Baptist General Conference Churches

Worship in the Baptist General Conference follows the historic free church tradition, with, however, a contemporary flair. While there is no particular pattern evident among all the churches, there is a strong influence from the praise-and-worship style and a concern to establish seekers services. Some churches are finding ways to enhance the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

The Baptist General Conference, a denomination of more than one thousand churches in the USA, also has an autonomous Canadian counterpart and more than one thousand churches in other nations of the world. The member churches are strongly autonomous, so they are free to establish their own form of government, hire the pastor of their own choice, and decide just how much to involve the local church in the affairs and goals of the denomination. Organized more than one hundred years ago, this denomination sprang from the desire of Swedish Baptist congregations to accomplish things that no one congregation could ever hope to do on its own. The independence of each church is actually one of the strengths of the worldwide mission of the denomination. Varied Worship Styles Given this background, it is impossible to pinpoint a definitive "worship style" common to all our churches. Not only does worship vary with the cultures of North America, but also with local leadership. Although our tradition is pietistic, with strong emphasis on the Word and on service to humankind, the range of worship styles today is wide. One evidence of this is the choice not to produce a denominational hymnal, but rather to make congregations aware of the outstanding materials already available. In many new congregations the tendency is toward the praise model of the charismatics. There is much singing, mostly of newer praise-and-worship songs sprinkled with an occasional hymn, and led by a "worship team," including singers and instrumentalists—a couple of keyboard players and a rhythm section, or perhaps just a synthesizer and guitars. Hand-clapping seems more "planned" on certain songs, not as free as in a charismatic gathering. This singing leads to a message from the Word of God, with emphasis on its relevance to current events and the problems of contemporary lifestyle. Although a personal response is called for and even specifically suggested, it is not usually given as a public "altar call." Rather, the preacher makes it clear that questions will be welcomed at any time during the week. Evangelism and Worship. It is common for regular attenders and guests alike to participate in Bible study and in building relationships during a second hour, perhaps after the worship service. Often this is followed by a lunch especially prepared for guests. The byword of this worship style is evangelism, with emphasis on personal lifestyle on Monday through Saturday as well as the corporate experience on Sunday. Activities associated with the liturgical tradition, such as the kiss of peace, would be hinted at in a time of greeting and handshaking. There is little emphasis on space and form, vestments, and so on. A potential weakness of this style is the lack of regular observance of the Lord's Table. The fear is that guests will be embarrassed. The Communion service is therefore held at other times—perhaps Sunday evening or Wednesday. There are, however, many congregations included in this worship style who do observe the Lord's Table at every Sunday morning gathering. Some of these congregations are quite creative in the use of drama, Scripture readings/litanies, and other texts, adapting resources from the charismatic tradition rather than drawing literally from liturgical practice. Joy in Worship. The norm for public worship in the Baptist General Conference is along the lines of typical free tradition churches in the evangelical mainstream. But this is with a contemporary flair, not an early American flair! There is a great joy and exuberance, not silent sobriety. The Word of God is supreme, the active participation of individuals is facilitated, and the ordinances are encouraged and understood. Here is a possible order of worship for many of our churches: A Possible Worship Service Plan Prelude by musicians Scripture Call to Worship Hymn of Adoration Recognizing God's Presence (invocation) Greetings ("The Kiss") Singing: worship and praise songs Scripture (responsive reading, or creative) Choir Congregational singing Sermon (including reading of text and prayer) Song(s) of response: solo, congregation Offering Church Life; Opportunities (announcements) Dismissal and Benediction Although the "pastoral prayer" is often added to a Scripture reading, the present trend is towards continuity between Scripture and music. Music includes both traditional hymnody and anthem material as well as contemporary songs and worship choruses. There is a growing hunger for serious singing, emphasizing giving due praise to God, with fewer songs of testimony or personal walk such as the "old-time gospel songs." The Lord's Table is observed by most congregations at the conclusion of the service, after a shortened sermon. There is great interest, however, in taking much more time at the Table. Many churches are designing the opening part of the hour or taking the entire service—morning or evening—to dwell on Christ's work and life. Fresh Openness in Worship. Even in more traditional congregations there is just as much freedom to raise or clap hands as in new ones. There is an openness to creativity and freshness. Many of the things said about the newer congregations could be repeated here. This sense of joy and freedom springs from a trend toward personal involvement in worship and a desire to make the Sunday worship service dynamic and fulfilling, with an understanding that the object or focus of all is God. Toward this end, Bethel College and Seminary has been instrumental in providing solid teaching on music and worship. Also, for a period of three years there was a full-time Director of Worship Resources who was available for teaching and interaction with any BGC church. Perhaps for these two reasons, along with the strong commitment of national and district leadership, worship is an ongoing "hot" topic in the Baptist General Conference. There is a growing understanding that even the goals of global evangelism and social concern find root in the concept and practice of true worship. There is a strong consciousness of the need to understand worship in Spirit and in truth. Worship is not a fad, and the people who attend BGC churches would much rather do it than merely discuss it. The great freedom and autonomy of BGC churches continue to encourage a nationwide surge of creativity and diversity in worship.