Building bridges for God: Culturally sensitive paradigms in worship and preaching

This dissertation develops a theology of culturally sensitive worship and preaching as we enter the 21st Century. The focus is upon new paradigms emerging in the Christian community which are enabling the spiritual renewal and growth of the church. Worship is the central activity of the people of God, and as we approach the 21st Century, worship renewal is a growing edge of Christian ministry. Numerous studies analyze momentous changes affecting our culture. Further research focuses on the challenges and opportunities the Christian Church faces in seeking to survive or thrive in our contemporary culture. Understanding contemporary culture helps the church to develop possible strategies for reaching the younger generations for Christ. This dissertation focuses upon worship and preaching understood, designed, and practiced with a particular concern for cultural sensitivity.; The dissertation is divided into two parts. Part One, "The Worship of God in Contemporary Culture," builds a theology of worship with biblical and theological foundations. Cultural factors are also considered in advocating the paradigms of Worship as Celebration, Worship as Family Reunion, Worship as Evangelism, and Worship as Empowerment. Many traditional concepts are challenged and worship renewal is encouraged.; Part Two, "Preaching the Good News in Contemporary Culture," seeks to develop a dynamic theology for the preaching event using biblical and theological understandings. Building on the insights of Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and C. S. Lewis, preaching is described in terms of reaching our American culture with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. The paradigms of Preaching as Incarnational. Revelation, Preaching as Bridge-Building, Preaching as Invitation, and Preaching as Call to Community become the focal points for discussion.; The dissertation's goal is to provide an empowering vision of worship and preaching which will guide Trinity Heights United Methodist Church toward reaching the 70% of our population determined as unchurched. The insights in this dissertation will provide a rationale for culturally sensitive innovation in our ministry.