Book Review: SPIRIT AND SACRAMENT (ANDREW WILSON)

At Paradox we value two things that are often at odds in the broader church culture. We value liturgy in our worship - there is a specific, intentional structure to our Sunday worship gatherings. We also value charismatic, Spirit-filled ministry where we welcome whatever the Lord will do in our midst, with specific regard for spiritual gifts. That is why we find Andrew Wilson’s book Spirit and Sacrament to be incredibly helpful. He offers a compelling vision for unity in the Church with what he calls “eucharismatic” worship - the integration of structure and spontaneity.

Spirit and Sacrament comprises six chapters, over a brief 140 pages. Wilson’s writing style weaves together theological depth with pastoral wisdom and humor, making it an enjoyable, thought-provoking read. The book begins with the theological framework for eucharismatic worship. Wilson then spends the next two chapters exploring the biblical concepts of charis (grace) and chara (joy). He argues that God has blessed his people with gifts, which we should receive and use with wisdom and proper perspective in church history. He goes on to say that the Church should be a place of joy and a diversity of expressions of worship. The next two chapters argue that the church needs both the sacramental, liturgical, and historically-rooted practices of the eucharistic tradition, along with the dynamic, Spirit-empowered expression found in charismatic Christianity. He shows how both traditions flow from God's generous grace and should result in the joy that marks authentic Christian worship. Of specific note, Wilson’s discussion on the continuation of the spiritual gifts in the church today, and the way he addresses objections and critiques are winsome, thorough, and prove quite helpful. In the final chapter, Wilson moves from theory to practice, offering a vision for local congregations. He invites churches to embrace the fullness of God's gifts, imagining services where ancient creeds sit alongside prophetic words, where communion is celebrated meaningfully, and where the Spirit moves with freedom and joy.

Wilson’s aim is our own: to be rooted in Scripture and the wisdom of church history while remaining genuinely sensitive to the Spirit's power. Spirit and Sacrament is a brief, accessible, and thoroughly engaging work. Wilson is an excellent writer, and his theological vision is both biblically grounded and pastorally wise.

I would encourage anyone at Paradox to read Spirit and Sacrament - to gain a greater depth of understanding for what we do and why, to see careful responses to concerns and skepticism, and to be encouraged in our collective pursuit of worshiping the Lord in Spirit and truth.