Biblical Service Order (418 Words)

I've mentioned before that I have developed our church's service order from Christ's statements in John 4 about worship being in spirit and truth, which I take to be spiritual responses to truth. I divide our service into sections of truth affirmation and responses to that truth, and then plug elements such as hymns, prepared music, and choral numbers into those slots depending on where they fit. Here's an example from this past Lord's Day: May 21 Morning Service Prelude: Organ - Hymn 177 Before the Throne Call to Worship: 36 All Hail The Power Affirmation of Truth K Aniol, vln - A Mighty Fortress Doctrinal Reading Hymn 51 Jesus Shall Reign Scripture Reading Intercessory Prayer Truth: Choir - If Ye Love Me Truth: 170 Jesus In His Heavenly Glory Responses to Truth Giving: 462 Be Thou My Vision Thanksgiving: 238 How Sweet and Awful (ST COLUMBA) Adoration: C Williquette, voc - Teach Me Thy Song Affirmation of Truth Message Responses to Truth Consecration: 541 O Jesus I Have Promised Praise: 188 Lo He Comes A friend of mine, Caleb Roth, recently sent me an example of how he orders services at the church in which he serves. It's a similar format in which a stable liturgical structure is set in place wherein service elements are fit depending on the week. Instead of using John 4, however, Caleb has used Isaiah 6, rather effectively, I think. Here's an example from one of his services: God’s Glory Displayed ("Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts") Scripture Reading and Prayer - John 15:1-14 Ministry of Music - I Worship You – Choir Our Hearts Prepared ("woe is me, for I am undone") Scripture Meditation - Psalm 139:23-24 Hymn Meditation and Singing - #353 Search Me, O God Christ’s Redemption Recalled ("Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged") Worship in Singing - #134 And Can it Be Ministry of Music - Free From Guilt and Free From Sin – Mixed Ensemble Our Response Proclaimed ("Here am I; send me") Worship in Giving - Hannah Lodwick Worship in Singing - #84 Eternal Father, Strong to Save God’s Truth Declared Message Here are just two examples of how careful, biblical thought can (and should) be put into preparing worship services. Note that there is not prescribed service order -- Caleb's order is quite different than mine. The important point is to put careful thought and planning into the service, something that is quite often lacking in modern fundamental churches.