Sent and Gathered

Clayton J. Schmit (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is the provost of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Lenoir-Rhyne University, in Columbia, South Carolina. He formerly served as academic director of the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts and the Arthur DeKruyter/Christ Church Oak Brook Professor of Preaching at Fuller Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, he is the author of Too Deep for Words: A Theology of Liturgical Expression.

"For some time now many of us have been talking about the need for the church to go missional, to define itself in terms of Christ's mission in the world. Now, Clay Schmit tells us how to let our mission form our worship and how our worship can empower our mission. This manual unites the two so long disjoined--worship and mission. A wonderful book that will be gratefully received by the church."--Will Willimon, North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church"For too long many of us have been content with utilitarian models of worship that attract worshipers but ultimately undermine the profound redemptive transformation that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers. This book points in another direction, inviting us to imagine how our public worship services express and participate in the fullness of God's redemptive mission in the world. May many congregational leaders pause to ponder the insights that Schmit develops here."--John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary"Schmit is a beacon to churches navigating the seas of change. With a scholar's eye, a musician's ear, and a pastor's heart, he points to the church of the future, where worship is mission and deep unity is found in the midst of broad diversity."--Kimberly Bracken Long, Columbia Theological Seminary; editor, Call to Worship"Embracing an ecumenical worship form is a particularly thorny issue in contemporary liturgical debates. Nevertheless, Schmit offers clarity on the central questions. The author's reach is wide; his understanding of liturgical principles, deep. This book will help ministers, laity, and students in every denomination to see beyond the tired rhetoric of the 'worship wars, ' which the author believes to be on the wane. This is an important and much-needed book for anyone concerned about worship practices today."--Melinda A. Quivik, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia"An important work for those who desire thoughtful reflection on the theology and context of worship. Schmit's engaging style combines the mind of a scholar with the practical concerns of a minister. He goes beyond traditions to help the reader understand the role of worship in the mission of God. This book is a unique resource for anyone interested in helping churches to become missional."--Doug McConnell, Fuller Theological Seminary