How to Follow and Worship God the Right Way

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., evangelism—and 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 admit their need to worship, but they will do so to the exclusion of becoming radical and passionate followers of Christ.”[footnoteRef:2] This quote strikes home, as it really is the case I feel with most of us. This quote suggests that many Christians recognize the importance of worship. However, they may not fully embrace the commitment to following Christ that is part of true worship. [2: Ibid 7.]

· Chapter 2: “Just like those disciples, we need to get away from the busyness of life in order to be with Jesus.”[footnoteRef:3] If we are too distracted, we will not get to know God in the way He wants us to know Him. Thus, this quote emphasizes the need for Christians to intentionally set aside time from their busy lives to spend in the presence of Jesus. Setting time aside is really a crucial part of the spiritual journey. [3: Ibid 32.]

· Chapter 3: “God wants to use each of us to fulfill His purposes. God is in the process of perfecting you and me for the task of Great Commission worship.”[footnoteRef:4] To me, this means we are God’s tools. But we need to be sharpened. Only then will we really be useful to Him. Essentially, this quote communicates the idea that God is actively working in each of us to prepare us for the task of Great Commission worship, which involves both worship and evangelism. [4: Ibid 61.]

· Chapter 4: “Worship is an attitude of heart, mind, and spirit.”[footnoteRef:5] In other words, I take this to mean that worship is a holistic experience rather than just a set of actions or rituals. It is intimately connected to living like Christ every day—not just on Sundays. It is connected to preaching and living the gospel. [5: Ibid 62.]

· Chapter 5: “It takes examination, teaching, instruction, discipline, caring, tending, weeding and cultivating to keep the life right.”[footnoteRef:6] Thus, to get to that point where we can live the gospel, we have to grow spiritually. We have to tend to the garden of our souls by studying and being a good example through our actions and words. When words and actions reflect one another, then we are ready. [6: Ibid 88.]

· Chapter 6: “He desires to meet every physical, emotional, and spiritual need in our lives. God is our protection.”[footnoteRef:7] To me, I see this as proof that God should really be all our focus in life. We should not be thinking first and foremost about our jobs, as Peter was with his fish. Instead, we should be bringing ourselves and others to God. [7: Ibid 98.]

· Chapter 7: “A person who is dishonest in little things isn’t really honest in anything.”[footnoteRef:8] If we call ourselves Christian, but are not practicing and preaching, are we really being honest followers of Christ? That is what this line means to me. It really calls us to account. [8: Ibid 114.]

· Chapter 8: “God’s evangelistic strategy in a nutshell: He desires to build into you and me the beauty of his own character, and then put us on display.”[footnoteRef:9] Our role in life is to reflect God. If we are not living holy lives, we cannot reflect Him. Thus, we have to be virtuous and mirror His grace. [9: Ibid 118.]

· Chapter 9: “God places high value on holiness, reverence, and worship. He approved neither idol worship nor idle worship but ideal worship…”[footnoteRef:10] Ideal worship is living the practice of Christianity. It is not just mouthing the words and prayers that we are taught to say. It is more about offering our lives as prayers every moment. [10: Ibid 133.]

· Chapter 10: “In order to become a Great Commission Worshipper, a Christian must understand the essential principles that are involved in becoming a reproducing disciple.”[footnoteRef:11] Love reproduces. It is that simple. A man and woman come together in love, and the natural outcome is a child. Love thus reproduces itself on the natural level, and this same idea is true on the spiritual level. God wants us to reproduce Christians through evangelism. [11: Ibid 147.]