Order of Worship

Definition and Meaning

The order of worship is the arrangement that sets the sequence in which the elements of public worship are conducted. The term "liturgy" is also used when referring to the entire prescribed form of a service. In Korean churches, the week's order of service, together with the names of those assigned to each part, is commonly printed in the church bulletin and distributed to the congregation.

Biblical and Historical Background

The New Testament contains no fixed order of service. Acts 2:42, however, lists the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers as elements of the gatherings of the early church, and 1 Corinthians 14:40 exhorts, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Justin Martyr, writing in the second century, is reported to have recorded that the Sunday assembly proceeded in turn through the reading of Scripture, an exhortation by the presider, prayer, and the Eucharist. The Western church later developed the form of the Mass, built on the twin pillars of Word and Sacrament. At the Reformation, the Lutherans and Anglicans retained this framework in revised form, while the Reformed tradition placed the sermon at the center and simplified the order. The order of worship in Korean Protestantism derives mainly from the worship of American Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries of the late nineteenth century.

Practice in Korean Churches

In many churches, the main Sunday service generally follows this pattern:

• Opening: silent prayer or a call to worship, a hymn, a responsive reading, and a confession of faith using the Apostles' Creed
• Word: the representative prayer (offered on behalf of the congregation), Scripture reading, an anthem by the choir, and the sermon
• Response and Closing: the offering, announcements, and the benediction

The benediction is usually pronounced by a pastor; services not led by a pastor often close with the Lord's Prayer.

Denominations differ in the following ways:

• Presbyterian and Methodist: Various Presbyterian denominations and the Korean Methodist Church publish books of worship (service books) at the denominational level, setting forth a standard order. Individual congregations adapt it to their circumstances. In recent years, a growing number of churches have begun the service with a call to worship or an introit instead of silent prayer.
• Anglican: The Anglican Church of Korea follows a liturgy based on its prayer book. It regards the combined celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion as the norm for Sunday worship.
• Pentecostal: Pentecostal churches, such as the Full Gospel churches, often devote an extended period to congregational praise at the beginning of the service and frequently include corporate audible prayer.
• Baptist and Others: Churches that emphasize congregational autonomy each determine their own order of worship, so the range of forms is wide.

Regardless of denomination, open worship services and young adult services designed for younger generations often begin with praise led by a worship team. Some also include a time of prayer and commitment after the sermon.