Jump to navigation

Home

Christian Library

Main menu

  • Browse
  • Log in
  • OTP

Search

Subscribe to RSS - Reformed Worship

Reformed Worship

On Durable Music, the Ten Commandments and Palm-Passion Sunday

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

This article offers answers to questions on durable music, the Ten Commandments, and Palm-Passion Sunday.

  • Read more about On Durable Music, the Ten Commandments and Palm-Passion Sunday
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Using the Belgic Confession in Worship: Q&As Make This Classic Confession Accessible

  • Popular
  • Howard D. Vanderwell

This article considers how the Belgic Confession can be made more accessible in a question and answer format for use in a worship service.

  • Read more about Using the Belgic Confession in Worship: Q&As Make This Classic Confession Accessible
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Belgic Confession in Q&A Format

  • Popular
  • Howard D. Vanderwell

This article presents the whole Belgic Confession in a question-and-answer format.

  • Read more about The Belgic Confession in Q&A Format
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Lamb of God: Creating a service based on lamb passages in scripture

  • Popular
  • Robert A. Charnin

This article offers resources to plan and prepare a worship service focusing on the theme of the Lamb of God.

  • Read more about Lamb of God: Creating a service based on lamb passages in scripture
  • Share
  • Add new comment

It Came upon the Midnight Clear; Angels We Have Heard on High; In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful; Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; Psalm 97

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns and Psalm 97 for singing in a corporate worship service: "It Came upon the Midnight Clear"; "Angels We Have Heard on High"; "In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful"; "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light." 

  • Read more about It Came upon the Midnight Clear; Angels We Have Heard on High; In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful; Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; Psalm 97
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Why are they singing? A short meditation

  • Popular
  • Stanley Mast

This article is a short meditation on Psalm 137.

  • Read more about Why are they singing? A short meditation
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Caught Up in the Cloud: Rescuing the Ascension Story from Familiarity

  • Popular
  • Arlo D. Duba

This article reflects on the significance of the cloud in Jesus' ascension into heaven, as the "Shekinah Glory" and the presence of God. It further supplies resources to help plan and prepare an Ascension Day service.

  • Read more about Caught Up in the Cloud: Rescuing the Ascension Story from Familiarity
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Uncommon Book of Common Prayer: Still a Best-Seller after 450 Years

  • Popular
  • Paul E. Detterman

The Book of Common Prayer is the oldest prayer book in continuous use in the English-speaking church. This article introduces this document.

  • Read more about The Uncommon Book of Common Prayer: Still a Best-Seller after 450 Years
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How to...Copyright Right

  • Popular
  • Deanne R. Commeret

This article gives some help in how to publicly acknowledge copyright on songs used in worship.

  • Read more about How to...Copyright Right
  • Share
  • Add new comment

On liturgical cliches, congregational participation, and collects

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

This article addresses a number of matters related to public worship, including the use of liturgical cliches by ministers in prayers, and collects.

  • Read more about On liturgical cliches, congregational participation, and collects
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Shedding Light on the Prayer for Illumination

  • Popular
  • Alvin L. Hoksbergen

This article considers the function and meaning of the prayer for illumination during a worship service.

  • Read more about Shedding Light on the Prayer for Illumination
  • Share
  • Add new comment

"Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"; "O Sing to the Lord"; "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song"; "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading"

  • Popular
  • Annetta Vander Lugt

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in public worship: "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise," "O Sing to the Lord," "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song," and "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading."

  • Read more about "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"; "O Sing to the Lord"; "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song"; "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How to...Speak Words of Transition: Ways to Move Smoothly through Worship

  • Popular
  • Amy Van Gunst

Great care needs to be taken that the congregation be led in a way that helps them do what they have come to do in worship, that is, encounter the living God. This article reflects on practical aspects in this regard.

  • Read more about How to...Speak Words of Transition: Ways to Move Smoothly through Worship
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Book: The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church

  • Popular
  • Tom Schwanda

This article introduces and reviews the book, "The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church," by Hughes Oliphant Old.

  • Read more about Book: The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church
  • Share
  • Add new comment

How to...Introduce Worship Songs: Some Helpful Pointers for Pastors and Other Worship Leaders

  • Popular
  • Frank Winkels

This article indicates the importance of how songs are introduced in the worship service. It reflects on how to introduce worship songs and offers some helpful pointers for pastors and other worship leaders.

