Up with Worship: How to Quit Playing Church

by Anne Ortlund

Since its publication over twenty years ago, Up with Worship has proven itself to be an enduring classic. The first book of its type, it was truly ahead of its time. With demand for this book continual and broad, author Anne Ortlund is now revising and expanding on the original theme. Ortlund contends that we fail to experience the Presence when we don't allow ourselves to worship in the now and instead become lost in past successes. Up with Worship encourages the pursuit of God's presence— to the point we become so thirsty we become “absolutely cotton—mouthed.” Up with Worship is also a very practical book that gives “how to” instructions for such worship elements as the prelude, ambience, using praise songs and hymns as well as special music, prayer, announcements, the sacraments, and preaching. Also such “behind the scenes” topics as bulletins, greeters and ushers, preparation, and a worship service flow are covered.

Genres: Theology, Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[LAMONT D · Rating 3 out of 5]

From my personal library: Another book that I bought during my seminary days about worship. I was thirsty for answers to all my questions on how to lead effective worship since I was in the middle of developing my own style and also participating on a weekly basis with worship at our local church. I highlighted lots of thoughts in this book. The first part is her take on what a church service is all about, what it should look like and what it should not be like. Part two talks all about how to approach the worship and get the congregation ready and involved in the service. There is much more detail in this part of the book as she hits all the various components of a service. As the back of the book states: "Worship is a grand celebration of God's goodness and majesty; it should refresh ALL who participate.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about the book. It's not one that I dislike, but it's not one that I particularly like. To me, it was just meh. There were some good parts with a touch of humor and almost a bit of good-natured light sarcasm. The thing that bugged me the most about the book is how short the chapters were. Each chapter was about 1-2 pages and it drove me crazy. Granted, it felt good because it seemed like you read a lot, but the chapters were so short, there just wasn't enough content in each chapter to make an impact or teach a lesson. There were some good ideas on ways to change up a church service. I see this book being better as a reference if you're searching for a particular issue. Overall glad I read it though.

[Ms. Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a difference between church and worship. The author emphasizes our need to lean more on worship.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book that basically smacks you across the face about one's mind set of worship. Though done in that pastor's wife nice kind of way. The only reason it isn't a 5 is the many anecdotes about the author's husband (a pastor), many of them are frankly boring.

[Joshua Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little dated but had some great thoughts on worship. A classic!