Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Chapter 3 opens by reminding the elder that, in the pastor's absence, he is responsible for leading the Sabbath worship service — and that this requires an understanding of what worship actually is. The handbook insists that worship is 'first and foremost, a lifestyle,' beginning on the personal level before it ever appears on the congregational level (Rom. 12:1). Because worship is an encounter with God, it must be approached thoughtfully and prayerfully, and the arresting claim is made that 'God, not the congregation, is the audience of a worship service.' Worship is renewal, fellowship, and Christian development; it is participatory, drawing the whole congregation — men, women, youth, and children — into the act. The chapter warns against both rigidity (keeping the same format year after year until the church loses influence) and thoughtless change (adoptating novelty without preserving the distinctive purposes of worship).
Key points
- In the pastor's absence the elder leads the Sabbath worship service.
- Worship is first a lifestyle, then an activity (Rom. 12:1).
- God, not the congregation, is the audience of a worship service.
- Worship is renewal, fellowship, and Christian development.
- Worship is participatory — the whole body, including children, takes part.
Key texts
- Romans 12:1
- John 4:23-24
- Psalm 95:6-7
- Hebrews 10:24-25
- Acts 2:42-47
- Comprehension
1. What responsibility falls on the elder in the pastor's absence, according to the opening of chapter 3?
- Comprehension
2. The handbook says worship is 'first and foremost' what?
- Doctrinal Clarity
3. Who is the 'audience' of a worship service, and why does that matter?
- Scripture
4. Read Romans 12:1. What does Paul call our 'spiritual act of worship'?
- Comprehension
5. Name the three aspects the handbook says worship is (renewal, fellowship, Christian development) and explain one.
- Comprehension
6. Why does the handbook warn against keeping the same order of service year after year?
- Doctrinal Clarity
7. What does it mean that worship is 'participatory'?
- Scripture
8. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. How does this text support the handbook's claim that worship is fellowship?
- Contrast
9. Contrast a service designed to please the congregation with one designed as an encounter with God.
- Application
10. How would you explain to a new member that Sabbath worship is meant to be the overflow of a week of personal worship?