into the world.
The chapter on singing was another stand-out, saying that it's a gift of God as
It's a measured, careful, and encouraging look at this often contentious topic. His approach ignores the controversy, focusing on weightier matters. Like so many things in the book, I found it refreshing.
WAIT ,DID I MISS SOMETHING?
I was thinking about this book a few days after finishing and stopped dead in my tracks when I had this thought. I don't think that Cruse mentions the Regulative Principle of Worship by name. I could be wrong here, but if he does, he doesn't make a big deal of it.
Typically, Confessional Presbyterians/Reformed Christian books on the subject are full of references to the RPW, many such books are defenses of, studies on, of that principle. For an entire book to be written for our camp without that is stunning.
Don't get me wrong—this is a book about Regulated Worship. The RPW is reflected in the pages, but I don't think it shows up by name. I find that refreshing.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORSHIP?
Cruse writes crisply and clearly with an approachable and engaging style—there's nothing daunting about the writing, some of the ideas might take a little work to understand if you are reading this as an introduction—but it won't be because of the writing.
Cruse wrote my conclusion for me in his first chapter—that's what the book sets out to be, and he accomplished that. Edifying, educational, orthodox, and even devotional—this book will introduce you to the vital topic or will gently remind you of the things you've been taken for granted. Either way, it's something you should read.
---
WHAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORSHIP ABOUT?
...ultimately I want to recover worship from the doldrums. Let me rephrase that: I want to recover the perception of worship as being the doldrums. Worship is never dull, but we are sometimes. Churchgoing is monotonous and mundane only because our eyes are blinded to the supernatural wonder that is taking place all around us. The reality is that worship is an exhilarating experience. So we don't need smoke machines, more lights, dramatic presentations, louder music, mystical theology, or entertaining speakers to make worship exciting. We simply need to understand what's going on in the first place.
This is not a manual for the "how-to" aspects of worship, nor does it wade into the "style" debates and conflicts, he doesn't look into the "why" we do certain things in worship (although he brushes against the idea). This is about the supernatural aspect to the ordinary, weekly event. This is something too few people think about when it comes to worship—we're pretty focused on what we do for those few hours, but Cruse's thesis is that this approach is backward.
CENTRAL THESIS
This book is written from a simple but important premise: something is happening when we worship. Something happens to us, Something happens between us and the people we worship with, and, most importantly, something happens between us and God.
Humans are not the primary actors in worship—we are primarily acted upon. We're involved, we're active, but only in the secondary sense. Something happens. Something happens at every stage, in every act or element of the service. This book sets out to survey this.
He does this by sketching out "A Brief Theology of Worship." Focusing on what worship is, that the worshipper is being shaped by the event, meets with God as He renews His Covenant, the worshipper submits to God's acts and call in this time and we do so while communing with the saints. This is about one-third of the book and it informs the rest.
The heart of the book focuses on "The Parts of the Service," looking at what God does, what happens in each part. This has a distinctly Reformed flavoring and will include things not in typical Evangelical Protestant services, so some of these ideas may not be what the reader is used to.
The concluding chapters focus on the ordinariness of the extraordinary service (the extraordinariness of the ordinary service is probably how I should've put that)—how what we think of as usual, normal. ordinary is so much more and we ought to understand this. And part of that ordinary work ought to be preparing for the service, and he gives direction for that to end the book.
HIGHLIGHTS
I thought this was just an outstanding book, and could easily write a few paragraphs about why each chapter was so valuable and helpful. But I'm going to limit myself to a brief paragraph about two chapters that really stood out to me (on future readings, I fully expect other chapters to stand out in the same way)
In Chapter 12, "We Get a New Name," Cruse spends a chapter on the Benediction. I've read and own at least a dozen books on Worship and I don't think I've ever read more than a couple of paragraphs about the Benediction—much less a whole chapter. This was gold. I'd grasped and been taught about its importance before, but this kind of focus was new to me. He begins by describing it as:
God blesses His people by confirming that His name is on them for good in Christ, and thereby strengthens them to serve Him in the week ahead.
He expands that, reminding readers what having God's name on them, ties it into Baptism and develops the idea into God sending His people into the world.