  • Read more about How to...Introduce Worship Songs: Some Helpful Pointers for Pastors and Other Worship Leaders
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

  • Popular
  • Bert Polman

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in public worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

  • Read more about Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Different Flavors for Different Seasons: Six Service Plans for Celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the Church Year (Page 2 of 2)

  • Popular
  • Anonymous

This is the second part of an article that offers service plans for celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the church year.

  • Read more about Different Flavors for Different Seasons: Six Service Plans for Celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the Church Year (Page 2 of 2)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Gather Us In; Taste and See; Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in public worship that includes the Lord's Supper: "Gather Us In," "Taste and See," "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord," "Go, My Children, with My Blessing," and "Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises."

  • Read more about Gather Us In; Taste and See; Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Lift Up Your Hearts...and Voices: Involving the Congregation in the Communion Liturgy through Song

  • Popular
  • Douglas De Vries

This article offers resources for the preparation of the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

  • Read more about Lift Up Your Hearts...and Voices: Involving the Congregation in the Communion Liturgy through Song
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Recognizing the Body: Discovering That the Church Is Bigger Than My Own Tradition

  • Popular
  • Anonymous

The liturgical form for the celebration of the Lord's Supper includes the call to "discern the body" (1 Corinthians 11). This article reflects on the significance of this biblical call for the way a church celebrates the Lord's Supper.

  • Read more about Recognizing the Body: Discovering That the Church Is Bigger Than My Own Tradition
  • Share
  • Add new comment

A Journey with Worshiping Communities around the World: Prayers and Songs for World Communion Sunday

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

On the first Sunday of October, increasing numbers of churches participate in World Communion Sunday. This is a time when Christians from all over the world celebrate what it means to belong to the holy catholic church. This article indicates that one way to remember the larger body of Christ is to offer prayers and songs that come to us from brothers and sisters around the world. Several examples are given.

  • Read more about A Journey with Worshiping Communities around the World: Prayers and Songs for World Communion Sunday
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Different Flavors for Different Seasons: Six Service Plans for Celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the Church Year (Page 1 of 2)

  • Popular
  • Carol V. Petter, Jack Roeda

This article offers support for worship planning by providing six service plans for celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the church year.

  • Read more about Different Flavors for Different Seasons: Six Service Plans for Celebrating the Lord's Supper throughout the Church Year (Page 1 of 2)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Grateful Words: The Eucharistic Prayer Is the Table Grace of the People of God

  • Popular
  • Stanley R. Hall

This article reflects on how the prayer at the communion table when celebrating the Lord's Supper cradles the church's central, basic affirmations concerning the knowledge of God, the person and work of Christ, and the life and ministry of the church in the power of the Spirit.

  • Read more about Grateful Words: The Eucharistic Prayer Is the Table Grace of the People of God
  • Share
  • Add new comment

On Patriotic Hymns and Worship Words

  • Popular
  • Harry Boonstra

Should patriotic songs be part of a church's hymnal? This article reflects on this and other questions related to public worship.

  • Read more about On Patriotic Hymns and Worship Words
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Guess Who's Coming to Worship? Moving toward the Great Day of Surprise and Delight

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

When we worship with believers who come increasingly from every tribe and language and people and nation, we should expect that worship to reflect the gifts that come from those diverse cultures, places, and people. This article reflects on the reality of our worship as coming from all nations and peoples, how it will be united in heaven, and how we even today have a foretaste of that unity.

  • Read more about Guess Who's Coming to Worship? Moving toward the Great Day of Surprise and Delight
  • Share
  • Add new comment

With Strings Attached: Leading Congregational Singing with the Guitar

  • Popular
  • Mimi Farra

Many congregations use the guitar to lead part of the congregational singing. This article reflects on the appropriate musical arrangements and harmonization with other instruments used.

  • Read more about With Strings Attached: Leading Congregational Singing with the Guitar
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light," "Gloria, Gloria," "Glory, Glory, Glory!" and "Glory to God."

  • Read more about Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Not Just Any Song Will Do: Three Basics for Choosing Church Music

  • Popular
  • Ronald W. Scates, Leo M. Wanenchak

Much church music (new and old, "contemporary" or "traditional") is of suspect quality and appropriateness for authentic worship in the Reformed tradition. How should we determine what music is appropriate to sing in worship services? This article reflects on relevant considerations and principles.

