The One Who Serves: Foundations of Worship and Spirituality (DP8040L)

Content

This unit covers three main areas of content:

1. Corporate Christian worship—exploring the biblical foundation of worship, the understanding of worship from a Lutheran perspective, the Trinitarian and Christological nature of worship, worship as divine service, the work of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament, and the purpose of the liturgy;

2. Personal spiritual formation—exploring Christian spirituality both as a form of practice and as a field of theological inquiry. Luther’s catechetical framework serves as a resource for meditation and prayer as students learn to pray the catechism;

3. The relationship between corporate worship and personal spirituality, including the church’s tradition of public prayer as a resource for personal spirituality.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Pedagogy

Weekly topical content, weekly readings and reflection on selected readings in the workbook provide the basis for weekly discussions. The two essays provide the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their cumulative learning from reflection on readings and discussion.

Indicative Bibliography

• Baker, Robert C., ed. Lutheran spirituality: life as God’s child. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2010.
• Bradshaw, Paul. Early Christian worship: a basic introduction to ideas and practice. 2nd ed. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2010.
• Hanson, Bradley. A graceful life: Lutheran spirituality for today. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2005.
• Just, Arthur. Heaven on earth: the gifts of Christ in the divine service. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2008.
• Kleinig, John W. Grace upon grace: spirituality for today. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2008.
• Precht, Fred L., ed. Lutheran worship: history and practice. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1993.
• Renner, Paul. Together in God’s presence: a simple explanation of the liturgy with questions for study and discussion. Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Publishing House, 1989.
• Senn, Frank C. Introduction to Christian liturgy. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2012.
• Veith, Gene. The spirituality of the cross: the way of the first evangelicals. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 2010.

Assessment