Seeker Service

Definition and Meaning

A seeker service is a worship service designed with newcomers and people outside the church in mind, that is, those who are searching for faith (seekers). The Korean term is understood to be a rendering of the English expressions "seeker service" and "seeker-sensitive worship." Typical features include a simplified version of the traditional order of worship, less church jargon, gospel songs led by a worship team, drama and video, and sermons on everyday topics.

Biblical and Historical Background

Supporters of the seeker service point to 1 Corinthians 9:22, where Paul says, "I am made all things to all men," and to 1 Corinthians 14:23-25, which speaks of unbelievers coming into a worship gathering. They regard the seeker service as applying to the form of worship the principle of evangelism that the gospel should be proclaimed with attention to the language and culture of its hearers.

The modern form became established in the United States from the 1970s onward. Willow Creek Community Church, founded by Bill Hybels, is often cited as the leading example, and some observers see the movement as rooted in the tradition of evangelistic meetings in American revivalism.

Practice in the Korean Church

In Korea, seeker services are reported to have spread from around the 1990s, chiefly in some megachurches and young adult ministries. Depending on the church, Sunday afternoon or evening services, young adult and youth services, and evangelistic meetings are often held in a seeker-service format, while the morning service frequently keeps a traditional form. The Apostles' Creed or responsive readings may be omitted, and gospel songs may largely take the place of hymns.

The degree of acceptance varies by denomination and theological tradition.

• Methodist, Holiness, and Full Gospel churches tend to approach the form of worship with relative flexibility and are considered to have embraced seeker services widely.
• Within Presbyterianism, practice varies greatly from church to church. Those who emphasize the Reformed tradition sometimes criticize seeker services for obscuring the essence of worship, appealing to the principle that worship should consist of the elements commanded in Scripture.
• Denominations that place weight on liturgy (a set order of worship) and Holy Communion, such as the Anglican Church of Korea and the Lutheran Church in Korea, generally maintain the form of their regular services.

Supporters hold that seeker services make the church more approachable and are effective for evangelism. Critics contend that worship may drift toward performance or entertainment and that themes such as sin and repentance, as well as the sacraments, may be weakened.