Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology and Practice

by Terry L. Johnson

The practice of family worship has been a foundation stone of faith for many families across many generations. In his book The Family Worship Book, Terry L. Johnson aided families to have meaningful times of devotion together. In this supplement to The Family Worship Book Terry L. Johnson seeks to strengthen, clarify and enrich those devotions.

He begins by looking at the godly home, which provides the vital context in which family worship occurs. Then the biblical and theological arguments for daily family worship in are examined drawing from the Old and New Testaments as well as the classic authors.

Once the case for family worship has been made, Johnson then moves on to develop the elements or practices of which family worship consists, as well as helpful tips for establishing the discipline practice of family worship. Finally, he discusses catechizing. Together, this monogram provides a feast of classic Reformed insight.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2022

About the author

Terry Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles. He studied history at the University of Southern California and also studied at Trinity College, Bristol, England, and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, before earning his D. Min in 2008 from Erskine Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short treatment on the propriety and necessity of family worship. Johnson makes biblical and theological arguments, drawing deeply from the Reformed tradition. This book is intended to be a companion to “The Family Worship Book.”

Lots of helpful advice too, without being overwhelming in the least.

[Andy Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book! The introduction ("Background") alone was worth the price of the book!

[Matt Gurtler · Rating 4 out of 5]

O temelie biblică pentru educație creștină în cămin. Fiindcă nu sunt de acord cu părerea autorului despre copii părinților creștini, uneori eu cred că el pune un accent prea mare spre faptul că copii fac partea bisericii, considerând că familia este o biserică mică. Totuși, eu văd benificii acestei cărți, mai ales rezumatul cadrului istoric. Recomandațiile sunt practice, întemeiate în Biblia, și cu o inimă pastorală.

Un moment interesant pentru mine este faptul că practică descrisă în această carte este denumită ”Închinare”, deși scopul numărul unul se pare să fie educația copiilor. Dacă este închinare, scopul ei trebuie să fie gloria lui Dumnezeu. În capitol 2 ”Argumentul pentru închinare în familie”, Johnson pune un accent spre educația copiilor, nu spre glorificarea lui Dumnezeu. Desigur, aceste două scopuri nu exclude unul pe altul, dar aș aprecia un argument pentru denumirea dată. Așa cum e descris în această carte, e mai mult educație decât închinare.

Totuși, o carte folositoare și provocătoare.

[Joshua Chipchase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good arguments from scripture for Christian families to regularly do family worship (chapter 2 was the strongest chapter). Helpful guidance on prayer. Convicting and convincing.

It's weak point was that he spent way to much time quoting older authors. It can be helpful to quote others, but he did it non-stop and seemed to sometimes use them as authoritative evidence that his views were correct.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book to encourage families to continue in the practice of family worship.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Great little book on family worship. Some encouraging words, and helpful insights for parents here.

[Rob Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Reveals that I have so much room to grow as a father leading in family worship! Praise God for His patience!

[Nick Prodromou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. Everything i've read by johnson is great, his usage of quotes, his tone, his exhortations and rebukes.

Excellent.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the practice of family worship with practical instruction as well as theological and historical backing.

[Andrew Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fathers -- Read This Book!

Family worship is a much neglected practice in Christian families today. This book combines practical suggestions, historical insight, biblical conviction, and heartfelt devotion together in a helpful and brief overview of this vital practice. Highly recommended for all who long to be faithful parents.