  • Read more about Not Just Any Song Will Do: Three Basics for Choosing Church Music
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Teens and Church Music: What Do They Really Think?

  • Popular
  • Barbara J. Resch

This article reflects on the surprising choices of teenagers with regard to the style of church music.

  • Read more about Teens and Church Music: What Do They Really Think?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Psalm 13; Psalm 25; Psalm 33

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of psalms to sing in corporate worship: Psalm 13, Psalm 25, and Psalm 33.

  • Read more about Psalm 13; Psalm 25; Psalm 33
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Name(s) above All Names: Enriching Our Ways of Addressing God

  • Popular
  • Richard Vander Vaart

How can our prayers reflect the awe, wonder, privilege, honour, and delight we have in meeting our Lord in prayer? This article provides a number of the different names of God found in Scripture, with a view to us enriching our ways of addressing God in prayer.

  • Read more about Name(s) above All Names: Enriching Our Ways of Addressing God
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Descent of Ascension Day: Meeting the Crowning Event of the Church Year with More Than a Yawn

  • Popular
  • Robert De Moor

Ascension is the crowning event of Jesus' ministry. This article wants to encourage churches to take the celebration of Ascension Day more seriously as part of the liturgical calendar.

  • Read more about The Descent of Ascension Day: Meeting the Crowning Event of the Church Year with More Than a Yawn
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Three Days: Celebrating the Summit of Holy Week with Four Services and Two Sacraments

  • Popular
  • Leonard J. Vander Zee

This article offers resources to celebrate the summit of Holy Week in the form of four worship services.

  • Read more about The Three Days: Celebrating the Summit of Holy Week with Four Services and Two Sacraments
  • Share
  • Add new comment

When God Stops Listening: Doxology and Deed Have to Be in the Same Key

  • Popular
  • Louis Arthur Vos

This article echoes the message of the prophet Amos that the praises in song of the church can never be a substitute for deeds of justice.

  • Read more about When God Stops Listening: Doxology and Deed Have to Be in the Same Key
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Come, Let Us Bow Down: Reflections on Kneeling

  • Popular
  • Abraham Kuyper

Why do Christians in most Reformed and Presbyterian churches not kneel during prayer? In this article Abraham Kuyper explains that kneeling was still customary as late as 1618, at the Synod of Dort.

  • Read more about Come, Let Us Bow Down: Reflections on Kneeling
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Giving a Hymn a Lift: When Should the Organist Change Keys?

  • Popular
  • Jan Overduin

This article gives organists advice on changing keys when leading congregational singing.

  • Read more about Giving a Hymn a Lift: When Should the Organist Change Keys?
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Genuine Sorrow...Wholehearted Joy: The Why, When, and How of Confession

  • Popular
  • John Paarlberg

Conviction of sin is hardly possible in today's Western culture. We believe not in sin and forgiveness but in illness and recovery. Increasingly, the people who gather in churches for worship come expecting to have their self-esteem enhanced.

  • Read more about Genuine Sorrow...Wholehearted Joy: The Why, When, and How of Confession
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Book: "Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship"

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

This article reviews the book Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship, by David Peterson.

  • Read more about Book: "Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

"The Psalter: Psalms and Canticles for Singing"

  • Popular
  • Fred Graham

This article is an introduction to the book "The Psalter: Psalms and Canticles for Singing."

  • Read more about "The Psalter: Psalms and Canticles for Singing"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns and a Psalm: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," Psalm 1

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm that can be used in corporate worship: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," and Psalm 1.

  • Read more about Hymns and a Psalm: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," Psalm 1
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Who's the Host? We May Be Getting Carried Away with Kierkegaard's Analogy

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article reflects on the nature of worship.

  • Read more about Who's the Host? We May Be Getting Carried Away with Kierkegaard's Analogy
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Good News for All People: Resource Ideas for the Sundays after Epiphany

  • Popular
  • Alvin L. Hoksbergen

This article offers some resource ideas for worship planning for the Sundays after Epiphany.

  • Read more about Good News for All People: Resource Ideas for the Sundays after Epiphany
  • Share
  • Add new comment

To Us a Child Is Born: A Service of Scripture, Song, and Symbol

  • Popular
  • John Paarlberg

This article offers a liturgy to be used in a service where the birth of Christ is celebrated in Scripture, song, and symbol.

