Suggested Liturgies

Christian churches are coming together in a renewed worship that freely borrows from various traditions of worship (Webber 1994, 44). This phenomenon is breaking down the walls of denominationalism. Since our congregations tend to be composed of people of different races, various ethnic groups, all ages and all socio-economic situations, it is important that the worship service somehow reach and touch these diverse categories of people. This can be accomplished only by "convergent" or "blended" worship. Our worship services need to borrow from the various traditions of worship that can engage the diverse makeup of our congregations.

I believe it is possible to build a framework of liturgy that can represent our denomination worldwide. Within this framework, each congregation in each part of the world can assemble the culturally appropriate customs and traditions in music and other elements of worship. I would now like to propose some sample liturgies that could provide a unifying framework inside of which our congregations worldwide can construct the style and content that meet their particular worship needs. The basic pattern can also be readily adapted to various festival celebrations and seasons of the year.

The Basic Pattern

I. ACTS OF ENTRANCE

A. The gathering

        1.The gathering should begin 10 - 15 minutes before the starting time of worship. It should begin with one or more of the following acts:

          a. Informal singing of praise choruses

          b. Instrumental music

          c. Informal greeting

          d. "Gathering songs" (for examples, see Webber 1994, 159)

        2. This is followed by words of welcome from pastor/leader.

          a. Pastor/leader: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

          b.Congregation responds: "And also to you."

          c.(Optional) Pass the Peace (ask members to introduce themselves to those around them).

          d.Announcements/church business.

B. The entrance into worship

      Entering into worship should be characterized by joy and excitement. This is similar to the joy and excitement pilgrims would have as they approached the Jerusalem Temple for worship. This is a time for celebration as we anticipate our encounter and engagement with God. The entrance into worship may include the following:

        1. Entrance hymn or song.

        2. Brief greeting.

        3.Brief invocation (calling on God to be present in the worship of his people).

        4.Songs of praise (leading the people toward the "Holiest Place" and their encounter with God).

        5.Prayer of confession, forgiveness, and intercession (as we approach God, we realize that this is possible only through the sacrifice of Jesus, for we confess that we are sinners and not worthy apart from him to come into the presence of God – but we are assured that through Jesus all our sins are forgiven and we stand sinless in the sight of God. We ask not only for ourselves but also for God's mercy on all people, especially the downtrodden, the marginal, the needy and the sick).

II. THE SERVICE OF THE WORD

    We have now entered into worship and are in the presence of the Word of God. This part of the service is instructional, and involves both proclamation of the Word and the congregation's response to it. The mood of the service (beginning with the prayer of confession and forgiveness) has become more meditative. The Service of the Word will include the following:

A. Scripture reading

      A theme passage from the sermon or a passage complementary to the sermon may be read. The content may be communicated through a dramatic reading, a testimonial, storytelling or dramatic reenactment. Instead of or in addition to a Scripture reading, occasionally the pastor/leader may lead the congregation in the reciting of a creed (e.g., Apostle's creed, Nicene creed).

B. Sermon

      A text is expounded and interpreted (using the tools of exegesis and hermeneutics, the text is applied to our current walk with Christ).

C. Response to the Word

        1.Hymn of response (congregation sings its response to the message of the sermon).

        2.There may be an invitation given to receive Jesus or to rededicate one's life to him.

        3.There may be an invitation to prayer – corporately or silently by each person.

        4.At appropriate times, an offering may be taken up.

        5.Other appropriate responses to the sermon may be invited, and music may be performed during the responses.

III. THE SERVICE OF THE TABLE (optional)

A. Giving of thanks

      May be done in song, prayer or congregational recitation. (Follow song or recitation with an opening prayer).

B. Songs of praise

      C. Prayer of thanksgiving for and blessing of the bread and wine

      Given by pastor/leader and usually accompanied by appropriate Scripture readings and instructions for taking the elements. The elements may be passed among the congregation or the congregation may be invited to come to the Table of the Lord to take them. A combination of both methods may be used.)

      D. Songs of praise and thanksgiving – Hymns or songs expressing the joy of the resurrection and exaltation of Christ may be sung.

E. Closing prayer

IV. THE SENDING FORTH

A. Dismissal hymn or song

B. Benediction and words of dismissal

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