How does a 4th-century North African bishop shape the way we sing in modern sanctuaries? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Debbie Wong (Duke Divinity School) to explore the intersection of ancient liturgical wisdom and contemporary worship practices.

Dr. Wong shares insights from her research on St. Augustine, discussing how his theology of "singing as an act of love" provides a necessary framework for the "flow" of modern worship sets. We dive into the current state of contemporary worship, the importance of liturgical formation, and how to bridge the gap between the "heart and the mind" in our Sunday gatherings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Theology of Flow: Understanding the transition from "presentation" to "encounter" in modern worship.
• Augustine as a Resource: Why ancient voices are vital for contemporary liturgical health.
• The Wesleyan Perspective: Applying a holiness lens to musical and spiritual formation.
• Worship Planning: Moving beyond song selection to intentional spiritual edification.
  

Resources Mentioned:

• The UMC Top 100 Project: Exploring the most-sung songs in the church and their theological impact. Access the Project Here
• Contemporary Worship Studies: For further reading on the history and development of worship movements, see the works of Lester Ruth and Lim Swee Hong, including A History of Contemporary Praise & Worship.
• Trinitarian Theology: For a deeper look at how the Trinity shapes the life of the church, we recommend Trinitarian Matters, edited by Laceye Warner and Cameron Merrill.
• Dr. Debbie Wong’s Work: Visit her website to follow her latest research and leadership resources.
  

Connect with the Show:
We want to hear your thoughts on the "state of worship" in your local context. Send your questions, feedback, or episode guest suggestions to: wesleyanoption@gmail.com