  • Read more about To Us a Child Is Born: A Service of Scripture, Song, and Symbol
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Promise and Pain – Service for World Hunger

  • Popular
  • Roy Berkenbosch

This article offers a sample liturgy where world hunger and poverty form the theme.

  • Read more about Promise and Pain – Service for World Hunger
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"

  • Popular
  • Merle R. Mustert

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"

  • Read more about Hymns: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Weekly Communion: One Church's Experiment

  • Popular
  • Bruce G. McNair, Sheldon W. Sorge

How often should communion be celebrated in communal worship? This article reflects on one church's experiment with weekly communion.

  • Read more about Weekly Communion: One Church's Experiment
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Old Becomes New: Experiencing Repetition without Getting Bored

  • Popular
  • Jerome W. Berryman

Ritual is one of the most important practices in worship. This article reflects on the importance and function of rituals and repetition in worship.

  • Read more about The Old Becomes New: Experiencing Repetition without Getting Bored
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Christmas Is Hope: Glory to God

  • Popular
  • Roger E. Van Harn

This article offers a sample liturgy for the celebration of Christmas as well as for the Sunday after Christmas.

  • Read more about Christmas Is Hope: Glory to God
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Running on Empty? The Care and Feeding of Worship Leaders

  • Popular
  • Judith Baker

How important is it to minister to the minister, care for the elder, and lead the music leader? This article considers ways to care for those called upon to lead the church in worship, in order to refresh them in their calling.

  • Read more about Running on Empty? The Care and Feeding of Worship Leaders
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns and a Psalm: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65

  • Popular
  • Jan Overduin

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in the public worship of the church: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65.

  • Read more about Hymns and a Psalm: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Debunking the Stereotypes: Understanding the Adolescents in Our Churches

  • Popular
  • Gloria G. Stronks

This article wants to encourage a more accurate understanding of the psychological development of adolescents, in order to help churches better serve and lead them.

  • Read more about Debunking the Stereotypes: Understanding the Adolescents in Our Churches
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Faithful or Faddish? Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Praise Choruses

  • Popular
  • Mark Lemmenes

Do praise choruses contribute to the expression of our worship of God? This article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of such choruses.

  • Read more about Faithful or Faddish? Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Praise Choruses
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Bulletin Bored: Tips for Preparing a Useful Church Bulletin

  • Popular
  • Douglas Kamstra

A bulletin says a great deal about a church. What should be the purpose of a church bulletin? It is argued in this article that bulletins deserve more care and consideration than most churches have been giving them.

  • Read more about Bulletin Bored: Tips for Preparing a Useful Church Bulletin
  • Share
  • Add new comment

You're Halfway Home: Response from a Neighbouring Pastor

  • Popular
  • David H. Beelen

Real worship is costly. It will cost personal and corporate worship preparation. It will cost churches tendencies toward a people-pleasing style of leadership. This article (a letter) reflects such a struggle and search for real worship.

  • Read more about You're Halfway Home: Response from a Neighbouring Pastor
  • Share
  • Add new comment

We're Struggling with Worship: Questions from a Worship Coordinator

  • Popular
  • Edith Bajema

This article provides some questions from a worship coordinator and a response from a worship consultant.

  • Read more about We're Struggling with Worship: Questions from a Worship Coordinator
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Culture Shock: Redefining the Relationship between Church and Mission Now That We've Lost the Home-Field Advantage

  • Popular
  • Craig Van Gelder

This article draws attention to the fundamental shift taking place within most Western cultures: North America and Europe are now viewed as a mission field, This shift is requiring churches to make substantial adjustments in both their self-understanding and their ministries. The implications of this shift for the church—from having a church-shaped mission to being a mission-shaped church—is explored.

  • Read more about Culture Shock: Redefining the Relationship between Church and Mission Now That We've Lost the Home-Field Advantage
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Book: The Church Music Handbook

  • Popular
  • Amy Van Gunst

This article reviews The Church Music Handbook.

  • Read more about Book: The Church Music Handbook
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Becoming More Common: Why More and More Congregations Are Turning to the Common Lectionary for Worship Planning

  • Popular
  • Daniel Meeter

This article considers particular advantages of making use of a Common Lectionary for worship planning.

