New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship - Concise Reference

In this review the New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship is presented as a compact, practical reference designed for clergy, liturgy students and church researchers who need quick access to reliable definitions and context. The book's single biggest selling point is its systematic, alphabetically arranged 200 entries written and curated by leading liturgists, which makes it easy to consult during study or sermon preparation. This review evaluates how well the dictionary serves as a research tool, classroom supplement and everyday desk reference for those involved in Christian worship and church leadership.

Key Features

• Alphabetical organization: Entries are arranged alphabetically so users can locate topics such as ordination or offertories quickly without extra navigation.
• 200 concise entries: A focused set of two hundred topics provides depth on important areas of liturgy without overwhelming the reader with extraneous detail.
• Expert contributions: Leading liturgists and scholars wrote the entries, offering informed perspectives grounded in current scholarship.
• Comprehensive bibliographies: Each entry includes bibliographies and reading lists to guide further research and to keep the work up to date for academic use.
• Systematic reference format: The dictionary format supports quick consultation during sermon preparation, study groups or institutional planning tasks.

Who It's For

The New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship is best for clergy, seminarians, worship leaders and church officers who require a reliable, concise reference on liturgical terms and practices. It suits those preparing sermons or lessons who need a clear, scholarly summary and a reading list to explore topics in depth.

Those seeking exhaustive historical monographs or complete ritual manuals may need longer, specialized volumes in addition to this dictionary. Casual readers looking for devotional reading rather than technical definitions should consider more narrative introductions instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well organized alphabetical entries that make lookups fast and practical for busy readers.
• Contributions from recognized scholars give the content academic credibility and current perspective.
• Bibliographies and reading lists encourage further study and help connect users to wider literature.
• Compact scope with 200 entries balances depth and accessibility for regular reference use.

Cons

• As a dictionary, entries are concise; readers seeking exhaustive treatment of complex liturgical histories will need additional sources.

Specifications

Title	New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship
Editor/Author	Paul F. Bradshaw
Entry count	200 entries
Organization	Alphabetical, systematic
Includes	Comprehensive bibliographies and reading lists
Intended audience	Clergy, students, scholars, church leaders

Our Verdict

The New SCM Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship is a smart purchase for ministers, liturgy students and church librarians who need a reliable, concise reference that points to deeper study. Its authoritative contributors, clear alphabetical layout and bibliographies make it good value as a regular desk reference and a starting point for research, though it is not a substitute for full-length historical or ritual studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this dictionary include bibliographies for each entry?
Yes. The work includes comprehensive bibliographies and reading lists to guide further research on each topic.

How many topics does the book cover?
It comprises two hundred entries covering important liturgical and worship topics from vestments to ordination.

Is this suitable for clergy and students?
Yes. It is aimed at clergy, seminarians and church leaders as a concise, scholarly reference for study and sermon preparation.