One of the great thinkers on the topic of worship to live in recent times was Robert Webber. Webber was a prolific writer on the topic of worship. He invested heavily in teaching and drawing people to understand biblical worship.
Webber was a huge believer in congregational participation being a mark of true worship. He found it odd to characterize something as worship where the people were not participating in meeting God. He believed it was more than just asking a few people to act as representatives of everyone else.
In one of his books, Worship Is a Verb (my Amazon link), he spends time talking about participation and what it might look like. Beyond the typical things like singing, taking communion, giving, and praying for one another, Webber suggests that some of the phrases that have been used for centuries in the church can be a valuable means of participation. Webber also was a proponent of ancient-future worship – combining both ancient and modern elements to create meaningful times of worship.
These phrases are ones that are rooted in Scripture, even if we may not realize it. They are ones most of us may be familiar with to some degree, but not their full meaning. I know that as I read about them, these phrases gained greater meaning for me. Let’s take a look at a few that are commonly used and their meaning.
Amen
The use of this word by a congregation allows them to effectively say “so be it.” It is an expression of agreement with what has just happened or been said. It’s not just a filler preachers use when they need to catch their breath. It can also be used to help people know one segment (like prayer) is ending and the service is moving forward. Check out 1 Cor. 14:16.
Thanks be to God
This phrase has been typically used as a response to testimonies, to affirmations of faith, or to other declarations of God’s grace. It is most commonly used in response to the reading of Scripture.
“This is the Word of the Lord.”
“Thanks be to God.”
It helps the congregation to express together thanksgiving and gratitude for the truth and actions of God.
The Classic Salutation
You may be familiar with this salutation rooted in Ruth 2:4 –
“The Lord be with you.”
“And also with you.”
Typically, the individual leading the service will stretch his arms out to the congregation. If the congregation chooses not to respond, then worship does not proceed. The interchange helps to draw people in, remind the congregation that they are worshiping together as one, and turns the focus fully to the Lord.
These phrases are more than the routine exchanges that happen in some churches. Within these words is a rich history and rich meaning. The use of the phrases can help to further reinforce the participatory nature of worship and break down some of the spectatorness that exists. It can be a reminder of the larger Church that a local congregation is part of.
If you’ve haven’t used these during a service of worship, I would encourage you to try it. Of course, you probably shouldn’t just toss them out there and be surprised when the congregation doesn’t know what they are supposed to do. Take time to teach what they mean and why you’re doing them. And not just once, but repeatedly as you continually have new people as part of your worship services. You’ll need to lead your congregation through these different expression as you worship together.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate some “classic” elements in your worship service. It can be a powerful way to connect the generations, to deepen understanding, and to build on what has been done in the past while you help people connect with God appropriately today.
And be sure to check out some of Robert Webber’s writings. I would highly recommend Worship Is a Verb, Ancient-Future Worship, and Ancient-Future Time.
Have you incorporated these types of elements in your worship planning? How did it go?
