Mark Pierson is well known in Baptist circles for his pioneering work in the area of “alternative” worship, particularly during his time as pastor at Cityside Baptist in central Auckland.

These days he works for World Vision but still has a passion for finding new ways of engaging with those on the fringes of church who struggle with conventional models of worship.

The word “curate” tends to be associated with art galleries and museums but interestingly (at least according to my computer’s dictionary!) it is also a Late Middle English term denoting an ecclesiastical pastor.

It is a term Mark introduces us to in describing the role of a worship leader. “Worship is art. Art can be worship,” says Mark as he defines the term in a church context. As in a museum, a worship curator designs, collects, organises and installs – taking note of lighting, sound, readings, handouts, seating etc.

“Curator” is just one of many terms Mark introduces us to in his book, as he takes us back to the very basic questions: What is church? What is worship? What is our community?

He goes on to explain the role of worship curator, how that philosophy is applied in a church context, and then into the detail of how to deal with issues such as space, pace, darkness, the use of candles, songs, scripture and preaching etc.

He talks of the importance of working out beforehand what the curator wants the worship event to say and how to use curation to build community. Not surprisingly, given that Cityside Baptist was known for its Easter art installations during Mark’s time there, he spends quite a bit of the book talking about stations of the cross and how to use them.

This is not so much a debate about the merits of “alternative” versus “conventional” worship, it is more a “how to” book that any church leader interested in pursuing a new approach to worship will find invaluable.

And if you are not a church leader, don’t be put off by the title. This is a well-written and easy-to-follow book that raises some fascinating questions about the way we worship, as well as introducing us to a new way of thinking about church.

– Duncan Pardon

Author: Mark Pierson
Sparkhouse Press
ISBN 978-1-4514-0087-7