Publications by Rev. Janice Springer

Books

Janice’s book Nurturing Spiritual Depth in Christian Worship: 10 Practices is currently available!!! You will find it at Resource Publications, Amazon.com or your local bookstore can order it. The ISBN is 0-89390-679-4. Some excerpts from the book can be found on the publisher’s web site: Resource Publications, Inc. at www.resourcepublications.com.

This user-friendly book, written in conversational style, will help pastors and other worship leaders to design and lead worship that invites people to move into the deeper places of Spirit where we find life.

For many, there is a deep disconnect between the vibrant spiritual life they yearn for and the Sunday worship they experience. It is possible to plan and lead worship in such a way that people experience a deeper connection to God, a more expansive understanding of their Christian faith, and a more loving relationship with one another and the Earth.

This book looks at ways that worship can move us beyond our analyzing, judging selves into places of open-heartedness and connection with our own souls, with others, and with God.

Each of the ten chapters offers one practice for the worship leader to try, a practice that has the potential to take us deeper into faith. The ideas offered do not require that a church change its preferred worship style, theology or favorite music; the suggestions will enhance any worship tradition.

The book is full of real life (real church) examples. Its tone is gentle, invitational and compassionate.

Janice Springer, an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, has served local churches since 1981 in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Montana. She is currently the Minister of Spiritual Formation at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Missoula, Montana, and she lives in Montana and Iowa. She also leads retreats, workshops and continuing education events. She has a passion for worship, faith communities, and spiritual formation.

Advance reactions to Nurturing Spiritual Depth in Christian Worship: Ten Practices

“This is a stunningly beautiful, deeply effective book.  Janice Springer challenges readers to lead worship out of deep prayer.  She addresses creating safe intimacy in worship, opening to God’s energy, and leading worship that is inclusive.  I wish someone had given me this book when I started in ministry 40 years ago.  I fully expect people will still read it 40 years from now.”

Stephen Doughty, Writer, Former Executive Presbyter, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

“Janice Springer’s innovative book functions at once as a deep pool of pastoral wisdom and [as] a
pragmatic guide [Y]our imagination for worship will be ignited. This is a terrific book for pastors
and congregations!”

Deborah Krause, Professor of New Testament, Academic Dean, Eden Theological Seminary

“[This] is the best book on Christian worship I have ever read.  Springer brilliantly sets forth the purpose of Christian worship and provides ten very specific practical ways to make worship services more meaningful.  I highly recommend her book.”

Jim Marion, author of Putting on the Mind of Christ

“Any pastor or parish willing to evaluate how it celebrates liturgy will discover abundant guidance and wisdom in these pages.  Give a copy to your pastor.  Recommend it to your parish liturgy committee.”

Father Jim Hogan, Pastor Emeritus / Christ the King Parish, Missoula, Montana

“Nurturing Spiritual Depth in Christian Worship speaks eloquently and passionately about the potential power inherent in all styles of worship. Through stories, examples, and sound theology Janice Springer offers practical suggestions for transforming worship experiences.”

• Rev. Jane E. Vennard, senior adjunct faculty at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver; author of A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice.

 

Table of Contents: The Ten Practices

Giving Thanks

Call to Worship

1.  Lead Worship Out of a Place of Deep Prayer.
2.  Consider What Happens to the Energy.
3.  Move People Out of Their Heads.
4.  Read Scripture So Nobody’s Bored.
5.  Make Every Part Match.
6.  Use Fewer Words.
7.  Create a Safe Intimacy.
8.  Make Worship Inclusive.
9.  Integrate Music More Fully.
10. Insist on Integrity in the Worship Service.

Benediction

For Further Reading

Endnotes

 

 

 

 

“More Grace” Sacred Journey, The Journal of Fellowship in Prayer, June/July, 2006.

“Learning to Read” Church Educator, September, 2006.