Worshipedia
Your one stop digital library of worship resources. Rediscover the richness of worship that is Biblically sound, historically connected, and spiritually directed. Worshipedia is a large and growing resource with broad applications for all individual believers, students of worship, artists and musicians, worship leaders, and ministers at all levels of service.
Courses by Worshipedia (36)
Worshipedia Library
Worshipedia Library
New Directions In Worship
Contemporary Documents On Worship Renewal This era will no doubt be remembered as one where the church most vigorously addressed the renewal of worship. Probably more research and writing centered on liturgy and worship have been produced in the past few decades than during any p
Music In Worship
The Theological Foundations Of Music In Worship Music has played a prominent role in nearly every service of Christian worship ever conducted-in any culture, period of history, or worship tradition. Music has accompanied every liturgical act, from Entrance rites to sacramental li
Baptism
The History Of Baptism Baptism remains the point of entry into the Christian church. However, the form of baptism has developed through the centuries, as seen in the following entries. Catechism shifted from before baptism to after baptism in the medieval church as infant baptism
The Ministries Of Christian Worship
This section has resources for the immediate practice of worship within the gathered community and in the world to which the community ministers. Articles deal with pastoral care, spiritual formation, initiation, and nurture and address the church's outreach by showing the connec
Preparing For Worship Renewal
Preconditions And Stages Of Worship Renewal Although true worship renewal ultimately derives from divine initiative, there are a number of preparations a church can make to ready itself for God's action. These six entries share the preconditions, the principles, the psychology, a
Theologies Of Worship
Approaches To The Theology Of Worship Theology is a reflective discipline. That is, people who do theology reflect on the truth of Scripture and the insights of the church in a systematic way. Systematic reflection on worship results in a theology, or rather, theologies of worshi
Historic Models Of Worship
Pre-Reformation Liturgies The following entries provide the reader with an overview of the major liturgies and worship orders from the early church through the nineteenth century. Each entry has three distinctive features: Introduction, Text or Order or Worship, and Commentary. E
A History Of Christian Worship
The Worship Of The Early Church (to A.d. 500) From the early centuries, Christian worship has seen a continuous process of development and change in response to theological and cultural factors. Although the basic elements-the service of the Word and of the Lord's Table-have rema
History And Theology Of Sacred Actions, Sacraments, And Ordinances
The Significance Of Sacred Actions Christian worship finds its meaning in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events take on significance for worshipers today through not only the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, but also through the sacred actions of worship.
The Lord's Supper
History Of The Lord's Supper One of the most profound events in the life of Jesus was the supper he shared with his disciples on the eve of his death. At that supper, Jesus commanded his disciples to share this meal until he comes again. For centuries the church has followed this
Sacred Actions For The Seasons Of Life
Marriage The sacred action of Christian marriage is often likened to the relationship that Christ has with his church, for it is a covenant between a man and a woman that joins them as one. The following section explores the history and theology of Christian marriage and provides
Sacred Actions In The Life Of The Christian Community
Ordination And Commissioning From the beginning, Christians have set apart (consecrated) leaders by invoking the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands. Initially this was done by the apostles whom Jesus himself had chosen. Although not all Christian groups view a
Resources For Planning And Leading Worship
Being A Worship Leader The entries in this section recognize the importance of strong servant leadership and adequate planning for most services of worship. They focus first on the character and skills necessary for leadership in worship, with specific suggestions from various tr
Resources For Preaching In Worship
A Brief History Of Preaching Preaching has always been a significant moment in the church's worship. During the Middle Ages, preaching became almost completely irrelevant to the people as the consecration of the eucharistic elements became the sole focus of the liturgy. Fewer and
Resources For Sunday Worship
Styles Of Worship A glance at the orders of worship of various churches gives evidence of both commonalities and distinctives. This section provides specific resources for the range of possible service parts included in the Entrance rites, the Service of the Word, the celebration
Introducing Worship Renewal
