Lester Ruth Knihy

Two worship experts provide the first comprehensive history of Contemporary Praise & Worship, offering insight into where it began and how it reshaped the church.

Focusing on the historical context of worship, this volume provides a detailed exploration of Jerusalem in the fourth century. It features vivid descriptions of the city's history, its inhabitants, and their worship practices. Alongside these narratives, readers will find a curated selection of primary church documents, offering a vibrant snapshot of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. This documentary case study aims to immerse readers in the unique worship experiences of this significant period in Christian history.

Focusing on a prominent African-American holiness church in early twentieth-century Jackson, Mississippi, this volume highlights the challenges faced by the congregation and its pastor, Charles Price Jones. Through a rich selection of primary documents, readers gain insight into the church's struggle against Jim Crow racism and internal conflicts regarding Christian piety and social aspirations. Amid these pressures, the community strives to maintain its identity and worship Jesus in a manner that reflects its beliefs and values.