Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Appendix 4: Contrasting Views of Worship Services

See Robert Webber’s books: Ancient Future Faith (Part Four) and Ancient Future Worship (Baker Books)

Purpose SLIM Worship helps me in my personal walk with Christ. EPIC Worship draws us into the celebration of Jesus who lived, died, overwhelmed the powers of darkness; who works in our lives today in the midst of spiritual warfare; who is coming again to rescue us and put an end to evil, restoring his rightful place onthe throne (Christus Victor). Prayer SLIM Prayer needs to hold my attention. EPIC Prayer takes our minds off ourselves as we seek God in the midst of a spiritual battle we fight together. Singing SLIM Singing should be meaningful to me so I can worship God from my heart, and prepare to listen to the sermon. EPIC Singing focuses on the celebration of Christus Victor that draws our attention to Christ . Sermon SLIM Sermons should be presented well so I can know more about the Bible, live a better life, and leave with a practical idea to cope with the difficulty of my week. EPIC Sermons remind us of the largeness of the Story of Christ , the many aspects of Christus Victor, so we find our identity in his Story. We need to be reminded of the many stories of his salvation given in his Word.

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