I love worship. I love to worship. So, I am a student of worship. These new worship leaders are so limited in their understanding of the possibilities of worship. It is the go to standard that a thematic worship is the only way to worship. Every song must correspond to the topic of the sermon. Even pastors have no vision of worship when they demand thematic services each and every week. Below are 5 styles of worship to at least try sometime.
- Thematic –This model of worship adds a rational behind its order of service. All the elements follow a particular theme. The theme could be wide, like Love, or it could be more focused, like Depression in Christians. Everything within the service builds up, explains, expounds upon, and presents the particular theme chosen for worship. A thematic format is one that is now most used in traditional and contemporary churches.
2. Progressive – A progressive style of worship takes some set progression and makes the worship experience fit. Take for example the formula: A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) The first part of the service is spent singing and praying adoration to God. Next, we come to a time of corporate confession, either through testimonies or the Pastoral Prayer. Next we give thanks. Thanks can be included with hymns, anthems, and even the time of offering. After Thanksgiving, the sermon would typically be placed, which would ultimately lead into Supplication; placing our needs before God’s throne. This is a good time for the typical Time of Commitment/Altar call.
3. Alternation – Alternation is, in essence, a dialogue. Vertical worship then horizontal interaction. God speaks and the creation responds. It could also allow for a lesson from God to be followed by a horizontal encouraging of God’s directions. Many ecclesiastical services alternate between lesson, people respond, lesson, ordinance of communion, God speaks, people respond.
4. Variety – Though this is called variety, you would not know it from this diagram. Each element stands alone in the worship experience. This is comparable to a variety show, where you sit through other lesser performers and wait for the keynote speaker, the highlight of the show: the sermon. It does not matter what the order of the preceding elements as long as everyone knows that the sermon is the most important. You sit, then stand, sing, and then pray. The elements are not all on the same theme. You might sing “How Great Thou Art” and have a sermon on repentance. Each element stands alone.
5. Conversational – (The Open Church) Imagine yourself as part of a small intimate group of Christians who have gathered to worship informally. Perhaps one person begins by commenting on a particular experience or awareness of God’s presence and greatness. Another suggests the singing of “Purify My Heart.” Someone then says, “I met James today, and he expressed a concern about his upcoming surgery.” Another might say, “Let’s pray for him then.” And so the fellowship continues. A variety of emotions may be experienced but the elements will grow out of the preceding event as a response. There is a thread of conversation, of statement and direction within this free-form worship style. This form of worship works best with some sort of moderator, who helps keep control.
*This previous section has been adapted from the book, Ministry and Music, published by Westminster John Knox Press.