Return to Worship: A God-Centered Approach

by Ron Owens, Jan McMurray (Foreword), Henry T. Blackaby (Foreword)

Through "letters" addressed to the church and to worship leaders, Return to Worship looks at worship in light of what Scripture says and illustrates. It looks at the fundamentals necessary for the offering to God of that which is acceptable to Him. It gives help for the restoration of authentic worship to those churches that do a lot of celebrating but little true worshiping.

Genres: Christianity, Theology

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wise, practical, and most importantly--biblical approach to worship. Owens is careful to talk "worship", not just music, as we so often do when discussing worship. He argues that the church has wandered from biblical worship, not only in music, but in every respect, due to worldly influences.

The culture of the church has absorbed the practices of unbelievers in making worship about entertainment, emotion, and experience. Music is part of this, but not all.

The book is a series of letters written to different audiences--to the church, to worship leaders, pastors, accompanists, choirs, and so on. Each letter exhorts the reader to re-examine the church's worship in light of the Bible's teachings--old and new.

The approach is useful, and effective, but not as hard hitting as I think is necessary. It lacked the punch I'd hoped for. But, all in all, a useful critique of the church.

[Asher Hougo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, on the topic of our heart, and posture in worship. An overview of what the modern church is lacking in worship, and how we as believers should approach the throne for worship.
In the form of "letters" the author writes to; the pastor, the choir directors, those in the choir, and those behind the scenes who run the worship. Encouraging all of them to posture their hearts to a true worship, and a return to a worship that gives God the Glory.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! All five stars to this one! Very good at examining what true "worship" is all about. I can't say enough about this book. A MUST READ. Five stars for "Return to Worship".

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid.

[Seth Channell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great practical ideas for leading a worship service.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but nothing new for me personally. So someone not read up on this subject, it is an excellent book to add to your list.

[Eric A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking "letters" to anyone involved in worship, from the congregation to those who lead worship.