What Is Worship Renewal? What does it mean to renew our worship? These entries explain how we can understand and recognize the renewal of worship. Worship renewal in the contemporary church has focused on two key issues: understanding what worship is and experiencing the power of
Worship And The Church's Mission To The World
Worship And Hospitality An important, if neglected, symbol of Christian worship is the simple act of gathering for worship. In the act of coming together, the church testifies that it is a community that has come together in Jesus' name. Significantly, the worshiping community is
The Worshiping Community
Children In The Worshiping Community Jesus' call to let the children come to him provides Christians with the joyful task of training and forming children in the Christian faith and encouraging them to offer whole-hearted worship. In so doing, children take their place as an esse
The Biblical Foundations Of Christian Worship
Charismatic Aspects Of Worship Worship in the Pentecostal and charismatic churches has been characterized by certain features that distinguish it from the worship of other Christian communities. These distinctive aspects of charismatic worship are, in greater or lesser degree, re
Music And The Arts In Biblical Worship
Biblical Philosophy Of The Worship Arts Throughout the history of the Christian church, worship has made use of the fine arts as vehicles for bringing glory to God and for augmenting the worshiper's awareness of the presence of God. In considering the biblical foundations for Chr
Festivals In Biblical Worship
The Meaning Of Feasts In The Biblical Tradition The feasts of Israelite and Jewish worship, like those in other religious traditions, were occasions on which worshipers might transcend the shortcomings of ordinary life. These three entries explain how festivals served as "windows
History And Institutions Of Biblical Worship
History Of Israelite And Jewish Worship From the beginning Israel's worship is a response to Yahweh for the acts he has performed in its history. Israel's whole history is a life of coexistence with God, a partnership in a historical drama. The emphasis is on Yahweh as the initia
Introduction to Biblical Worship
The Names of God In Worship The following five entries deal with the most important biblical names or titles for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Some of the concepts referring to God the Father in the Old Testament are applied also to God the Son in the New
Music And The Arts Among The Churches
The entries that follow offer an overview of the current worship practices of most of the major denominations in this country, each prepared by a person active in that particular church. Read individually, they furnish a wealth of fresh ideas; collectively they give evidence that
The Visual Arts In Worship
Historical, Philosophical, And Theological Perspectives On The Visual Arts In Worship Christian worship is an inherently visual event. Both the setting and the actions of worship need to be seen as well as heard. The visual dimensions of worship are important on several levels. S
Drama And Dance In Worship
Introduction To Drama In Worship Important in worship are not only the arts that we hear (music) and see (the visual arts), but also the arts that involve both seeing and hearing (drama and dance). These arts are complex and challenging, both to the artist and to the worshiper. T
The Art Of Language In Worship
The Use Of Language In Worship Language has always been at the center of discussions about worship. In highly liturgical churches, concerns about language are focused on a fixed text. In free churches, choice of language is primarily the domain of a pastor or worship leader, whos
The Practice Of The Christian Year
The Christian Year Among The Churches As this section makes clear, Christians differ significantly on the need for observing the Christian year. Nevertheless, there are signs that even those denominations that have traditionally resisted following a Christian calendar are taking
The Season After Pentecost And Other Commemorations
The Season After Pentecost One of the reasons that the Christian year is so widely used is that it is both fixed and flexible. It is firmly rooted in the Christ event, the paschal mystery. The primary Christian celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost call att
The Season Of Easter And Pentecost
Introduction To The Season Of Easter The season of Easter is the season of celebration. Christ is risen! Death is conquered! Let all the people worship the Lord! The solemn preparation of Lent and somber meditation of Holy Week gives way to victorious festivity during the fifty d
Resources For Holy Week
An Introduction To Holy Week Holy Week is the most significant week of the year for Christian worship. During this week the church remembers the events of Christ's passion and death. The attention of the worshiper during this week is directed to the Lamb of God, the Suffering Ser
The Season Of Lent
Introduction To Lenten Worship On Ash Wednesday, the church marks an important transition, beginning the great cycle of Easter that extends from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost. The season of Lent is not primarily a meditation on the suffering and cross of Christ; this is saved for Ho
