John Simons

Book Review - The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth

The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth
by: Kevin J. Navarro (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005)

How many churches take the time to develop a theological purpose for their church services?  How many books on worship look at each aspect of the worship service, from arriving in the parking lot, to the lighting, music, and teaching and apply a theological framework to evaluate the experience?

It seems that most of current conversation on worship services focuses on the style of music, cultural relevance, or the incipient influences of modernity.  Navarro tries to step away from this type of discussion and focus on what he sees at the overarching purpose of our weekly gatherings as the church: to give a taste of Heaven to a world that is desperately in need of it.

In the first part of book, Navarro sets up the analogy of a worship service as a rehearsal dinner for the great Wedding Banquet of Matthew 22.  He uses this theme throughout the book to help frame his questions and discussion.  The second part of the book deals with preparing for a taste of heaven.  This section deals with the importance of quality and hospitality.  Navarro is unashamedly an advocate of churches pursuing quality in all that they do.  This does not make him someone who seeks a professionally produced entertainment event, but he rightly points out that the purpose of a wedding rehearsal is to pay attention to the way that we do things—to eliminate mistakes.  At the heart of it, Navarro argues that churches who do not pursue quality are less likely to have members who are embarrassed to invite friends and family.  From his point of view, the issue of hospitality belongs before the service, whether in the invitations issued or in the experience when a guest arrives at the service.

The meat and potatoes of the book is a discussion of experience a taste of heaven during the worship service.  Navarro covers all of the bases: music, teaching, and communion.  He also spends time on the appearance of the worship center - addressing issues such as lighting, color, and clutter.  While some of the suggestions appear obvious (avoid clutter on the platform), others are more thought provoking.

As an evangelical, I put a significant emphasis on applying teaching to my life.  Navarro points out that sometimes the point of a sermon should be the implication of a passage, rather than the application.  He does not forget to remind his readers that the music and the teaching should be theologically grounded in the truth of the Word of God.  Navarro also makes a strong argument for more regular celebration of the Eucharist.  He sees this as the dessert for the rehearsal banquet, as well as a central reminder of the Gospel.

Navarro concludes with a discussion of the thanksgiving that should flow out of a complete worship service.  As people conclude worship, they should feel joy that they have had a foretaste of Heaven.  They should feel like they have been welcomed into a family environment, and that they have been nourished spiritually.  If the church seeks to reach these goals, people’s lives will be changed, and they will invite their loved ones to come to the worship service so that they, too, can have the taste of Heaven.

At 164 pages, the book is not a treatise on all aspects of a worship service.  It is an easily read book, intended to reframe our thoughts on the worship service.  Navarro asks more questions than he answers, because he understands that each church will need to reach its own conclusions based on their community, priorities, and people.  The book serves its purpose, but could use more details.  While it is helpful to explain the ability to match lighting in a service, for example, with the purpose and theme of the service, he doesn’t give enough substance to help someone know where to start.  While it would not be practical for Navarro to answer every question that might arise, he could easily give a list of resources on several issues that he addresses to help direct further inquiry.  This approach would allow deeper inquiry into some of the topics, without weighing down the discussion.

Tags: Books, Complete Worship Service, Kevin Navarro, Worship

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