The chapter on singing was another stand-out, saying that it's a gift of God as
a fitting way to praise Him for His work, pray to Him with our deepest needs, and proclaim to one another the sanctifigyin truths of the gospel.
It's a measured, careful, and encouraging look at this often contentious topic. His approach ignores the controversy, focusing on weightier matters. Like so many things in the book, I found it refreshing.
WAIT ,DID I MISS SOMETHING?
I was thinking about this book a few days after finishing and stopped dead in my tracks when I had this thought. I don't think that Cruse mentions the Regulative Principle of Worship by name. I could be wrong here, but if he does, he doesn't make a big deal of it.
Typically, Confessional Presbyterians/Reformed Christian books on the subject are full of references to the RPW, many such books are defenses of, studies on, of that principle. For an entire book to be written for our camp without that is stunning.
Don't get me wrong—this is a book about Regulated Worship. The RPW is reflected in the pages, but I don't think it shows up by name. I find that refreshing.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORSHIP?
Admittedly, we are just going to be scratching the surface here. There could easily be ten more chapters in this book, and each chapter could easily be ten times longer. But I'm not seeking to present a fully exhaustive treatment on the subject of worship. Rather, this is meant to be an important introduction to, or perhaps a gentle reminder of, the topic. My aim is to whet your appetite when it comes to worship. For indeed it is in corporate worship that we are able to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8).
Cruse writes crisply and clearly with an approachable and engaging style—there's nothing daunting about the writing, some of the ideas might take a little work to understand if you are reading this as an introduction—but it won't be because of the writing.
Cruse wrote my conclusion for me in his first chapter—that's what the book sets out to be, and he accomplished that. Edifying, educational, orthodox, and even devotional—this book will introduce you to the vital topic or will gently remind you of the things you've been taken for granted. Either way, it's something you should read.
May 9, 2024
4.5 - coming from a nondenominational/ Baptist/ CM&A background, I did not have much understanding of Reformed theology and tradition. More specifically, I was ignorant of the true weight, and joy :), of the Lord’s Day. This book highlighted the ins and outs of corporate worship and demonstrated the true privilege, honour, and delight of worshipping God.
Jonathan Landry Cruse thoroughly touches upon the different aspects of liturgy. I found this extremely helpful when trying to understand the Order of Service.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend this book to anyone! It’s so important to understand what is actually happening when we worship :)
Jonathan Landry Cruse thoroughly touches upon the different aspects of liturgy. I found this extremely helpful when trying to understand the Order of Service.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend this book to anyone! It’s so important to understand what is actually happening when we worship :)
May 20, 2023
We read this book for Sunday School this winter/spring and I found it to be an extremely helpful book on why we worship in the structure and liturgy we do in the Reformed tradition, and why it matters for our lives. It was a good one to talk through chapter by chapter as a church too. I really enjoyed the author’s style too and would like to check out his other books!
October 22, 2023
Great reminder of reformed worship... that is, biblical worship.
June 10, 2024
Excellent, concise primer.
The way to grow in love for the corporate worship of God, is to understand exactly what's happening behind the veil.
The way to grow in love for the corporate worship of God, is to understand exactly what's happening behind the veil.
January 28, 2025
Some parts of this book are great, but others are not so much. It felt disorganized at points. Oddly enough, parts of it reminded me of my seminary papers (not a good thing).
September 25, 2022
A book that every Christian should read. This book explains the importance of worship and what actually happens during that time. Cruse lays out the various pieces of worship in a way that makes sense. He show what worship is, how it is regulated and how it can go off the rails. You will not look at worship the same way.
November 7, 2023
As a churchgoer my entire life, this book was eye opening to “What Happens When We Worship.” Such a beautifully written book that I will probably always keep it nearby to refer back to and to reread in the coming years. I am so thankful for what I have learned in the book.
November 3, 2025
Pretty good book, i enjoyed how he brought up Cain and Abel as a picture of incorrect vs correct worship. This book motivates me to be more intentional on how I prepare my heart for worship; however, it will be more of a struggle to not do anything Saturday nights haha.