  • Read more about Becoming More Common: Why More and More Congregations Are Turning to the Common Lectionary for Worship Planning
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Good for More Than Preaching: Liturgical Potential in the Heidelberg Catechism

  • Popular
  • Carol L. Veldman Rudie

Some congregations are discovering that the Heidelberg Catechism is good for more than preaching; many churches benefit from its use as a liturgical resource. This article explores possible uses of the Catechism as a liturgical document.

  • Read more about Good for More Than Preaching: Liturgical Potential in the Heidelberg Catechism
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Canticles of Christmas: Singing the Songs of Zechariah, Mary, the Angels, and Simeon

  • Popular
  • Timothy D. Wilds

The singing of canticles has been a part of Christian worship for centuries. This article reflects on the "Canticles of Christmas" as a refreshing departure from as well as an excellent alternative to today's trendy musicals. The songs of Mary, Zechariah, the angels, and Simeon are reflected upon as rich songs of worship.

  • Read more about The Canticles of Christmas: Singing the Songs of Zechariah, Mary, the Angels, and Simeon
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Singing Scripture: Suggestions for Singing the Readings for Advent and Christmas

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

This article suggests that there are several reasons commending reinvigorating the practice of singing Scripture today. A number of genres are proposed, like Metrical Settings, Responsorial Settings.

  • Read more about Singing Scripture: Suggestions for Singing the Readings for Advent and Christmas
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Musical Resources for Singing Scripture

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

This article introduces a number of resources that could be used in singing in public worship.

  • Read more about Musical Resources for Singing Scripture
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns – "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always"

  • Popular
  • John D. Witvliet

A number of hymns for use in public worship are introduced in this article: "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always."

  • Read more about Hymns – "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Christmas Eve or Day: The Child

  • Popular
  • Willis Jones

This article offers liturgical suggestions to be implemented on Christmas Day in public worship.

  • Read more about Christmas Eve or Day: The Child
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Oh, for a Thousand Tunes: A Bicentennial Tribute to Lowell Mason (1792-1872)

  • Popular
  • Sherman Vander Ark

The hymns and tunes of Lowell Mason are among the best known and best loved in English hymnals. Mason, for example, was the composer of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" and "Joy to the World." This article is a tribute to Mason.

  • Read more about Oh, for a Thousand Tunes: A Bicentennial Tribute to Lowell Mason (1792-1872)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns – “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest”

  • Popular
  • Norma de Waal Malefyt

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in worship services: “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest.”

  • Read more about Hymns – “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest”
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Organ Music for Funerals: A Selected Bibliography of Organ Collections

  • Popular
  • Martha B. Tibbe

This article offers a selected bibliography of organ music to be used at funerals.

  • Read more about Organ Music for Funerals: A Selected Bibliography of Organ Collections
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns and a Psalm: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113

  • Popular
  • James Hart Brumm

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in worship services: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113.

  • Read more about Hymns and a Psalm: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113
  • Share
  • Add new comment

What We Sing Is Not What He Wrote: Evolution of "God of the Prophets"

  • Popular
  • James Hart Brumm

This article introduces the history of the lyrics of the hymn "God of the Prophets."

  • Read more about What We Sing Is Not What He Wrote: Evolution of "God of the Prophets"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Bring Them In: Three Models for Evangelism through Worship

  • Popular
  • Robert E. Webber

Real, authentic biblical worship is at its core a celebration of the living, dying, and rising of Christ. This article reflects upon models for evangelism through worship.

  • Read more about Bring Them In: Three Models for Evangelism through Worship
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Personality of Worship: Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to Understand Worship Preferences

  • Popular
  • Tom Schwanda

This article reflects on how different personalities have a bearing on how public worship is experienced and understood.

  • Read more about The Personality of Worship: Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to Understand Worship Preferences
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Inviting the Stranger In: Including the "Outsider" in the "Insiders" Fellowship

  • Popular
  • Wilbur Washington

This article tells the story of an African American pastor who has had numerous opportunities to participate in the integration of local congregations and higher bodies of a predominantly white, ethnically based church. It tells the story of how to invite in people who are different from us.

  • Read more about Inviting the Stranger In: Including the "Outsider" in the "Insiders" Fellowship
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Out of Africa: What North Americans Can Learn about Celebration in Worship

  • Popular
  • Stephen K. Githumbi

This article focuses on celebration in worship and in particular what can be learned from Africans in this respect.

