Naomi's Notes - 2/12/06
In my last column, I discussed the Isaiah 6 model, the Old Testament guideline for the content of our worship (adoration, confession, forgiveness, proclamation, dedication, commission). There are several New Testament models for the structure of our worship.
Scholars such as Martin Thielen (Ancient-Future Worship) and Robert Webber (Planning Blended Worship) generally agree that Christian worship in the Early Church was a blend of the synagogue worship of ancient Judaism (songs, prayers, scripture, sermon) and the Upper Room experience (Lord's Supper or Eucharist).
A careful look at Acts 2:42 indicates two primary focuses: Word and Table. This soon evolved into the "Four-Fold Pattern of Worship" (gathering, Word, Table, dismissal) which was experienced in five "movements:"
- Gathering to worship God (praise/adoration)
- Listening to God speak through the Word (sermon/scripture)
- Responding to the call of God (prayer/baptism)
- Celebrating at the Table of God (Thanksgiving/Eucharist)
- Departing to serve God (commission/sending forth)
You've probably noticed that each of these is included in our worship at Immanuel on a regular basis. In the free Baptist tradition, however, we celebrate communion (Lord's Supper) once per month rather than every Sunday.
[Interestingly, I think that's somewhat unusual even for Baptists. I know of many Baptist churches which have communion only once per quarter or less often, and I know of only a small handful which have communion every Sunday.]
As worshipers of the Triune God, it is important that our services be structured around biblical-historical models. For Baptists, the structure of our worship is a bit flexible, and the content (the Gospel) doesn't change. But when it comes to style…now that's a broad subject for several future columns!
See you in worship this Sunday -
Naomi