Convergence Worship Model
The convergence model, which draws from a variety of traditions, exists in nearly every denomination. Liturgical churches that incorporate praise music can be regarded as convergence models. So too can praise-and-worship churches that incorporate liturgical resources. All traditions contribute in some way to convergence worship. Liturgical resources, as well as traditional Protestant resources, provide order and depth; creative resources heighten communication; the praise-and-worship resources, especially the music and the rites of healing, create a sense of the immediacy of the Spirit. This growing tradition has made a break with the cerebral, didactic style that has characterized worship since the Enlightenment. Instead, convergence strives to engage the whole person in worship: mind, body, and senses.
The Basic Pattern
Acts of Entrance are those elements of worship that bring us into the presence of the Lord. Entering into God's presence involves a slow but deliberate shift in focus from those events and people around us to the Lord himself.
Welcome
Invitation to Center Down. The people are encouraged to put away the cares and events of the morning and concentrate on spiritual things. This is accomplished through a brief exhortation to "center down"—an old Quaker phrase for focusing on the Lord. This is followed by a time of silent meditation.
Welcome and Announcements. A simple greeting and welcome is followed by a brief time of pertinent announcements. By placing the announcements at the beginning, we can take care of all housekeeping without interrupting the flow of the service.
Invocation for Gifts and Ministries. Our convergence style worship incorporates body ministry. We invite the Holy Spirit to come and release his giftings through the body assembled and use them to edify the church as we worship.
Processional. The processional usually involves the singing of a hymn or chorus, during which time a cross and several banners are carried in on long poles, followed by liturgical dancers. The ministers sometimes enter with this processional. This element is seen not only as an entering in but as an ascension up into the worship of heaven.
Opening Sentences/Opening Prayer. Usually taken from The Book of Common Prayer, opening sentences invite the people to worship. A verse such as: "The Lord is in his holy temple" or an antiphonal response: "Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." ["And blessed be His Kingdom, now and for ever, Amen"] are used.
Ministry of Praise and Worship
Music and Acts of Praise and Worship/Operation of Gifts. We "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" during thirty minutes of worship through hymns and contemporary choruses. Directed by a worship leader (with worship team of musicians and singers), keyboards, guitars, drums, and solo instruments are used. Additionally, we involve pageantry with banners, expressive movement, liturgical dance, singing, mime, and drama. Opportunity is given during this time for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through prophecy, spontaneous praise acclamations, Scripture readings, words of knowledge and wisdom, gifts of healing, and other acts. Anything to be offered to the body publicly must first be approved by one of the elders present. Joy, healings on various levels, repentance, and renewal can all take place during our entrance into God's presence.
Worship through Readings and Responses
Ministry of the Word. The acts of entrance bring us to a place of hearing and responding to God's Word. All readings follow the lectionary in The Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
Collect for the Day. This section begins with a collect—a special prayer with three distinct parts: an address to God, a specific petition that usually focuses on a theme, and a meditation. Our collects are usually taken from The Book of Common Prayer and set the theme and tone for the readings that follow.
First Reading. This reading usually comes from the Old Testament and is offered by a member of the congregation who comes forward to share the Word. He or she begins by saying, "A reading from _______________." The reading is followed by the words and response, "The Word of the Lord [Thanks be to God]." After the reading opportunity is given for further exhortation or prophetic expression.
Psalm. Optionally, a psalm or canticle from The Book of Common Prayer is said or sung between the readings.
Second Reading. The second reading, from the New Testament Acts or Epistles, is handled the same as the first reading.
Gradual. The gradual—a hymn or chorus—is the processional to the reading of the Gospel. The people stand to honor the Lord of the Gospel.
Gospel Reading. Where the first two readings were instructional, the Gospel is the expression of Christ, the Word. It is read by one of the presiding ministers. He begins by saying, "The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _______________" and ends with the response, "Glory to you, Lord Christ." After the reading he says, "The Gospel of the Lord" followed by the response, "Praise to You, Lord Christ."
Ministry of the Word
Message. The hearing of God's Word leads us to a time of expounding the Word through teaching, preaching, or other forms of proclamation such as drama, dramatic vignettes, and audio-visual media. The message, either taken from the lectionary readings or a completely different passage, is Word-centered and usually expositional in approach. We see the message as the culmination of our pilgrimage. Having come into the presence of God, he speaks to us from his timeless Word. The remainder of the service is a response to what we have heard.
Responses and Ministry. The message is followed by a time of application. The congregation personally and corporately is invited to respond to the truth presented. Many times an invitation is given for people to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Creed. We then share together in a corporate declaration of faith through the saying or singing of a creed, usually either the Apostles' or Nicene Creed. From time to time other creeds taken from Scripture are used to focus on a specific theme or event.
Prayers of the People
Intercession. Intercession follows the creed and is led by a member of the congregation. Prayers are offered in a number of ways: spontaneous, written, and "directed prayer," in which a topic is presented to the congregation, who then pray privately. As each topic is prayed for, the leader says, "Lord, in your mercy," to which the congregation responds, "Hear our prayer."
Confession of Sin. An exhortation is then given to examine our lives and repent of any and all sin. Quiet personal confession is followed by a public corporate confession.
Ministry of Hospitality. The end of the ministry of the Word comes with the "passing of peace," where we, as cleansed and forgiven people, greet one another with love, joy, and the peace of Christ. As people take their seats, a special welcome for visitors is offered along with any additional announcements.
Offertory. People are invited to continue their worship through the giving of tithes and offerings. Special music is usually sung by a soloist or group. Sometimes dance, sign, or mime is also used. As the gifts are being offered, the bread and wine are brought forward and prepared for the time of the Holy Communion. In its convergence worship, our local congregation has begun using various vestments as signs and symbols. During the offertory the ministers exit the sanctuary and return in albs and stoles for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Holy Communion
Great Thanksgiving. While earlier parts of our worship have been taken from The Book of Common Prayer, we are using a different book of liturgies for eucharistic prayers and consecration of the elements as an act of respect for the custodians of the BCP (since we are not in the Anglican Communion). Some parts, such as the Sanctus, are usually sung.
Administration of the Elements. The people come forward, as worship choruses are sung, to receive the bread and common cup (which is preferred to signify our oneness in Christ). While they are free to drink from the cup, most prefer instinction—the dipping of bread into the cup—as the servers administer the elements.
Ministry of Healing. During Holy Communion prayer teams are assembled on the platform to minister physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to those who so present themselves after receiving the elements. The Lord's presence has powerfully met many during these times, bringing renewal, healing, restoration of relationships, and encouragement.
Dismissal
Final Words of Exhortation. After the post-Communion prayer, the presiding minister shares words of comfort or encouragement, and any last-minute announcements.
Blessing/Benediction. A blessing and/or scriptural benediction is then given by the chief celebrant.
Hymn or Song of Sending. The service is ended with a commissioning hymn or "song of sending." Usually up-tempo, the song focuses on the ministry we have in the Word, etc. People are joyfully released as they sing. We have signs over the door leading out of the sanctuary that say, You Are Now Entering the Mission Field.