November 20, 2023
I feel weird giving a book on worship 2 stars, but I found this book to be confusing and unhelpful in many ways. Before I critique it, let me first say the first 3 chapters were solid and good.
Chapter 1 - He says worship is a supernatural event. Which should cause everyone to think about that.
Chapter 2 - Worship is the most important thing you will ever do.
Excellent points. And he could of expounded on that more and it would have made a great book. However, he means Sunday worship. Not everyday worship. Which is where he starts to muddle things and claim many things that he doesn't back up with Scripture, or if he does it's by cherry picking a verse or taking a passage out of context.
Here are many examples:
Chapter 4 -
"...the necessity and supremacy of corporate worship."
It you are going to claim that corporate worship is supreme, you need to show that in Scripture. Which he doesn't. Now do I think we need more emphasis on worshiping with the church vs just individually. Absolutely. Our culture loves individuality. So yes we need to see the beauty and wonder of worshiping with the church, and the command to not neglect the habit of meeting together.
"Do you want to meet with God? Then go to worship. Don't go on a hike. Don't go searching for some thrilling, moving experience."
Can I meet with God on hike? Yes. The fact that he keeps using worship as something we do on the Lord's day I don't think is always helpful. Everyday we worship. But to say I can't meet with God by myself is not helpful and dangerous.
"Even though certain spiritual disciplines have their place in the Christian life, they are still not the most special, most sacred place to meet with God."
???
"the sacraments were given to the church and are administered there, and there only."
Where in Scripture is that found? He tells the passage of Philip and the Ethiopian euchuch and says that the guidance for Scripture happens on Sundays. But Philip didn't take him to a corporate worship service. He explained the word of God right there then teleported.
Chapter 5 -
"Because the worship service is where God renews the covenant that we have broken just as He once did for ancient Israel."
Where in Scripture is that found?
Chapter 6 -
"...if we come to worship in an unacceptable manner, we will be disrespected by God...Worship carefully."
Aren't we all unacceptable apart from Jesus?
Chapter 7 -
"The church is meant to be a place for converting sinners..."
The church is a people not a place. The church goes out and makes disciples.
Chapter 10 -
"I am saying that in true preaching, Jesus Christ Himself is the one who is actually speaking."
What? Show me that in Scripture. Pastors are fallible and make mistakes and sin. Jesus does not. So what about an ordained minister who preaches heresy? Then what? Those are the words of Jesus? I hope not.
Chapter 11 -
"baptism becomes our dedication to serve the Lord, and the Lord's supper becomes something of a frequent act of rededication, recognizing we have failed Him and need to do better."
Eh. I don't think this was said well. Do better. This sounds more like works.
Chapter 12 -
"we can improve our baptism"
Even though I know he is not saying we are saved by works. The language is not helpful.
"And though this benediction and commison are spoken by a minister, they are the very words of God."
Same thing as earlier.
Chapter 13 -
"Therefore it is paramount that our songs be filled with the word--and nothing but the word."
Nothing but the word? So throw out most of all the songs we sing unless it's only Scripture?
Chapter 14 -
"In fact, corporate worship is the primary arena of sanctification in the Christian life."
He needs to back that up with Scripture.
There are a few gem takeaways, but it has many unhelpful statements and confusing points.
Chapter 1 - He says worship is a supernatural event. Which should cause everyone to think about that.
Chapter 2 - Worship is the most important thing you will ever do.
Excellent points. And he could of expounded on that more and it would have made a great book. However, he means Sunday worship. Not everyday worship. Which is where he starts to muddle things and claim many things that he doesn't back up with Scripture, or if he does it's by cherry picking a verse or taking a passage out of context.
Here are many examples:
Chapter 4 -
"...the necessity and supremacy of corporate worship."
It you are going to claim that corporate worship is supreme, you need to show that in Scripture. Which he doesn't. Now do I think we need more emphasis on worshiping with the church vs just individually. Absolutely. Our culture loves individuality. So yes we need to see the beauty and wonder of worshiping with the church, and the command to not neglect the habit of meeting together.
"Do you want to meet with God? Then go to worship. Don't go on a hike. Don't go searching for some thrilling, moving experience."
