<p>Since his pioneering 1989 book <em>Liturgy and Liberty</em>, John Leach has been a leading figure in thinking about how liturgical approaches can sit alongside a charismatic instinct for spontaneity and emotional connectedness in worship. In this book, the fruit of his doctoral research, Leach once again demonstrates that he is a key thinker in this area. With his trademark easy-to-read style, and a robust but fair analysis, Leach takes us forward, not just describing or lamenting the instinctive resistance to liturgical worship among some British Anglicans, but inviting them to explain why. In doing so he breaks new ground, moving the discussion from anecdote to reality, and therefore helps us wrestle with a key question for the Church of England's future.</p>

- Mark Earey,

In recent decades there has been a growing trend, particularly in Charismatic Anglican churches, towards abandoning formal liturgical worship. Influenced by Vineyard churches and a feeling that liturgical worship is unhelpful for mission, these churches have substituted this with a worship song-focused style and 'spontaneous', informal liturgy. John Leach investigates this approach and examines its underlying assumptions. What can we learn from attitudes to formal liturgy, what is the resulting praxis, and where does this leave us? Based on his research on two Charismatic Anglican networks, New Wine and Holy Trinity Brompton, Leach explores why church leaders believe that this is a positive development, evaluates the wisdom of this position, its relationship with postmodern culture and the spirit of the age, and its effectiveness in long-term formation for discipleship. This volume offers some practical suggestions for the combining of Anglican liturgy and contemporary Christian praise and worship music towards more effective evangelism and discipleship.
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1 Introduction 2 Liturgy or liberty? 3 Designing the research 4 ’A massive turn-off’ 5 What's the story? 6 Any objections? 7 Can worship songs be ‘the new liturgy’? 8 Conclusion: A more excellent way?

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780334067146
Publisert
2026-03-10
Utgiver
SCM Press
Høyde
234 mm
Bredde
156 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
208

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

John Leach has been in ordained Anglican ministry for 40 years, and worked as national director of Anglican Renewal Ministries (now ReSource) for five years. He has lectured in various theological institutions, mainly on Liturgy, Mission and Biblical Studies and is currently Adjunct Tutor in Theology at Emmanuel Theological College. He has decades of experience in leading musical worship and holds a research degree in how music affects people emotionally.