  • Read more about Out of Africa: What North Americans Can Learn about Celebration in Worship
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Sursum Corda: Lift Up Your Hearts

  • Popular
  • David T. Koyzis

The sursum corda (Latin for "Let us lift up our hearts") calls worshippers to acknowledge their absolute dependence on Christ at the right hand of the Father, who desires to commune with man who is made in his image. This article reflects on its liturgical significance.

  • Read more about Sursum Corda: Lift Up Your Hearts
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Homework for Worship: Tying Family Worship to the Sunday Worship Service

  • Popular
  • Carol L. Veldman Rudie

What should family worship be? This article considers the link between family worship and Sunday worship services.

  • Read more about Homework for Worship: Tying Family Worship to the Sunday Worship Service
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Book – "Introduction to Christian Worship"

  • Popular
  • Harry Boonstra

This is a review of the book Introduction to Christian Worship.

  • Read more about Book – "Introduction to Christian Worship"
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Heart of Holy Communion

  • Popular
  • Daniel Meeter

What is the "Great Prayer of Thanksgiving"? What is the significance of this "Eucharistic prayer" for Reformed worship? This article reflects on this central prayer in the celebration of Holy Communion.

  • Read more about The Heart of Holy Communion
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Old-Fashioned Innovations: There's More Than One Way to Celebrate the Lord's Supper

  • Popular
  • Harry Boonstra

Each congregation ought to reflect on how it celebrates communion. The way the elements are distributed should not be out of custom or superstition, but for sound theological and pastoral reasons. This article surveys some of the practices in the time of the Reformation.

  • Read more about Old-Fashioned Innovations: There's More Than One Way to Celebrate the Lord's Supper
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymns and a Psalm: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and Psalm 18

  • Popular
  • Wilma Vander Baan

This article introduces Psalm 18 and a couple of hymns for singing in public worship: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King."

  • Read more about Hymns and a Psalm: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and Psalm 18
  • Share
  • Add new comment

He Will Come: Seven Themes for Advent and Christmas (Page 2 of 2)

  • Popular
  • William S. Barker

This article offers service plans for Advent, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and the two Sundays of Christmastide.

  • Read more about He Will Come: Seven Themes for Advent and Christmas (Page 2 of 2)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymn – O Come, O Come, Immanuel

  • Popular
  • David C. Schaap

This article introduces the hymn "O Come, O Come, Immanuel," for use in public worship.

  • Read more about Hymn – O Come, O Come, Immanuel
  • Share
  • Add new comment

He Will Come: Seven Themes for Advent and Christmas (Page 1 of 2)

  • Popular
  • Norman D. Stolpe

This article offers service plans for the four Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and the two Sundays of Christmastide.

  • Read more about He Will Come: Seven Themes for Advent and Christmas (Page 1 of 2)
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Reformed Order with Charismatic Ardor: An Interview with Henry Wildeboer

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article reflects an interview with Henry Wildeboer, a pastor involved with the so-called Praise and Worship style of worship.

  • Read more about Reformed Order with Charismatic Ardor: An Interview with Henry Wildeboer
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Enter His Courts with Praise: A New Style of Worship Is Sweeping the Church

  • Popular
  • Robert E. Webber

A new style of worship has been spreading throughout all parts of the world in the last several decades. This worship approach is described by a variety of names, with "Praise and Worship" as the most prominent. This article explains what this style of worship is and how it may affect traditional worship.

  • Read more about Enter His Courts with Praise: A New Style of Worship Is Sweeping the Church
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Initial Reactions: A Visitor's View of Praise and Worship

  • Popular
  • Robert A. Meyering

This article provides an evaluation of a worship service where the music was according to the so-called praise and worship style.

  • Read more about Initial Reactions: A Visitor's View of Praise and Worship
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Bathed in Prayer: The Only Way to Prepare and Praise

  • Popular
  • Michael Reitsma

This article reflects on how public prayer and the praise of the congregation go hand in hand.

  • Read more about Bathed in Prayer: The Only Way to Prepare and Praise
  • Share
  • Add new comment

The Transforming Force of Faith: A Series in the Praise and Worship Style Based on James

  • Popular
  • Carla Brouwer, Randy Brouwer

This article offers suggestions for a series of sermons with liturgy from the letter of James.

