Worship in the Spirit

Since its beginnings in the early 1960s the Charismatic Movement has been at its most visible and influential in the sphere of public worship. This book is the first major study of charismatic worship as it is encountered in Church of England parishes. Having traced the historical development of the Charismatic Movement in the Church of England, the book explores the public worship of six selected case study churches. By focusing on patterns of liturgical order, congregational singing, and ""prayer ministry, various aspects of worship are discussed. These include leadership, use of music and song, transformation of people and place, and the influence of cultural trends in notions of intimacy and characteristics of live performance (presence, spontaneity, and visibility). The concluding section offers a theological evaluation and investigates charismatic worship from a trinitarian perspective. ""We have long needed a study of the distinctive worship of charismatic churches in comparative context, and one which includes theological elements (such as the Trinity), along with expressive elements (such as the music). James Steven expertly and clearly provides this in a pioneering volume. --David Martin, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, London School of Economics ""A large proportion of the clergy I meet have been inspired by the Charismatic Movement. Reading this sharp but sympathetic appraisal of charismatic worship in the Church of England not only helped me relive some of the glory moments of the Fountain Trust Conferences but also made me think through again what worship in Spirit and in truth really is. --The Rt. Rev. Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Southampton 'This study is an essential companion for all those who want to understand the changing culture of worship and the churches at the turn of the millennium. Steven's thesis is a compelling analysis of the rise and routinization of charismatic worship in the Church of England. It is full of theological acuity and sharp sociological insight, and makes a major contribution to the field of contemporary ecclesiology.' --Canon Professor Martyn Percy, Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Sheffield James Steven studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge and trained for Anglican ministry in Durham. He has served in parishes in Welling and Bournemouth and as a chaplain in Further Education. He now teaches at Trinity College, Bristol, where he is Tutor in Liturgy and Doctrine.