Marcellino, Jerry, Rediscovering The Treasure of Family Worship (Laurel, MS: Audubon Press, 1996-Now Shepherd Press handles publishing now), 32 pages
Marcellino lays out a brief historical argument from examples for the necessity of family worship. He then shares his four reasons for reengaging family worship in the church. These four reasons are biblically supported and applied well. The remainder of the booklet gives practical steps for implementing family worship at home.
He sees three essential elements to worship in the home: song, Scripture, and supplication. He gives some guidance as to how these three should be inculcated into a family worship experience.
If a parent is looking for a short discussion of family worship, this booklet will fill the need. It is a good place to aid thinking about the implementation of worship in the home from several perspectives. I would encourage a reader to also look to those works that Marcellino quotes. While some of the things from which he quotes are heavy reading, they are worth the time to digest.
Overall this booklet can be read several times and still gain new insight. He challenges the reader to do more than simply read about worship, he wants the family to engage in worship.
The booklet is a great resource that challenges the reader to seriously consider family worship as a lifestyle. However, it is short, so it lacks detail. Theologically, Marcellino is biblically conservative, though he may be a bit narrow in his understanding of worship.
His definition of the primary elements of worship is probably the biggest issue with the book. He states, when talking about the elements (song, Word, and prayer), "these should always be included (15)." His statement does not take into consideration that not all three are needed for worship to occur. Worship can be as simple as adoration from the heart. The Psalmists writes, "Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. (Psalm 95:6). Worship can simply be an attitude of the heart.
Marcellino draws needed attention to three aspects of worship: private, family, and public. These three aspects of worship are important for the growth of the individual and the fellowship of the body. The practice of family worship bridges these three aspects.
Fathers need to think clearly and deeply about how to lead their families in worship. Marcellino provides a perspective that will enhance that thinking. This booklet can be read in an evening. So for the father who is looking to lead his family, this booklet is a quick jump start to the practice, while providing helpful ideas for further implementation.
