When confession is followed by a proclamation of forgiveness in Christ (e.g. Psalm 32:1-2), our sincere thanks will naturally spill over in joyful songs of thanksgiving and praise. What could be better than to live out this rhythm of confession, assurance, and praise, week after week?

Both style and substance are important, but substance is more foundational. For example, a police officer should wear his uniform with dignity, but even if his shirt is not tucked in, he still has authority. That is substance without appropriate style. On the other hand, a couple can be married in the most beautiful ceremony, in stunning clothing, with everything just right, but making empty, sentimental vows. This is good style devoid of substance, which seems to be worse. In gathered worship, both substance and style are important.

Worship services are sometimes described as being either ‘contemporary’ or ‘traditional’. Contemporary worship might mean things like neat but casual attire, informal language, unstructured engagement between ministers and the congregation, and modern instruments and music. Traditional worship could refer to things like jackets and ties, formal call and response elements in a liturgy, and classic church hymns, perhaps with an organ.

The ideal, of course, is for style and substance to match. Surely ‘Zadok the Priest’ is fitting for a coronation, but as tastes and fashions change, so does what seems appropriate. Before considering what is and isn’t appropriate stylistically in church, let’s consider the substance of worship. In addition to singing, prayer, Scripture readings and preaching, the Bible sets out elements of worship in a call to worship, confession of sins, assurance of forgiveness, blessing, and doxology.

Call to Worship

The Psalms are full of statements which urge God’s people to praise him or give thanks. The word ‘hallelujah’ means ‘praise God.’ It is found throughout the Psalms, and especially at the end of each of the Psalter’s five books. Of course, there are other ways to start a service, but beginning with a specific instruction from God’s word to worship him seems appropriate in terms of the broader dialogue between God and his people each Lord’s Day.

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever’ (Ps. 118:1).

Confession and Assurance

Inspired by passages like Psalm 32 and 51, and Daniel 9, the church has developed a rich heritage of prayers of confession.  

‘I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws”’ (Daniel 9:4-5).

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