Can I meet with God on hike? Yes. The fact that he keeps using worship as something we do on the Lord's day I don't think is always helpful. Everyday we worship. But to say I can't meet with God by myself is not helpful and dangerous.
"Even though certain spiritual disciplines have their place in the Christian life, they are still not the most special, most sacred place to meet with God."
???
"the sacraments were given to the church and are administered there, and there only."
Where in Scripture is that found? He tells the passage of Philip and the Ethiopian euchuch and says that the guidance for Scripture happens on Sundays. But Philip didn't take him to a corporate worship service. He explained the word of God right there then teleported.
Chapter 5 -
"Because the worship service is where God renews the covenant that we have broken just as He once did for ancient Israel."
Where in Scripture is that found?
Chapter 6 -
"...if we come to worship in an unacceptable manner, we will be disrespected by God...Worship carefully."
Aren't we all unacceptable apart from Jesus?
Chapter 7 -
"The church is meant to be a place for converting sinners..."
The church is a people not a place. The church goes out and makes disciples.
Chapter 10 -
"I am saying that in true preaching, Jesus Christ Himself is the one who is actually speaking."
What? Show me that in Scripture. Pastors are fallible and make mistakes and sin. Jesus does not. So what about an ordained minister who preaches heresy? Then what? Those are the words of Jesus? I hope not.
Chapter 11 -
"baptism becomes our dedication to serve the Lord, and the Lord's supper becomes something of a frequent act of rededication, recognizing we have failed Him and need to do better."
Eh. I don't think this was said well. Do better. This sounds more like works.
Chapter 12 -
"we can improve our baptism"
Even though I know he is not saying we are saved by works. The language is not helpful.
"And though this benediction and commison are spoken by a minister, they are the very words of God."
Same thing as earlier.
Chapter 13 -
"Therefore it is paramount that our songs be filled with the word--and nothing but the word."
Nothing but the word? So throw out most of all the songs we sing unless it's only Scripture?
Chapter 14 -
"In fact, corporate worship is the primary arena of sanctification in the Christian life."
He needs to back that up with Scripture.
There are a few gem takeaways, but it has many unhelpful statements and confusing points.
September 15, 2025
Just wonderful.
February 20, 2024
This book is not only a great introduction to worship (answering clearly the title's question) but it is also a very edifying, encouraging book for all readers. It heightens your awareness of, and appreciation for, the supernatural, transforming power of corporate worship, and Cruse convincingly shows the central role that corporate worship plays in the Christian life.
In a time like ours, when many treat corporate worship as either an optional gathering or as merely a time of teaching/a time of singing/a time of seeing and talking to others, Cruse's book puts corporate worship in its proper light: worship is the "church's number one task” and humanity's "innate desire"; it is the "greatest means of making us into what we were always meant to be: the image bearers of God," and the "workshop" where "we are worked on [by God]"; it is "a place of refuge in a war zone . . .an oasis in the desert" where we are united to "everyone else who is in Christ"; it is a time set apart when "God serves us in grace; we serve Him in gratitude," a "taste of the bliss and blessedness that await us in glory," and "the most important thing we do in our lives."
In a time like ours, when many treat corporate worship as either an optional gathering or as merely a time of teaching/a time of singing/a time of seeing and talking to others, Cruse's book puts corporate worship in its proper light: worship is the "church's number one task” and humanity's "innate desire"; it is the "greatest means of making us into what we were always meant to be: the image bearers of God," and the "workshop" where "we are worked on [by God]"; it is "a place of refuge in a war zone . . .an oasis in the desert" where we are united to "everyone else who is in Christ"; it is a time set apart when "God serves us in grace; we serve Him in gratitude," a "taste of the bliss and blessedness that await us in glory," and "the most important thing we do in our lives."
July 2, 2023
I began this book in a study with a group of women last summer. I was excited about reading a book about worship, but I had no idea how much it would end up edifying and challenging me as a worshipper. Jonathon Landry Cruse articulates why we ought to worship, the object of our worship, how we are to worship, preparation of worship, application of worship, and what happens in the heavenly places when we worship. The end of each chapter has a small set of discussion questions which was perfect for our bible study. These questions helped us guide our conversations, challenged us a church members and convicted us in the truth. I highly recommend this book for every Christian. Will definitely be rereading.
