2012.09.04 CLP Reformed Worship

CLP Reformed Worship and Sacraments

Course Description

This course in Reformed Worship and Sacraments introduces CLP students to basic scriptural, historical, and theological principles of Christian worship as viewed from a Reformed perspective, with special focus on liturgical practice in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate and/or articulate the following:

• An introductory knowledge of Christian worship from the Reformed perspective;
• An introductory knowledge of the resources available for preparing and planning for worship;
• An ability to plan a worship service with commentary, explaining the theological and liturgical spirit of each major component of the service;
• A knowledge of the sacramental practices of the church;
• An introductory knowledge of the theological principles and practices in funeral and wedding services, as well as an introductory knowledge of resources available for planning these services.

Required Texts

• Byars, Ronald P. Christian Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God. Louisville: Geneva Press, 2000.
• P.C. (U.S.A.) The Book of Common Worship. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1993.
• P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part I, The Book of Confessions [current edition with index].
• P.C. (U.S.A.) The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, The Book of Order [current edition].

Recommended Text

• Peter C. Bower, ed.

(Not required, but helpful) The Companion to the Book of Common Worship. Louisville: GenevaPress, 2003.

Suggested Texts

• Old, Hughes Oliphant.
• P.C. (U.S.A.) The Presbyterian Hymnal. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1990.
• P.C. (U.S.A.) Book of Occasional Services. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1999.

(These texts are not required, but will provide added insight to our conversation) Worship Reformed According to Scripture, revised and expanded edition. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

(Students will need to have these texts available for use throughout the course) Christian Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God. Louisville: Geneva Press, 2000.