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 The
"order of worship" has been an "issue" in
various places and times — with some strange results. A man
once objected to my suggesting that, following the sermon and
invitation song, we be dismissed by the closing prayer. He cited
Mk. 14:26, saying that the scriptural way was "sing a
hymn" then "go out." So — the next time I could
conveniently do so, I announced that following the song we would
"go out." He didn't like that either, because we had
had no "closing prayer."
A
Phoenix church now has worship on Sunday morning; then uses the
evening services for classes, concluded by a general assembly,
short sermon with invitation, and dismissal. This gives greater
emphasis to the worship and perhaps an incentive to improve the
classroom teaching.
Changes
should not be made "for change's sake," nor as a
mechanical prop for sagging spirits. Traditional ways may even
free attention of details (you know what is coming next).
But neither should we allow "the way we've done it" to
become law. Whether the Lord's Supper is before or after the
sermon should be determined by our endeavor to make both
meaningful as well as orderly. A song between the Lord's Supper
and the taking of the contribution might serve to make each
distinct from the other.
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Such
small things as announcing an opening song, then waiting a few
minutes before singing, may help to stop idle talk and prepare
for the worship. If a song is sung just prior to the sermon, why
not "mark" the invitation number before singing, so
the speaker can begin immediately after the song? And well-known
songs, such as those used before the Lord's Supper, may be more
meaningful if begun by the song leader from his seat,
rather than directed in a formal way.
The
present trend toward informality may become a pitched battle
between jeans and coats; or we may use and emphasize its good
points — making our worship more genuine and meaningful, and
retaining a respectful atmosphere on the part of all. Extremes
(T-shirts and faded levis, or, pompous ceremonial services) will
not promote warm, family-type worship nor endear members to
one-another.
Fifty
years of practice not withstanding, most of the mechanics of
worship are of human origin. It is no more
"scriptural" to pass the plate than to have some other
means of collection on the Lord's Day; to sing an invitation
song, or invite in some other manner. Neither change nor
traditions guarantee "spirit and truth."
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