December 5, 2022
This was my favorite and most encouraging book I read in 2022. What I greatly appreciate about the book is that it repeatedly takes one through the redemptive historical flow of the Bible's narrative to help us makes sense of what happens in worship throughout all of Scripture. Somehow Cruse is able to do this without being too bogged down in all the details keeping it very helpful for the average lay person in the pews but also deeply profound. There are many books on worship but many of them end up getting too quickly into more technical debate (like should we use only a piano and organ) which often distract from the central thrust of what worship and helping us think through worship from a Biblical point of view. I believe it can also serve a congregation where people are burning out and drowning in the evangelical program centered church culture. The reason why churches become so program oriented, not only for a lack of being people oriented, but is because they do not see the power of God's ordinary means of grace when we gather. And a proper understanding will also help us not go crazy in our mission for evangelism and discipleship while certainly these activities take place outside of Sunday morning and are extremely important responsibility between Monday-Saturday as well we have lost how "it is the church, and specifically the church at worship, that fulfills the Great Commission....we must also see that exaltation is the fount from which discipleship and evangelism flow." (page 22) There is much more to say but I would simply like to encourage all Christians to read this book. It will be well worth the time!
February 6, 2024
At first, as a pastor, I was excited to read this book from Jonathan Cruse. What Happens When We Worship addresses the spiritual aspect of worship, and how the elements of worship (preaching, prayer, the sacraments, singing, and the fellowship) should be governed by the word of God. Since I adhere to the Regulative Principle of Worship (the RPW), as well as does the author, I wasn't surprised by the author's position that he takes. According to Cruse, every aspect of the public worship of God (i.e., church on the Lord's Day), should be regulated by Scripture and what the Lord commands. Worship belongs to God, therefore, only the Lord has a right to determine how He's worshipped. The reason why I gave the book four stars instead of five is because the book reads like a youth pastor's sermon at times. But the author does do an excellent job of glorifying the Lord's presence in our worship and explaining that the Lord is our focus and not our preferences.
February 28, 2024
God not only cares that we worship, He also cares how we worship.
A lot of modern evangelicals would balk at that - as long as we worshiping "in spirit and in truth" - we're good, right? But what happens in and around us, when we worship?
"What Happens When We Worship" by Jonathan Landry Cruse is an excellent (in his word, "brief") primer on Christian worship.
He says,
"This book seeks to remedy that ignorance and indifference that have plagued and continue to plague many worshiping Christians. By exposing what's really happening in these moments of corporate worship, I hope to take the rote out of routine and in its place produce a zeal for God and gratitude to Him for what He's done for us in worship."
The book is not quite conversational, but it's very easy to read.
Whether you're in a church where the worship is weak, or if you're in a church with great worship - this book reminds us that everything that happens in Lord's Day Service is worship and how we respond matters.
As a Reformed person, I get the "elements of worship" of the Regulative Principle; "What Happens When We Worship" does a wonderful job explaining what the elements are and why they matter.
I belong to a great church and all of the elements are really well done, and this book brought another wave of thanks to God for bringing us here.
The final part of the book is about preparing to worship. It's easy to know, sometimes not so easy to do. Don't stay up late on Saturday - what? Pre-start breakfast the night before - that takes thought!
Some of the men in our church get together for encouragement once a month, and it's a hard and fast rule that it will never be on Saturday night, because that's when they're with they're families, praying and preparing for the Lord's Day. That was encouraging!
Most of the books I've read on worship are by "worship leaders" and focus on the singing part. "What Happens When We Worship" is a holistic view into the service, from start to finish.
Cruse reminds us that yes, we sing and pray, but the sermon is part of it also; how we listen is part of our worship.
My verdict is: Read this book if...well, just read this book.
A lot of modern evangelicals would balk at that - as long as we worshiping "in spirit and in truth" - we're good, right? But what happens in and around us, when we worship?
"What Happens When We Worship" by Jonathan Landry Cruse is an excellent (in his word, "brief") primer on Christian worship.
