Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) Worship

The service of worship in the Christian Church follows the ecumenical consensus of the fourfold order. However, it breaks the Service of the Word into two parts, having one section for the proclamation of the Word and another for the response to the Word. Because the Christian Church stands in the free church tradition (a worship tradition that does not use a text or prayer book), the form of worship (which follows the same pattern of the text tradition) is set forth in an outline rather than a complete text.

Elements considered essential to the Sunday service are indicated in bold type. While the basic pattern of this service is strongly recommended, the details are flexible. The first hymn, for example, could easily precede the greeting or follow the opening prayer. The headings to the five sections of the service deliberately emphasize the corporate character of worship. It is possible, however, to shorten them as follows: Coming Together to Serve God in Worship Proclaiming the Word of God Responding to the Word Coming Together around the Lord's Table Going Forth in Mission The Basic Pattern The Community Comes Together to Serve God in Worship Gathering of the Community Opening Music Greeting Hymn Music, especially communal singing, is vital to Christian worship. There is no particular point, however, at which the singing of hymns is fixed. The hymn usually included in the time of "coming together" is normally a hymn of praise. Other hymns (this order suggests three) should reflect the distinctive character of the moments in the service when they occur. Opening Prayer(s) The Community Proclaims the Word of God First Reading from the Bible The reading from the Bible is essential to Christian worship. While three scriptural readings are recommended in this commentary, the number is not an absolute requirement. The first reading is ordinarily from the Old Testament, and the third reading ordinarily comes from one of the four Gospels. The second reading comes from another part of the Apostolic Writings. Psalm or Other Response Second Reading from the Bible Anthem or Other Response Reading from the Gospel Sermon A children's sermon, if used, may come at this point in the service. The Community Responds to the Word of God Call to Discipleship Hymn Affirmation of Faith Prayers of the People The Community Comes Together around the Lord's Table Invitation to the Lord's Table Offering The offering is a part of the service in which the congregation brings gifts of money and the communion elements, and with these set the table. A musical response, prayer of dedication, and communion hymn may be included. Prayers at the Table The text includes several models for prayer at the Table. Each includes the major themes of this climactic act of worship: thankful praise, remembrance of Jesus, prayer for the Holy Spirit, and renewal of the covenant with God. The words of institution are always included as warrant, as part of the "prayers" preceding the "offering." Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread Lord's Prayer Peace The peace also may come at other points in the service—for example, following a prayer of confession before the readings from Scripture. Communion Prayer after Communion The Community Goes Forth to Serve God in Mission Hymn Closing Words The closing words often precede the final hymn. Closing Music