Overview
Lester Ruth is a historian of Christian worship with particular interests in the early church and the last 250 years, especially the history of contemporary worship. He is passionate about enriching the worship life of current congregations, regardless of style. He believes that careful reflection on the worship of other Christians—whether past or present, whether Protestant, Roman Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox—can serve to enrich the church today.
Dr. Ruth specializes in the history of Contemporary Praise and Worship.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Research Professor of Christian Worship
·
2011 - Present
Divinity School
Recent Publications
Leaning on the Word: Worship with Argentine Baptists, Mid-Twentieth Century
Book · November 27, 2017 Think mid-twentieth-century Baptist evangelism, and the figure that comes immediately to mind is likely Billy Graham. But far removed from the glitz and glamor of televised crusades, what did typical Baptist mission field evangelism and worship really look ... CiteLovin' on Jesus: A Concise History of Contemporary Worship
Book · April 18, 2017 This is an essential resource for all students, scholars, worship leaders, and pastors who are serious about understanding the worship they lead. “Meticulously researched, accessibly written, generous in its praise, and balanced in its ... ... CiteWorshiping with the Anaheim Vineyard: The Emergence of Contemporary Worship
Book · January 3, 2017 THE CHURCH AT WORSHIP is a series of documentary case studies of specific worshiping communities from around the world and throughout Christian history—case studies that can inform and enrich worship practices today. This Church at Worship volume tells ab ... CiteEducation, Training & Certifications
University of Notre Dame ·
1996
Ph.D.
University of Notre Dame ·
1994
M.A.