There are lots of good books on the structure, purpose and practice of the church. Here are four of my favourites.
1. Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for This Urgent Time by Marva J. Dawn.
This book is getting old, but it has aged well. Dawn’s insights into solving our worship wars, and her sketch of biblical, corporate worship is just as relevant today as it was in 1995. Perhaps the strongest part of Reaching Out is her discussion of music, preaching, Scripture readings, rituals, liturgies, art and other worship practices and her advice for making these practices God glorifying and people edifying.
2. In Good Company: The Church as Polis by Stanley Hauerwas.
A heavier read than Dawn’s book, but no less excellent if one is up for the task. Hauerwas brilliantly and biblically explores the beliefs and practices that are a part of the Church’s identity, and that serve to separate her from the world. A warning to the reader, Hauerwas examines the protestant and the catholic church in his study.
3. A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship by Michael Horton
Horton never disappoints in his unrelenting concentration on Scripture. In A Better Way Horton makes the biblical case that the Preached Word and the administered sacraments are the means of Grace which God has chosen to use to save the His people. An especially important read for everyone who belongs to the church and to a church. Even if you are not reformed, as Horton is, I am sure you will find his explanation of biblical worship persuasive, inspiring and applicable.
4. Christ, Baptism and The Lord's Supper: Recovering the Sacraments For Evangelical Worship by Leanord J. Vander Zee
The title says it all. Vander Nee takes on baptism and the Lord’s supper, attempting to explain the deeper biblical meaning of both. This book is a gift to the church, since most people in the church, pastors included, seem to misunderstand or at least lack an in-depth understanding of these practices. As a pastor himself, Vander Zee carefully guides pastors and lay people into a fuller and more Christ centred view of worship.