  • Read more about The Transforming Force of Faith: A Series in the Praise and Worship Style Based on James
  • Share
  • Add new comment

With Reservations: A Review of Three Influential Books on the Praise and Worship Movement

  • Popular
  • Harry Boonstra

Where does the Praise and Worship movement come from? This article reviews three influential books on the movement.

  • Read more about With Reservations: A Review of Three Influential Books on the Praise and Worship Movement
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Bridges to Praise: Three Songs in the Praise and Worship Style

  • Popular
  • Marie Elzinga, Steven C. Elzinga

This article introduces three songs in the praise and worship style: "Father, We Love You," "Change My Heart, O God," and "Give Thanks."

  • Read more about Bridges to Praise: Three Songs in the Praise and Worship Style
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Be Filled with the Spirit: A Series Based on Ephesians

  • Popular
  • Raymond B. Lanning

This article offers suggestions for a series of sermons on Ephesians and the work of the Holy Spirit around the time of Pentecost.

  • Read more about Be Filled with the Spirit: A Series Based on Ephesians
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Personalizing the Hymnal: Educating the Congregation through Bulletin Notes

  • Popular
  • Curt Gesch

This article demonstrates how new hymns can be introduced in a congregation through bulletin notes.

  • Read more about Personalizing the Hymnal: Educating the Congregation through Bulletin Notes
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Singing a New Song: A Review of Three New Denominational Hymnals

  • Popular
  • Alfred V. Fedak

This article is a review of three new hymnals: the United Methodist Hymnal, Presbyterian Hymnal, and Trinity Hymnal.

  • Read more about Singing a New Song: A Review of Three New Denominational Hymnals
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Holy Fairs – Scottish Communions and American Revivals in the Early Modern Period

  • Popular
  • Keith Watkins

This article reviews the book The Holy Fairs, which explains how certain festivals, such as Cambuslang in Scotland and Cane Ridge and the camp meetings in the United States, became the occasions for significant revivals. The book indicates how these communion gatherings continued the pre-Reformation popular piety of Corpus Christi in a new guise that was acceptable in the context of Reformed religion.

  • Read more about Holy Fairs – Scottish Communions and American Revivals in the Early Modern Period
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Book – Getting Ready for Sunday: A Practical Guide for Worship Planning

  • Popular
  • Ruth Hofman

This article offers a brief review of the book Getting Ready for Sunday: A Practical Guide for Worship Planning.

  • Read more about Book – Getting Ready for Sunday: A Practical Guide for Worship Planning
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Prayers and a Banner for Pentecost

  • Popular
  • Anonymous

This article offers examples of prayers and banners that can be used with fruit during the time of Pentecost.

  • Read more about Prayers and a Banner for Pentecost
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Iglesia el Siervo del Senor – Retaining Old Catholic Traditions in a New Reformed Church

  • Popular
  • Federico J. Machado

The author is the pastor of a church in the midst of a largely Hispanic community. This article reflects how their worship services are strongly influenced by their Hispanic history and traditions as well as those of the Reformed faith.

  • Read more about Iglesia el Siervo del Senor – Retaining Old Catholic Traditions in a New Reformed Church
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Confession of Faith

  • Popular
  • Keith Lohman

This is a confession of faith for use in worship.

  • Read more about Confession of Faith
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hands-On Worship – Expanding Our Practice of Laying On of Hands

  • Semi-Technical
  • David J. Diephouse

The laying on of hands is attracting renewed interest in some Christian circles. What does the laying on of hands signify? This article reflects on this practice, and offers suggestions for how it might be expanded today.

  • Read more about Hands-On Worship – Expanding Our Practice of Laying On of Hands
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Hymnal – Songs of Rejoicing

  • Popular
  • Emily R. Brink

This article gives a short review of the hymnal Songs of Rejoicing that provides hymns to be used in worship services.

  • Read more about Hymnal – Songs of Rejoicing
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Participating in Worship: History, Theory, and Practice

  • Semi-Technical
  • Tom Schwanda

This article reviews the book Participating in Worship: History, Theory, and Practice by Craig Erickson, which argues that worship needs to become more participatory through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

  • Read more about Participating in Worship: History, Theory, and Practice
  • Share
  • Add new comment

Left sidebar

Library

Augustine on Christ’s second coming: “That day lies hid, that every day we may be on the watch.... He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms that it is far off, nor is it he who says that it is near; but rather he who, whether it be far off or near, awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love.” Augustine
  • Share