Relegated often as obligatory rituals of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in many local churches, Dr. Jennifer Davidson, a theologian of worship as well as a Sunday practitioner, researched the history of these two ordinances and challenges today’s pastors and church leaders to discover these rituals’ deeper life-giving meaning. When Baptism happens, the person not only dies, but also is reborn to discipleship in Christ. When the Lord’s Supper is shared, the gathered community embodies God’s realm of grace. Dr. Davidson’s personal stories and interviews from a diverse group of church leaders provide insights representative of today’s increasingly multi-cultural world. More than a manual on Baptism and the Lord’s Supper while featuring worship resources to use, the book is a study guide rich with biblical references for local churches to revitalize worship with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper taking on center stage rather than at the peripheral back stage. This refreshing and beautifully written resource if taking seriously can indeed revive the church!
Rev. Dr. Don Ng, Retired Pastor of First Chinese Baptist Church, San Francisco and President of American Baptist Churches, USA, 2013-15.