The Season Of Christmas And Epiphany
Introduction To Epiphany And Christmas Worship The waiting of advent soon turns to celebration of Christmas and Epiphany: Christ is born, the Word is made flesh. The communities of worshiping believers can be heard singing the angels' song: "Glory to God in the Highest. " This is
The Season Of Advent
Introduction To Advent Worship Advent is the time of preparation for the birth of Christ. Historically, however, Advent was not the beginning of the Christian year, but the end. The original themes of Advent focused on the second coming of Jesus. Gradually Advent also came to mea
The History And Theology Of The Christian Year
Regulating the life of the church today by the Christian calendar is no easy task. Life-long habits need to be reoriented to this way of marking time. If churches are to accomplish this task, worship leaders and planners must learn a great deal about the history and theology that
Videos, Audio & Articles by Worshipedia (763)
downloadStyles Of Preaching
Throughout the history of the church, preachers have developed different styles of proclaiming the Word. These styles of preaching are often related to the hermeneutics of the preacher. Broadly speaking, the preacher approaches the task of speaking with one of
downloadContemporary Theologies Of Water Baptism
In this section we find that in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, baptism itself is a saving sacrament. For Eastern Orthodox churches, baptism begins the process of salvation and growth toward participation in the divine nature. In the Western tradit
downloadArranging Music For Instruments
Writing music for orchestral instruments requires knowing about the unique design and sound of each instrument. This article examines each major type of orchestral instrument, outlining the basic features of each and suggesting ways of effectively arranging mu
downloadWriting Prayers For Worship
Writing prayers for worship calls for the creativity of a poet, the sensitivity of a pastor, the insight of a theologian, and the foundation of a living relationship with God. Weaving together these concerns, this article gives advice to the worshiper who is g
downloadBuilding A United Worship Team
A key to building a united worship team is to have a clearly defined statement. This entry suggests ways to go about developing such a statement, including planning a retreat for this purpose. Start beforehand by asking the right questions of your pastor. Dete
downloadCatechetical Preaching
Catechetical preaching, or preaching sermons based on the consecutive "Lord's Days" of the Heidelberg Catechism, is a centuries-old tradition among Reformed churches and has historical roots in the Calvinistic reformation of sixteenth-century northern Europe.
downloadResources For Ascension Day
Ascension Day is the fortieth day after Easter. On this day, the church recalls the ascension of Christ into heaven and celebrates his rule over all Creation. The following information provides a helpful start for local congregations that want to revive the ob
downloadSample Advent Services
This section features three sample services for the Sundays of Advent and two occasional services that may be held during Advent. The full texts of the Sunday services are presented along with commentary that articulates the theological and liturgical rational
downloadAn Adventist Model Of Worship
Early Adventist worship was simple, informal, and vigorously nonliturgical. When the first church Manual was adopted, reluctantly, in 1883, it made no mention how regular worship services should be conducted. It did, however, lay down some guidelines for the "
downloadWounds That Hinder Worship
The person who brings a wounded spirit into the setting of worship often finds it difficult to enter into the experience of worship. Paradoxically, it is the very act of worship that offers healing for those wounds, even though the pain may hinder the hurting
articleMusic And The Arts In Worship
This section examines all the forms and styles of music and the arts from both the past and the present. Articles detail the historical development of music, the visual arts, drama, dance, and mime. Use of the arts is addressed, providing the reader with sensi
downloadThe Closing Communion Doxology
The concluding prayer of the Eucharist is a laudatory statement of praise. Following the primitive model of the Jewish meal prayer, the prayer gives glory to God for his provision; the people respond with the Amen. In this way the worship at the Table ends on
downloadA Christmas Eve Service
Below is the bare outline of a Christmas Eve service that can be adapted and suited to fit the character of any church. Because Christmas is an occasion of great rejoicing, the Christmas Eve service should bear all the marks of a great festive occasion. THE MU
downloadPrayers Of Thanksgiving For Christmas And Epiphany Eucharist
Prayer of Thanksgiving for Christmas Eucharist Prayer of Thanksgiving for Epiphany Eucharist Minister: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Minister: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord ou
downloadA Christmas Communion Service
