Resurrecting Worship

""Worship is our response to all that God is, says, and does. Even though the generations may respond differently, it is not how we worship but whom we worship. Joseph Lear has a deep conviction to see the practice of biblical worship be a catalyst for spiritual growth."" --Doug Clay, general superintendent, Assemblies of God ""I am glad that Joseph has written this book and that he is publishing it now. We need it, more than ever."" --Chris Green, professor, public theology, Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida, from the foreword ""In Resurrecting Worship, Joseph Lear takes us on a journey of theological depth and worship innovation that blends the best of Protestant liturgy and Pentecostal tradition. It is the hands-on story of the transformation of a smaller, lower-income, multicultural church into an authentic community of Christ's followers who serve and love. Read it with an open mind and a hungry heart!"" --James Bradford, lead pastor, Central Assembly of God ""The dynamic combination of Pentecost and liturgy are on display in Resurrecting Worship. Joseph Lear uses engaging stories and testimonies from a middle-America church to display how we can love God and neighbors with equal passion. If you are ready to see your church and community through a fresh perspective, I invite you to join me in being impacted by this book."" --David Docusen, author of Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Dividing Lines. Transform Your Community. ""Joseph's commitment to scholarship and Pentecostal worship redefined is clear in his writing. Drawing from his work in Iowa, he masterfully weaves in the experiences there and offers considerations for the broader church. In our tradition, there is a broad spectrum of expressions, and he unpacks thoughtful insights that are sincere and reveal his dedication to leading an authentic Spirit-filled community at the grass roots. His treatment of Pentecostal worship is both insightful and gracious. By emphasizing the centrality of Scripture, the significance of prophetic preaching, and the role of communal worship, he offers a perspective on worship that will deepen the readers knowledge of ecclesiology--all intended to strengthen the local church."" --Mike Rakes, president, Evangel University ""For a world--and a church--addicted to the fast and furious, Joseph Lear reimagines the gathered people of God. Lear interrogates elaborate worship schemes that strive primarily for relevance and effectiveness. He envisions, instead, a church that creates a trinitarian, eucharistic, and Pentecostal liturgy. Lear does not offer yet another 'how-to' manual, but he offers a path toward prayer-filled, embodied, and celebratory liturgy. I recommend this book for every Assemblies of God pastor on a quest for a slow burn revival. --Martin Mittelstadt, professor of New Testament, Evangel University ""This book is the testimony of a Pentecostal pastor who worked hard to revitalize the worship of his congregation and, in the process, resuscitated a dying church. Lear writes to other Pentecostals to demonstrate how a church's worship shapes the quality of their discipleship. Some may be uncomfortable with his testimony as it includes historic Christian practices rarely seen in Pentecostal gatherings. You do not have to embrace all his recommendations to appreciate his approach. Lear takes seriously the worship of the church as a faithful response to the full gospel of Jesus under the direction of the Holy Spirit. What could be more Pentecostal than that?"" --D. Allen Tennison, theological counsel, National Office of the Assemblies of God ""Resurrecting Worship tells a story we need