Reviews
Book of the Month- March 2009 -
Gilcomston South Presbyterian Church, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Lifesong: Oliver Claassen
This month's "Book of the Month" has been written by a man known to Gilcomston South Church. Oliver Claassen and his wife, Helen attended Gilcomston in 1975 before moving on to a number of other mission opportunities in other countries. They have kept in regular contact with the church over the years and their most recent visit was in June 2008. He is now the senior pastor of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral, Florida.
Although this is a small book, only 91 pages, it is packed with thought provoking insight from cover to cover and shouldn't be read in a hurry! It has five chapters comprehensively covering all areas and aspects of worship.
1) What is this thing called Worship?
2) Who should we Worship?
3) How should we Worship?
4) Giving yourself to God in Worship
5) What to do when we Worship together?
These chapters are freestanding and in my opinion can be read in any order. The book also has a very helpful set of appendices which may be useful to people with responsibility for corporate worship in church.
When I was asked to review this book, my first thoughts were that maybe there was someone else more qualified to do a review on a book about worship? But as the title of the book suggests, worship should be the ‘Life' song of each and every believer, whether or not they can hold a tune! And it is in this context that Dr Claassen explores in a very biblical fashion; real, practical and honest approaches to help and challenge us to fulfil our role as a people who are called to "worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4: 23).
In my opinion, Lifesong is an excellent and very useful book, well worth reading, but please give yourself the time and space to fully grasp what Dr Oliver Claassen is saying! You may find yourself singing your very own ‘Lifesong' in a whole new way!
I can give this book my full recommendation.
Gillian Brown, Aberdeen
Dr. Claassen teaches us how to worship from our soul! With solid scriptural reference he breaks apart the barriers to worship and challenges a higher standard for our relationship with our Creator. Highly recommended!!!
Thomas Sudyk, CEO of EC Group International USA
I don't read that much, other than what I read for my industry: magazines, ezines, press releases and publications... However, I did read this book! It is like taking an intense sunday school class centered on worship and worldview. I recommend it for one who is trying to gain understanding and grounding in his/her faith journey. My sunday morning worship is a whole lot more beneficial thanks to this gift I was given by a friend. Dr. Claassen is a great teacher.