Christmas marks the culmination of the Advent season. The time of waiting is past, and God's people celebrate the arrival of their Messiah, who has visited and redeemed his people. The Opening Leader: Glory to God in highest heaven and on earth peace for those
downloadSample Services For Christmas And Epiphany
The entries in this section demonstrate the richness of the Christmas season. All congregations interested in worship renewal should examine the following services, which combine innovative and traditional ideas for Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany celebratio
downloadA Litany Of Thanksgiving For Work
Work is part of the lives of many person in every worshiping community. Offering prayers of thanksgiving for meaningful work and for those who do it is an important act of pastoral care, which reinforces the important connection between corporate worship and t
articleSacred Actions Of Worship
Topics Include: An analysis of how Christian worship, from its very beginnings in first-century Jerusalem to its present practice around the world, has always been dependent on actions as well as words. Biblical, historical, and contemporary descriptions of th
downloadThe Font As A Place For Burial, Birth, And Bath
The sacrament of Christian baptism presents a variety of symbolic meanings. In one ritual act, the new Christian is buried with Christ in his death, is birthed to a new life with Christ, and is washed of sin and impurity. This article explains the relationship
downloadAn Introduction To The Secondary Visual Arts In Worship
Because worship celebrates the gospel, the most visual images of worship are those which express the body of Christ assembled around Word, Table and font. Consequently, secondary symbols must serve the primary symbols by pointing to them and never dominating o
downloadA Glossary Of Terms For Sacramental Vessels
Along with the Table or altar, the vessels used for sacrament are also important in communicating its meaning. This article defines many of the terms used in describing sacramental vessels. Chalices are commonly made of precious metals, or at least plated with
downloadThe Unforgiving Servant: A Dramatic Sketch Based On A Parable
The following sketch is based on Matthew 18:23–35. It could be used in a worship service in conjunction with the reading of this gospel lesson. Participants: Joseph Clark Andrew Coatman Third Servant Fourth Servant Fifth Servant King Use large books for the le
downloadMime In The Bible
Nonverbal actions can communicate many powerful feelings and truths. The prophets of Israel used the medium of mime to reveal profound messages of judgment and promise. Mime was also used in joyful celebration and praise on occasions of military and spiritual
downloadFolk Dance In Worship
Folk dances express the ethos of a culture in much the same way that music and poetry do. Shared cultural sentiments and beliefs take shape in folk dance patterns that can be learned with little difficulty. These dance styles can be used in worship with many m
downloadCorruption Of Worship By Aestheticism
Because worship reveals both the terrifying power of God and his awesome mystery, it cannot always be aesthetically pleasing. Worship is a rehearsal of God's saving acts in history. Art and beauty may serve it, but must never dominate. The next false gospel to
downloadBiblical Philosophy Of The Worship Arts
Throughout the history of the Christian church, worship has made use of the fine arts as vehicles for bringing glory to God and for augmenting the worshiper's awareness of the presence of God. In considering the biblical foundations for Christian worship, ther
downloadDoubting Thomas: A Dramatic Script Based On A Scriptural Narrative
The following script is an adaptation of Thomas' confession of the risen Lord. It would be appropriate for use in conjunction with a service based on this theme, especially during the season of Easter. Cast: Narrator John Thomas Running Time: Approximately 6 m
downloadAdvent Canticles
The song of Zechariah (Luke 1:68–79), also known as the Benedictus Dominus Deus, is the canticle of Advent. It may be used as a call to worship, as an act of praise, or as a response between Scripture readings. Another appropriate canticle for the season of Ad
downloadTraditional Opening Prayers For Advent
The following prayers, which are used at the opening of worship in many liturgical traditions, are based on centuries-old texts. First Sunday of Advent (Sunday between Nov. 27–Dec. 3, inclusive) Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, a
downloadResources For Planning Advent Worship
Planning Advent worship is a great challenge, given its short duration and the rich and varied resources that are available. The following entries present a collection of such resources, ranging from texts appropriate for reading and praying to artistic contri
articleBiblical Foundations Of Worship
This section provides a solid grounding in what the Bible has to say about worship. These articles and resources explore worship in both the Hebrew tradition and the early Christian church. Introduction To Biblical Worship The Names of God In Worship Symbolism
downloadEvangelistic Preaching
