In the Order of Worship/Service, what is essential?

Tony Germain's picture
Submitted by Tony Germain on Mon, 2009-03-09 00:20.

I thought I'd throw this thought out into the light of day. In our various church backgrounds, what do you consider as essential in your Order of Worship and what parts are secondary (indifferent) or to say, may help and not harm a Worship Service?

What is the main reason you attend church?

Grace!

tonygermain@msn.com
Micah 6:8

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Tony Germain's picture

The Almighty Football!

Submitted by Tony Germain on Thu, 2009-03-12 01:05.

I had to laugh at your last line!

"PS. I do not believe "Superbowl Services" where they all gather around the TV set and worship the mighty sports gods are appropriate."

I think there is always that struggle to contextualize to our culture and yet remain focused on the "Great Commission". How far do you go before it just sounds like a circus or some other entertainment venue.

I was with Calvary Chapel for 25 years and sure appreciated my experience with them. I do believe Chuck believes in the importance of participation in a "Worship Service" as a renewing event as people focus on the Word of God.

Today I serve in a Lutheran Church and I do lead some of the music in a Contemporary Service. My pastor thinks it's important to have a Liturgical Service (which I like) and a Contemporary Service. Both are done highly respectful and with the idea of seeing Jesus grow in the hearts of those at the service.

Some of the elements of our Contempory Service include:

Songs (Older Contemporary, with a few newer)

Time of Confession and Forgiveness from the Lord

Reading of one of the three Church Creeds

Songs

Scripture Reading: Old Testament

Scripture Reading: Epistle

Scripture Reading: Gospel

Pastors Message based on the Gospel

Communiion Portion of the Service, every second week, with Song

Offering, with Song

Pastor lead Prayer

Closing Song

Pastoral Blessing and Dismissal

In all this, I hope we honor the Lord respectfully. There are other meetings at church and Bible Studies which are quite a bit looser, none the less respectful.

Concerning dress, I say come as you are! But I do draw a line at "Bunny Slippers" unless you are under three years old!

BDST Lead

tonygermain@msn.com
MIcah 6:8

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