2.1 Christian Worship

Question 1

Why is worship important?

Answer 1

• It’s an expression of faith
• Shows respect, devotion and thanks to God
• Allows them to seek and receive forgiveness
• Allows them to connect with God in order to grow spiritually
• Unites the Christian community

Question 2

What is liturgical worship?

Answer 2

Worship that always follows a set ritual and tends to be very traditional. The Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant churches are liturgical churches.

Question 3

What is a liturgy?

Answer 3

Each formal arrangement of prayer. Different liturgies can be used at different times of the year to commemorate different seasonal celebrations.

Question 4

What are some features of liturgical worship?

Answer 4

• A procession where the clergy enters or leaves the church
• Formally dressed, vested clergy
• Liturgical colours displayed within the church
• Singing hymns
• Confessions
• Reciting the Creeds or extracts from the Bible
• Offertory
• Performing sacraments

Question 5

What is non-liturgical worship?

Answer 5

Worship that is fuelled by the Holy Spirit, it can lead to glossolalia, healings and prophecies. The order of service that is followed will have been developed from the customs of that particular church.

Question 6

What are some features of non-liturgical worship?

Answer 6

• Greater emphasis on the Bible as the inspired word of God
• Longer sermons
• Clergy do not wear special dress
• The church does not practise infant baptism