By: K. B. Napier

Certain of the brethren hold what they call 'worship' services. This Outline wishes to ask a genuine question - what do they mean by a 'worship' service?  Personally, as a Believer, I do not understand what exactly such a service is supposed to be, or what function it is supposed to serve. I understand the term 'worship' - but not the term 'worship service'.  (All 'services' should be worship services).

The term 'worship' service has become prevalent only recently, so, in a way, it is a fashion term rather than an historically-based one. This is one reason I question it. (It does not follow that a lack of historical background necessarily means something is invalid, but it may hold a clue). Another problem is a very simple one - the term has no immediate understandable meaning. If it had an understandable meaning, then I would not be asking these questions! Again, the fact that I personally do not understand the meaning of 'worship' (in this context) does not necessarily imply that such an observance (of a 'worship' service) is wrong. It just means that I do not understand either the meaning given to it by men today, or its relevance to Christian life. Thus, my own ignorance of these matters could be the problem!

As always, we must go to the scriptures to see if we can find the solution. This should tell us if a 'worship' service is valid, or if it is required, or if it is relevant. We will find no less than nine clearly differentiated Biblical words for 'worship'. As is usually the case for almost all Biblical words, these words themselves can be traced back to roots (that is, other words on which the 'main' words are based). Three of these 'main' words are found in the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, 'worship' usually means to bow in homage before a superior, God, angels, or before false gods. The word may be used either literally or figuratively (therefore we may legitimately say that this word can be used to refer to one's inner desire toward his superior/God etc.). Another word  means to shape or form or copy. Thus one may shape oneself to be like a superior (i.e., God) - this being itself a form of 'worship'. In the New Testament,  'worship' can be taken six distinct ways, depending on context (which is always the rule when translating/interpreting). The Persians displayed profound reverence by kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead. In  New Testament times a person would kneel or lay prostrate to show obedience and respect and/or to seek favour. This was done in homage to God, the risen Christ or to angels (whether holy or demonic).

To 'worship' also means to revere or to be devout, or to hold an opinion of someone (good or bad - although, in the New Testament, the opinion is always a good one, resulting in praise, honour or the glorification of a person e.g. God). The same word can also refer to the splendour of the moon and stars; the dignity, grace and excellence etc., of God; God's majesty as Supreme Ruler and also of Christ and the angels; it refers also to a glorious state, the risen Christ's state before God, and the condition of true Believers.

'Worship' also can refer to the service of menials (that is, 'practical' worship of a superior) or, to performance of sacred services/offering of gifts; to perform the rites required by God (e.g. performed by priests) and those things which glorify Him.

It can mean to show piety or to act reverently - toward God, or toward anyone/thing to whom/which, such reverence is due. Then there is another word for 'worship', which refers to misguided worship. That is, worship/observances invented by men to suit their own ideas. Thus it is not true observance, or true holiness. Such is common today in many churches, especially charismatic, pro-charismatic, mainstream Anglican, etc.

So...which of these words is being referred to when we talk of a 'worship' service? Can the reader see the reasons for my genuine query and caution? Look at the meanings of the Biblical words above. None of them can adequately be taken and applied to the modern use of the term. Indeed, the true meanings of the words render the modern use nonsensical. We see that virtually all the various words refer to one's state of heart toward God (or toward any other superior being or object). How that can be applied to an external form i.e. a church service, I cannot tell. Hence the query.

Sometimes these services are also known as 'praise' services...but I do not understand what exactly is meant by that, either. It seems that certain valid aspects of Christian attitude have somehow been taken from their context (in this case, the context is the individual's heart-desire) and re-formed into a physical type of meeting. But to what purpose? The purpose is, we suppose, to glorify God...but how is this done? If the way we glorify God is not prescribed in scripture or, more importantly, it is not even based on scriptural example etc., then is it valid? This reminds us that one word for worship means to misguidedly invent a self-made, invalid obedience which is, by definition, disobedience and sin. I do not doubt the sincerity of those who initiate or attend 'worship' services.  Nor do I want to denigrate them in any way if they are my brethren in the Lord. I simply ask what it is all supposed to mean! If 'worship' merely consists of throwing up arms, having 'glazed eyes', and shouting 'Amen' - then it is not worth anything, in my view.

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© June 1992

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