1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
This Bible Study explores the questions: What really is worship? And what is the unique perspective that the Reformed faith can bring to our thinking about worship?
We should review our basic theology of worship and remind ourselves that we have been involved in a dialogue/conversation with God. We have heard him speak to us; we have spoken to him. Now the conversation will come to a close as we enter life to live out our obedience to him. This, obviously, doesn't mean our contact with God ends, but only that our formal corporate conversation with him comes to a close. We transition into life with him still at our side.
One significant element of worship renewal in our generation is that congregations are finding their voices. Previously, most worshipers were silent in worship, except when they participated in congregational singing. Increasingly, worshipers use their voices in worship for spoken expressions in addition to songs.
Worship is a conversation between God and his children, and the Scriptures are the surest and clearest means through which God speaks. The Scriptures are his voice, and when the Scriptures are read, God is speaking to his people. It is wise, therefore, to pay close attention to the role that the reading of Scripture has in our worship services.
This Bible study lesson looks at evaluating worship and the criteria we should use to do this.
Perhaps the most common way of trying to include children in worship is by providing a "children's message" during the service.
Though there are many voices and influences that would lead us in the direction of separating the various age groups in worship, we consider the worshiping congregation to be an intergenerational group of worshipers.
The sacrament of baptism in the worship life of the church is a richly symbolic action through which God intends to assure us, comfort us, nourish us, and challenge us. The celebration of baptism can stir our imaginations to better understand his work and the richness of the gospel.
