Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out - "Worship Practices"

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will periodically do an article called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out." He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

Worship practice in the local parish has become the "lightning rod" that, too often, divides a congregation into "them" and "us". Worship is a very personal relational experience with God and should never be treated lightly. People should not be forced to give up all they like about the worship service that fulfills their needs. Because one parish does it one way and another parish does it another way, does not make one right and the other wrong. God works in different ways, His wonders to accomplish.

Worship practices are often what are learned and experienced over the years. No one likes change; we would rather just be comfortable in the pew. Nor is change for 'change sake' good. Parish worship can be described in various terms: Traditional - vibrant liturgical heritage, organ and choral music, altar & pulpit, traditional hymns, vestments, creeds and confession. However, if it is done very rote or in lack luster manner, it can become very ritual and boring and not uplifting. Contemporary - little formal order of service, various instruments, praise worship and hymns usually no vestments, no altar, can be upbeat in nature or become very routine. Blended - mix match approach - a dash of contemporary thrown in with a measure of traditional. Entertainment - little audience participation, performers and musician entertain "Saturday Night Live" Healing - the main focus in on prayer or laying of hands in a "healing" service. High Commitment - in order to participate you must make a high commitment to do many things in the parish life. Speaking in Tongues - the preacher or persons claim to have the ability of being full of the Holy Spirit and to "to speak in tongues". Prosperity - all worship is based on "giving" - the more you give the church, the more God will give to you to make you prosperous. Spiritual - cultural and ethnic spiritual practice and music. Private Club - it is only for card-carrying club house members, and others are not welcome.

Many individuals from parishes who have changed from traditional worship to contemporary or blended worship, without providing at least one service that is traditional, the people soon feel something missing spiritually in their lives. Not all churches should be traditional, but there should be some churches where people still can worship in the manner they desire, such as for Lutherans "page 5 and page 15." The trend in mainline church worship today is swinging back to a more structured worship service, adding back the Creed, the Confession, the traditional hymns, the liturgical furnishings and vestments. Young people are seeking out churches that offer them worship that is similar to what they remember the church was like when they were growing up. People go to church to go to church, to be inspired and uplifted by the worship. Others feel trapped in a congregation because of family ties, friends, and a sense of loyalty - but they admit they no longer enjoying attend church. Some individuals just stop attending church in disgust. The church needs to take a hard look at its worship practices as to whether they have become so relevant to the times that they have lost the basic Word and Sacrament foundation of faith.

In the end, it is not the time of day or which day you hold services, it is not which hymn book (or no book) you use, it is not the use of liturgical practices and vestments or not, but rather it is providing the membership with strong bold scriptural preaching and inspiring church music that meets the needs of its people. We have found our niche at Historic Trinity and its working for us; I trust you can do so also.