Description
How to Build and Sustain Meaningful Worship in Modern Denominational Churches
Brian Russell has dedicated his life and career to developing and maintaining contemporary worship in denominational settings. He writes from real experience with Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic churches with real challenges and, thankfully, real success stories. Beyond Rory Noland’s terrific work called Heart of the Artist, there is a dramatic lack of books that inform the work of creating contemporary worship. The need for such a resource exists, and Brian was inspired to produce this book as a way of addressing that need. This 262-page handbook has a comprehensive Table of Contents to assist readers in locating suggestions on dealing with their specific issues or interest. He also discusses the historical context of contemporary worship.
Russell currently serves as Director of Contemporary Worship and Creative Arts at Memorial United Methodist Church in Thomasville, NC and resides in Greensboro with his wife Elizabeth. He is also Director of the Arts Alive Art Academy.
A 1990 graduate of Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, Russell completed his Masters in Divinity from Wake Forest University, where he also earned the Graduate Certificate in Spirituality and Health awarded by the School of Divinity and the School of Medicine. He is a founding member of Salvage Garden, an organization commissioned to serve the spiritual growth of persons with exceptional challenges. He consults with churches that are making efforts to start or reinvent contemporary worship, and he is available for workshops on the subject.
Reviews
“The breadth of Russell’s work is impressive; his theological insights make the book a valuable guide for clergy and laity alike.”
Rev. Dr. Bill J. Leonard, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
“The Complete Contemporary Worship Handbook is a great resource for churches considering starting a contemporary worship service, are seeking to reinvigorate their existing contemporary services, or want to explore the role of music, traditional or contemporary, in the life of worship.”
Dr. Danny Frye, High Point University
“I know from experience that Brian’s guidance in this book will give your congregation the opportunity to design and lead vibrant worship, and I recommend it to you with confidence and joy.”
Rev. Jay Hilbinger, Greensboro, NC
“This book is a well-researched and well-crafted blend of theological reflection and practical strategies for creating and embodying substantive and meaningful worship. This is a good reminder that the focus of our worship is God and not a particular style of worshiping God.”
Dr. Jill Crainshaw, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
“For pastors or worship leaders interested in either starting a contemporary worship service or bringing new life to an existing service, this book is a must read. From the nuts and bolts of hiring effective leaders, assembling a praise team and music selection, to naming a service (or not naming it), budgets and marketing strategies, Brian has covered them all.”
Rev. Peggy A. Finch, Thomasville, NC
Check out Brian’s website for more information.
