Exploring the Worship Spectrum: 6 Views

An exploration of what worship looks like from a biblical standpoint and why the topic of worship can be so contentious among Christians.

Because worship is inherently theological--because it's a manifestation of humanity's response to God's holiness--it's important to take seriously how we worship and the roles it serves in personal displays of adoration and in community with other believers.

Exploring the Worship Spectrum provides an overview, critique, and celebration of six prominent worship styles:

• Formal-Liturgical – represented by Paul Zahl
• Traditional Hymn-Based – represented by Harold Best
• Contemporary Music-Driven – represented by Joe Horness
• Charismatic – represented by Don Williams
• Blended – represented by Robert Webber
• Emerging – represented by Sally Morgenthaler

This unique format allows those with a heart for worship to compare different perspectives and draw their own conclusions on what the Bible teaches. It allows readers to understand the various approaches to worship, carefully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and make personal choices without adopting a judgmental spirit.

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Stanley N. Gundry (PhD, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) is an author, editor, and theologian with graduate degrees in historical theology. After serving in pastoral ministry, he taught as an adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and as Professor of Theology at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught for eleven years. He was a founding board member of Christians for Biblical Equality, serving two terms and later receiving the organization’s Priscilla and Aquila Award along with his wife. He is also a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society. Gundry is the author or coauthor of seven books and has contributed numerous articles to a wide range of publications. Beyond theological circles, he is known for his writings on the restoration of the Studebaker Avanti automobile. He and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children. In recognition of his more than forty years of influence in Christian publishing, he received the ECPA Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Paul A. Basden (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is one of the senior pastors at Preston Trail Community Church in Frisco, Texas. He has also served as pastor of other churches in Alabama and Texas and as an adjunct professor at Beeson Divinity School. He is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the author of The Worship Maze.

Paul F. M. Zahl (ThD, University of Tubingen) is dean of Cathedral Church of the Advent (Episcopal) in Birmingham, Alabama.

Harold M. Best (DSM, Union Theological Seminary) is emeritus dean/professor of music of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.

Joe Horness (BA, Trinity College) is worship director at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, where he has been on staff since 1981.