Evangelistic preaching aims at producing a response. Specifically, by preaching of the gospel and emphasizing sinful condition of each person, the hearer recognizes the need for repentance and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Defining Evangelism
downloadHow The Architectural Setting For Worship Forms Our Faith
Every liturgical space reflects the theological commitments of its designers. Every time a liturgical space is used, those ideals shape the experience of those who worship within it. Space for worship must be designed with concern for the theological and litur
downloadHistorical And Theological Perspectives On Acoustics For The Worship Space
One of the most important aspects of the worship space is its acoustical properties. This is so because of the importance of sounds in worship, the sound of verbal proclamation and musical prayer and praise. "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor human hear
downloadAfrican Methodist Episcopal Churches
African Methodist Episcopal worship is grounded in the traditions of John Wesley and Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1797. Worship is African, liturgical, kerygmatic, charismatic, and democratic. Its special emphases are on
downloadBaptist (Evangelical Denominations & Independent Baptist Churches)
The worship of the Independent and Evangelical Baptist groups traditionally features strong preaching, gospel music, and invitations. New emphases include thematic planning, a wide variety of music styles, and greater congregational participation in prayer and
downloadAmerican Baptist Churches In The USA
Worship in the Baptist groups organized just after the American Revolutionary War was subsequently shaped by the revivalist tradition. More recently, the pedagogical model of worship has prevailed. In the future, American Baptist worship will likely be influen
downloadCalvary Chapel Churches
Calvary Chapel is representative of the newer independent churches characterized by lively, young congregations and free worship. Almost a quarter century has elapsed since the first "Jesus People" began to populate the pews at Calvary Chapel to hear pastor Ch
downloadChristian And Missionary Alliance Churches
Worship in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church is rooted in the evangelical style of the sermon-oriented, invitation-focused service. More recently the trend has been toward the praise-and-worship tradition, with much greater emphasis upon music, the
downloadChurches Of God (Anderson, Indiana)
Worship in the Church of God draws on both the holiness and ecumenical traditions. There is a strong emphasis on the "altar call" for conversion and the use of the "public altar" during congregational prayer for healing of relationships and emotions. Currently
downloadChurches Of God (Cleveland, Tennessee)
Worship in the Church of God, Cleveland, has long included elements of renewal such as lay participation, warm personal appeal, and energetic singing. New to the church, on the other hand, are some of the elements of liturgical worship. As in all such processe
downloadEvangelical Free Churches
The Evangelical Free Church does not dictate worship style to its congregations. For this reason, each community may respond to various trends. Some have been influenced by the liturgical renewal, but most are shaped by an evangelical gospel tradition or by th
downloadMennonite Churches
The Mennonite tradition of worship has always placed emphasis on conversion and holy living. Since 1960 Mennonite worship has been affected by the modern liturgical movement, the charismatic movement, the praise-and-worship tradition, and the inclusion of othe
downloadPresbyterian Church In America (PCA) And Other Presbyterian Churches
The Presbyterian Church in America practices a worship shaped by the updated Westminster Directory. However, because the directory is only a guide and not obligatory, there is no uniformity of worship in the PCA. Current trends in the church favor greater musi
downloadProgressive National Baptist Convention, Incorporated Churches
Worship in the Progressive National Baptist Convention is rooted in a conviction of God's sovereignty and liberating character as revealed in the Exodus. The style of worship is participatory and uninhibited. Music, in a variety of styles, plays a vital role.
downloadUnited Methodist Churches
Worship in the United Methodist Church draws from both the Catholic and Protestant heritage. The denomination contains both strong liturgical and charismatic movements. Worship today is characterized by emphasis on the Christian year, frequent Communion, use o
downloadVineyard Churches
The trademark of Vineyard worship is contemporary praise. Recently a great diversity of style is being embraced within the movement. Theology of Worship Vineyard worship is based on the belief and affirmation that God has commanded us to worship (Exod. 23:24,
downloadAlternative Worship In The Liturgical Traditions
St. Gregory Nyssen Episcopal Church draws from the rich worship tradition of the entire church, particularly the Eastern tradition and from various cultures around the world. In addition to Word and sacrament, this worship emphasizes community, space, movement