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The Great Commission
1. Bibliographic Information
Wheeler, David, and Whaley, Vernon M. (2011). The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group.
2. Summary
"The Great Commission to Worship" by David Wheeler and Vernon M. Whaley is a book that explores the relationship between worship and evangelism. The authors argue that these two aspects of Christian life are not separate but are deeply intertwined. They introduce the concept of a "Great Commission Worshipper," a person who is equally committed to evangelism and worship. The authors challenge readers to rethink their understanding of worship and evangelism, proposing a model of worship that is formational, transformational, relational, missional, and reproducible. They argue that true worship involves obedience to the command of evangelism. The authors also suggest that readers should regularly reflect on their experiences of worship and evangelism and look for ways to improve. This is a practical step for continual growth and improvement. Their goal is to bridge the disconnect in Christians lives between worship and service, i.e., evangelismand they use the bible to help them do so.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Wheeler, David, and Vernon M. Whaley.The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism (B&H Publishing Group, 2011), 9.]
3. Strengths
The book's main strength lies in its approach to understanding worship and evangelism. The authors successfully challenge traditional views and propose a new model that integrates these two aspects of Christian life. The book combines theology, biblical studies, and practical ministry guidance, giving an interdisciplinary approach that provides a very thorough and well-founded understanding of the topic.
Additionally, their argument is well-supported by biblical references, making it a solid read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of why worship and evangelism go together. The book is also practical, offering concrete steps for readers to apply the principles in their own lives and ministries. And it can serve as a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between worship and evangelism, for those who are willing to engage with the authors' perspective.
4. Weaknesses
One potential weakness of the book is that it might be seen as over-simplifying complex theological concepts. The authors' argument hinges on the idea that worship and evangelism are inseparable, which might not resonate with all readers due to differing theological perspectives, interpretations of scripture, and personal experiences. For example, different Christian denominations and traditions have varying views on the nature and purpose of worship and evangelism. Some may see worship as primarily a means of expressing love and adoration for God, while evangelism is seen as a separate activity focused on spreading the Gospel message. These traditions may not agree with the idea of merging the two. Additionally, the book's focus on the concept of a "Great Commission Worshipper" might be seen as limiting, as it suggests a specific model of Christian life that might not be applicable or desirable for all readers.
5. Favorite Quotes
Chapter 1: In most cases, Christians will...…means being a leader of others and bringing them to Christ. One does not just follow only but also calls others to follow as well. The evangelism that we are expected to perform starts in our hearts and flows outward just as love starts in the heart and flows outward to others. [12: Ibid 172.]
Chapter 12: Can we really call it worship if it is not followed by service?[footnoteRef:13] Love that is love in name only, in words only, is not really love. Love must be shown in practice. To me, that is the heart of the evangelical worship that this book emphasize. [13: Ibid 184.]
As these quotes show, "The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism" by David Wheeler and Vernon M. Whaley is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between worship and evangelism. The authors show that worship and spreading and living the gospel are all bound up together in a holistic approach to God that unites mind, body, and soul. The book is also practical, offering concrete steps for readers to apply the principles in their own lives and ministries. The authors' emphasis on the importance of both worship and evangelism, and their argument that these two aspects of Christian life are inseparable, is a powerful message that has the potential to transform readers' approach to their faith.
Bibliography
Wheeler, David, and Vernon M. Whaley.The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles
for Worship-Based Evangelism. B&H Publishing Group, 2011.
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Commission to Worship by Wheeler and Whaley As a North American Mission Board national missionary and associate director of the Center for Church Planting at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, David Wheeler is eminently qualified to speak on matters of spiritual study, and his jointly authored book The Great Commission to Worship: Biblical Principles for Worship-Based Evangelism demonstrates an extreme aptitude for biblical interpretation and modern empirical inquiry. His co-author Vernon