Die Sprachen sind die Scheide darinnen das Messer des Geistes steckt. Luther (The languages are the sheath containing the sword of the Spirit) Since my retirement on January 1, 2002 I have had the privilege seldom accorded to an active pastor: I’ve been able to worship from the pew, being an active participant but not […]

The Witness of the Worshiping Community: Liturgy and the Practice of Evangelism by Frank C. Senn, Paulist Press, New York/Mahwah, NJ, 1993. A Synopsis Compiled by Joyce M. Bowers This book has particular significance to the theme of this issue.   Although it was written a dozen years ago when the church growth movement with its […]

My colleague from across town was being customarily succinct.  His message was tinged with a sense of urgency and concern.  “You need to pick up a copy of today’s Chicago Sun Times.”  He read me only the headline from the (August 20, 2002) front page: “Are Lutherans pretending to be Catholic to lure Hispanics?” Lutherans […]

Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass.  Actually, the Mass is retained among us and is celebrated with the greatest reverence.  (Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV) The liturgy is about to begin.  The congregation stands as the processional cross leads the ministers down the center aisle.  People bow as the cross passes.  After the […]

Ritual Systems What do theatrical productions, sports games, the procedures of the U.S. Congress, and the liturgy of the church all have in common?  Answer: they are all ritual systems.  Rituals allow social groups to get certain things done, whether the goal is to stage Romeo and Juliet, score a touchdown, enact legislation, or facilitate […]

Not long ago, after a visit to the Wartburg Castle, I worshiped at the church of St. George in Eisenach.  Though I don’t speak German, worship in that place on that day was more than familiar to me.  There was a rooted ness about it.  Perhaps grounded in the baptism of a child at the […]