Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
The second half of chapter 3 turns to the practical planning of the worship service. It covers the worship committee, the selection of preachers and musicians, and the elements of the service itself — the call to worship, prayer, the sermon, ministry to children, Scripture reading, and public testimony. The chapter gives careful attention to prayer, listing its elements: address God, praise, repentance, dedication, general intercession, specific supplication, and conclusion in Jesus' name. It insists that the service be planned with children in mind — illustrations, a children's story, children's choirs, and children reading Scripture — because 'children are as much a part of worship as are adults.' Two sample formats (long and short) are provided, and the elder is directed to the Church Manual for additional samples.
Key points
- A worship committee works with the elder to plan the service.
- Prayer in the service has identifiable elements: address, praise, repentance, dedication, intercession, supplication, conclusion.
- Children are as much a part of worship as adults and deserve intentional inclusion.
- Public testimony is encouraged but kept short and current.
- Sample formats guide the elder; the Church Manual offers additional samples.
Key texts
- 1 Corinthians 14:26
- Psalm 100
- Matthew 18:20
- Acts 4:31
- Colossians 3:16
- Comprehension
1. What does the handbook say a worship committee does, and who works with it?
- Comprehension
2. List the elements of prayer the elder should consider when leading public prayer.
- Scripture
3. Read Colossians 3:16. How does this text inform the place of music and the word in worship?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. Why does the handbook give special attention to ministry to children?
- Comprehension
5. What counsel is given about public testimony in the service?
- Scripture
6. Read 1 Corinthians 14:26. What principle does Paul give that the handbook's planning reflects?
- Doctrinal Clarity
7. Why is the attitude of the heart and mind said to be more important than the mechanics of prayer?
- Contrast
8. Contrast a service planned in advance by a committee with one improvised on the Sabbath morning.
- Application
9. How do the two sample formats (long and short) help an elder new to leading worship?
- Application
10. Name one change you could make this quarter to include children more intentionally in worship.