I’m uncomfortable with changes made to the order of worship
Question:
Hello!
I attend a church where some changes have occurred recently. Although several in the congregation are unhappy about it, I still am not sure whether these are scriptural matters or personal preferences.
Our order of worship since I have been there is two songs, prayer, scripture reading, song, Lord's Supper, song, sermon, invitation (song), closing song, and prayer
There are a few song leaders who have started all of a sudden getting up and start leading before announcements are made. People are still walking around and talking when they start. Then, depending on what they want to do, they may then allow announcements or prayer, then another song… nobody ever knows because it can get so “out of order”.
I personally don’t like this because it seems like walking into a mega church where music is playing all the time, even though we don’t use instruments, and then it’s a guess as to what’s happening next. Would this align with the “neat and orderly” scripture, or are many of us overthinking it?
Thanks for any help.
Answer:
There is no order to worship specified by God. If someone wants to change the order, there is nothing wrong, as long as everyone involved knows what to expect.
Some of the things happening haven't been thought through. The reason announcements are placed at the start or end of worship is that they are not a part of the prescribed worship. Here in La Vista, the congregation chose to have the announcements at the beginning because those offering prayers know some of the things they should be praying for. We also use the announcement time to announce the order of worship and who is participating. I've visited many congregations where their announcements are at the end. It is what works for them. However, putting announcements in the middle of worship gives the false impression that they are a part of the acts of worship.
Singing is a way for the congregation to act in unity. "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16). Starting before everyone is seated means that some are being left out. People haven't been given a chance to focus their attention on God. One of Paul's points in I Corinthians 14 is that one person should not be talking over another person during worship. However, the practice of starting while people are still chatting means there is momentary chaos going on. If the problem is that some are talking and not paying attention to the fact that worship is scheduled to begin, then flash the lights or put up a slide with a countdown timer on it.
Speaking of which, services should begin at a set time so people know when to arrive and be prepared. Again, remember that worship is something the congregation does jointly, and it demonstrates their unity.
It sounds like some gentle reminders need to be given.
Response:
Thanks for the quick response!
I believe the problem is that no one knows what to expect, and 95% of the time, it’s not that people are late, it’s that the song leader starts early without an announcement of song number or anything, gets up there, and starts singing.
