A Comprehensive, Practical Method for Worship Design

The Worship Architect provides a blueprint for designing worship services that foster meaningful conversation with God and the gathered community. Constance Cherry sets forth basic principles and demonstrates how those principles are conducive to virtually any style of worship practiced today in a myriad of Christian communities. Worship leaders will learn how to create services that are faithful to Scripture, historically conscious, relevant to God, Christ-centered, and engaging for worshipers of all ages.

"Cherry shows us that pastoral theology and the practice of theology is never an 'either-or' but always a 'both-and.' Let's follow her lead and rediscover the unity that exists between the two."--Robert E. Webber, author of Ancient-Future Worship

"Cherry's book is one I have been hoping for. The Worship Architect is a helpful combination of solid theology, artistic creativity, pastoral sensitivity, and wisdom gained from the author's wealth of experience in leading and planning worship."--Lester Ruth, Lily May Jarvis Professor of Christian Worship, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Many books about corporate worship focus on style and technique, neglecting theological substance. Others are substantive but neglect the vital role that stylistic choices and approaches to planning have in the week-in, week-out life of congregations. Cherry approaches her task by inviting us all to make regular border crossings between theory and practice. The result is a book well-suited to promote the lifelong learning needed for any effective ministry leader."--John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

"Congratulations to Constance Cherry for offering a much-needed guide for planning worship in our divergent and often antagonistic context of Christian worship. The Worship Architect offers biblical, historical, and theological material to help readers understand the choices before worship planners and leaders today. Cherry then offers worship leaders practical and responsible recommendations for discerning among the options they face. This is a most welcome book for a crucial time."--Todd E. Johnson, Brehm Chair of Worship, Theology, and the Arts, Fuller Theological Seminary

Constance M. Cherry (DMin, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of worship and Christian ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, and is on the faculty of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, where she has taught since its inception. She speaks and teaches internationally and is a regular adjunct professor at several seminaries. Cherry has served local churches as a minister of music/worship and as a United Methodist pastor.