Michael Niebauer Examines the Role of Lectionaries in Christian Worship

In his book From Word to Worship, Michael Niebauer explores the potential of the lectionary to shape Christian discipleship by aligning modern worship with the practices of the early church. Niebauer argues that lectionaries provide a structured way for congregations to engage with the full counsel of Scripture, moving beyond the personal preferences of individual preachers to encompass the Psalms, Gospels, and the broader Old and New Testaments.

The author contends that using a lectionary helps believers connect Israelite history, New Testament practice, and contemporary life. He suggests that this approach resists the limitations of the historical-critical method, favoring instead the interpretive traditions of the apostles, church fathers, and the Reformation. By emphasizing biblical symbolism and the liturgical calendar, Niebauer posits that the lectionary serves as a tool to deepen a congregation's understanding of the person and work of Christ within the context of sacred time.