He says,
"This book seeks to remedy that ignorance and indifference that have plagued and continue to plague many worshiping Christians. By exposing what's really happening in these moments of corporate worship, I hope to take the rote out of routine and in its place produce a zeal for God and gratitude to Him for what He's done for us in worship."
The book is not quite conversational, but it's very easy to read.
Whether you're in a church where the worship is weak, or if you're in a church with great worship - this book reminds us that everything that happens in Lord's Day Service is worship and how we respond matters.
As a Reformed person, I get the "elements of worship" of the Regulative Principle; "What Happens When We Worship" does a wonderful job explaining what the elements are and why they matter.
I belong to a great church and all of the elements are really well done, and this book brought another wave of thanks to God for bringing us here.
The final part of the book is about preparing to worship. It's easy to know, sometimes not so easy to do. Don't stay up late on Saturday - what? Pre-start breakfast the night before - that takes thought!
Some of the men in our church get together for encouragement once a month, and it's a hard and fast rule that it will never be on Saturday night, because that's when they're with they're families, praying and preparing for the Lord's Day. That was encouraging!
Most of the books I've read on worship are by "worship leaders" and focus on the singing part. "What Happens When We Worship" is a holistic view into the service, from start to finish.
Cruse reminds us that yes, we sing and pray, but the sermon is part of it also; how we listen is part of our worship.
My verdict is: Read this book if...well, just read this book.
May 7, 2025
This is a great deep-dive into corporate worship and what it is really about. What is really going on in the various parts of the worship service? What things are mandated by Scripture and what things are simply conventional? How can we re-capture the true worship intended in our worship services? Cruse looks into these and other questions from a Biblical perspective to help the reader understand why we do what we do. While I don't agree with every conclusion Cruse comes to, I expect I will return to this book multiple times in preparing myself for our church's times of corporate worship.
September 12, 2021
Cruse is a man of his word.
In chapter 1 Cruse warns "...we are just going to be scratching the surface here. There could easily be ten more chapters in this book, and each chapter could easily be ten times longer", and the rest of the book he lives up to this initial statement by staying on the surface. Though he makes many good points on worship, and certainly fulfills his aim "...to whet your appetite when it comes worship.", it is disappointing that this book did not provide the more in depth view of worship that I was hoping it to be.
In chapter 1 Cruse warns "...we are just going to be scratching the surface here. There could easily be ten more chapters in this book, and each chapter could easily be ten times longer", and the rest of the book he lives up to this initial statement by staying on the surface. Though he makes many good points on worship, and certainly fulfills his aim "...to whet your appetite when it comes worship.", it is disappointing that this book did not provide the more in depth view of worship that I was hoping it to be.
February 19, 2024
Perhaps the best introduction to Reformed worship on the market. It is simple, clear, and easy to follow. Part 1 lays out a theology of worship and Part 2 explains the various elements of gathered corporate worship - both are superb. And part 3 discusses preparing for worship (very practical). It is perfect for reading in a small group setting (there are questions at the end of each chapter to facilitate discussion). I purchased one for each of my elders, and I may do the same for every member of the worship team.
July 3, 2022
Excellent. I worked my way through it slowly with excessive highlighting.
November 10, 2023
Rich and thoughtful. A great refresher course on what worship actually is.
November 6, 2025
Ohhhhh so THAT’S what happens
August 30, 2021
Every Christian should read this book. Fantastic explanation of what truly happens in worship.
June 3, 2024
This was a good book detailing the theological foundations of corporate worship as well as expounding different aspects of the worship service. I do think the book would be even more beneficial if it included more exegesis showing how individual and corporate worship are different and both commanded in Scripture.
August 13, 2021
Well written and with some helpful insights in places (confession and singing particularly). Unfortunately the definition of worship and especially its conflation with 'gathering' remains consistently muddled throughout the book. Some of the exegesis can raise an eyebrow too and scripture isn't as obviously in the driving seat of the arguments as much as it should be.
December 3, 2024
Livro fantástico! Entender o que o culto é, em um nível espiritual, ajuda muito, antes de nos embrenharmos na discussão acerca do que pode ou do que não pode estar presente no culto. Com a publicação dessa obra, a editora Pro Nobis contribuiu de maneira muito significativa para a igreja evangélica brasileira!
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