Music and Liturgy, Identity and Formation: A Study of Inculturation in Turkey (American Society of Missiology Monograph)

Music and Liturgy, Identity and Formation is a one-of-a-kind book about All Saints Moda Church in Istanbul. In this book, Sue Whittaker explores the ways Dr. Turgay Ucal, the MBB founding pastor, has intuitively blended Christian faith and the local urban culture. Indigenous songs and adaptations of Reformed liturgy work together to enable worshipers to feel comfortable with Christianity. Images, customs, and gestures guide seekers into new ways to pray and live their lives. Turgay's theologically sound approach provides a welcoming Christian home for Muslims searching to connect to Allah/God. For thirty years, the practices and strategies detailed in this book have merged to clearly present the gospel message in culturally appropriate ways. The principles of the All Saints Moda Church model of inculturation can be applied to Christian ministry among Muslims in all countries and cultures worldwide.

Sue Whittaker, an ethnomusicologist with Artists for Community Transformation, has a special interest in Turkey and its Protestant Church, having been based in the country for ten years. Her primary areas of research are the Christian songs of Turkish and Kurdish indigenous composers. Whittaker holds an MA and PhD in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and is Online Adjunct Professor of Ethnomusicology at Liberty University's School of Music, teaching in the Department of Music and Worship.


Roberta R. King, PhD, is Associate Professor of Communication and Ethnomusicology, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies, California, USA. Her publications include Pathways in Christian Music Communication: The Case of the Senufo of Cote d'Ivoire and Music in the Life of the African Church.