Worship Seeking Understanding mines the riches of biblical studies, theology, history, music, and pastoral research to provide windows into Christian worship practices. Motivated by Anselm, John Witvliet’s "goal is not to explain away the experience of worship or kill and dissect it by esoteric scholarly analysis, but rather to honor and cherish it by asking the questions worship itself prompts."

With this volume, Witvliet attempts to build bridges in three directions at the same time: between theory and practice, among various worship-related disciplines, and across denominational lines. Its broad scope and insightful advice will be welcomed by seminary students, pastors, and church leaders.

When it comes to music in worship, it is rare to find a person who can cross the really tough boundaries–between theory and practice and between different worship-related disciplines and entrenched church traditions. John Witvliet is such a person. These essays, drawing on many years of experience, will do much to expand our vision, not only of worship but also of the God who inspires it.-Jeremy Begbie, University of St. Andrews

Written with pastoral sensitivity and scholarly precision, this book is a most insightful description of the current situation in worship and church music. It is a generous down payment on the future work of a new generation of scholars concerned about contemporary Christian worship.-James F. White, visiting professor of liturgical studies, Yale University