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“An Ancient Worship Movement” presents a compelling case for rediscovering historic Christian worship practices while maintaining their relevance for contemporary believers. Greg Gordon effectively argues that the solution to modern spiritual hunger lies not in innovation but in returning to the time-tested practices of the early Church. The book’s ten chapters trace a path from historical context through to practical implementation, focusing on key aspects of ancient Christian worship such as the Eucharist, liturgical prayer, and sacramental living. Gordon skillfully and approachably introduces the reader to the Church Fathers while focusing on practical applications for today’s context.
This is a book that will obviously appeal most to Christians and those interested in learning about Christianity. A central point of the book is its emphasis on Christ-centered worship. Gordon repeatedly draws attention to Jesus as the focal point of all worship practices. The chapters on “The Centrality of the Wounded Lamb” and “First Love Devotion to Jesus” are particularly emphatic in this regard.
The book shines in its practical guidance, especially in its seven detailed appendices. These provide specific instructions for everything from setting up worship spaces to implementing prayer times and starting mission works. The balance between house churches and traditional buildings shows a refreshing flexibility in applying ancient principles to modern contexts. Gordon’s treatment of sacramental living is particularly insightful, encouraging readers to view ordinary life through a spiritual lens.
His discussion of the importance of the Eucharist and set prayer times offers a compelling alternative to the informal approach common in many contemporary churches. The author maintains a balanced perspective throughout, avoiding the extremes of either rigid traditionalism or contemporary innovation. He advocates for a thoughtful blend of ancient and modern elements, always with the goal of authentic worship and spiritual formation. Gordon effectively demonstrates how ancient worship practices enhanced evangelistic efforts rather than hindering them.
Some readers might find the organizational structure occasionally disjointed, and those from non-liturgical backgrounds may struggle with implementing the more traditional practices. Additionally, more contemporary examples could have strengthened the application of ancient principles to modern contexts. However, the book is always readable, offering practical guidance for those interested in Christianity. The detailed instructions for starting worship communities and incorporating ancient practices make the book immediately applicable rather than merely theoretical.
“An Ancient Worship Movement” serves as both a historical guide and a practical manual for those seeking to deepen their worship experience through connection with historic Christian practices. It would be especially valuable for church leaders, house church participants, and anyone interested in understanding and following early Church worship patterns.
Overall, Gordon succeeds in demonstrating how ancient practices can address contemporary spiritual needs while maintaining theological integrity. The book offers a thoughtful blueprint for meaningful worship that bridges past and present, making it a valuable contribution to current discussions about worship and church practice.
You can purchase “An Ancient Worship Movement” here.
