W O R S H I P      1 0 1   –   A    QUICK    LOOK    AT    BIBLICAL    WORSHIP

What started as a pastoral seminar developed by Geoff Twigg of West Shore Evangelical Free Church and PWM board member Bill Briggs for the Eastern District of the Evangelical Free Church’s annual meeting two years ago has been developed into a program that we are using in a variety of contexts. The seminar explores the biblical roots of worship and moves from the individual experience into an understanding of the corporate gathering.  Material for the seminar has been gleaned from a variety of sources which we have studying as we try to learn as much about biblical worship as we can.  A full bibliography is available, at least as full as possible, as we owe much to the likes of Robert Webber, Sally Morgenthaler, John Piper  and so many others who have shaped our thinking.

Topics covered include the definition of worship, an exploration of the object of worship, a focus on our purpose, a study of the corporate event, research into biblical models of worship, investigation of the use of the arts in worship, and an emphasis of the right perspective of worship.

We have presented rough versions of the seminar to groups ranging in age from high school students through church boards and have seen the same response; a genuine gratitude for the material, a broader understanding of worship as a lifestyle and a changed perspective on the importance of worship in the life of both the individual and the church.

Pray for the continued development of this material and for its presentation and publication in the future. We are scheduled to present it to more groups in the near future.  If you are interested in hearing more about this material or having it presented as a workshop in your church, please contact us.

The interest in this seminar and in the Bible study “Why Do We Gather?” has been overwhelming and highlights the need for the continued development of materials on Biblical worship!  The “Why Do We Gather” curriculum has been used for a variety of studies: a men’s bible study, a training study for a short term missions team, and as a devotional for choir and worship teams. It is now in the process of being rewritten for publication, with the intent to publish within two years along with a companion book that has yet to be written. However, the study is available for use now in its “unrefined state”. We would love to give copies to anyone who would like to use it. We would ask, as we are rewriting, for any feedback that would help us to improve the final product. If interested in using the study please contact PWM and request a copy.