Author Archives: Warren Anderson

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About Warren Anderson

Emmaus Road Worshipers is written by Dr. Warren Anderson, Director of the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts at Judson University (Elgin, Ill.), where he also directs the Judson University Choir. A Judson alumnus, he has served his alma mater in a number of capacities over the past 30+ years, especially the chapel ministry, which he led for 22 years. From 1982-2016, Dr. Anderson served six different churches--American Baptist (X2), Converge, Evangelical Free Church of America, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist--as a "weekend warrior" worship musician/pastor. He is a former member of the editorial board of Worship Leader magazine. The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily the views of Judson University.

How Do Black Lives Matter in Suburban American Contemporary Worship? Part II

“‘[T]here is always a temptation to think that paying attention to this for a little while will help us get past it instead of thinking of this as a lifelong posture for every Christian eager to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.’  (Read that again and let it sink in.)  In the midst of unspeakable pain and sorrow, worship leaders have an opportunity to exercise prophetic muscles for the sake of the Kingdom.” Continue reading

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How Do Black Lives Matter in Suburban American Contemporary Worship? Part I

“First, contemporary American worship must be willing to break the status-quo mold in times of crisis–and then periodically ever after.”  Continue reading

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No Words

The tragic events of this past week prompt no words other than Kyrie, Eleison. The Lord be with us all!

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Should Contemporary Worship Music Be Beautiful? … Part I

“Beautiful space can speak of order, stability, and the absolute in a society of chaos and relativity, and bring quietness and peace to the inner person (Robert Webber).” Continue reading

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A Sonnet for Coronavirus Victims

“There are no easy answers, and anyone who tries to suggest otherwise on a poster or in a Tweet does a grave disservice to those who are really suffering–some hurting financially, some hurting physically; some grieving loss of jobs, some grieving loss of lives . . . all needing healing, not hectoring.” Continue reading

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Worship and COVID-19 Miscellanea

Three separate but related parts today, all loosely based on worship and the coronavirus: One: One of the things I enjoy about blogging is the opportunity to introduce friends to other friends.  Many of you are already familiar with my … Continue reading

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Rich Mullins on Temptation and Our Sovereign God

“The good news of the grace of God is far more significant than my own personal, pious victories.” Continue reading

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Rich Mullins on the Dangers of “Worship Buzz”

“It worries me that in churches the demand among people my age and younger is that we make services more exciting to us.” Continue reading

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More Wisdom from Rich Mullins (Part 3)

“The Scriptures don’t teach us to be assertive.  The Scriptures teach us–and this is remarkable–the Scriptures teach us to be submissive.  This is not a popular idea.” Continue reading

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A Little Wisdom from Rich Mullins for Holy Week and Beyond, Part 2

Last week I began a multi-part post sharing the wit and wisdom in Rich Mullins’ Here in America DVD.  If you never had a chance to see Mullins in concert, you missed a significant part of his ministry: the thoughtful musings … Continue reading

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