Recent Evangelical experiments in worship are particularly significant for two reasons. First, they represent the most widespread changes in Protestant public worship since the Reformation. While various changes in worship had occurred earlier, they came much more slowly and were much less radical. Second, the contemporary changes in worship offer perhaps the best perspective from which to evaluate the health of evangelicalism today. We can effectively discern the spiritual vitality and biblical fidelity of contemporary evangelicalism by looking at the changing character of worship.

Variety has long characterized evangelicals in their practice of worship, from the high Anglican liturgy to the wildly charismatic. But beyond these historic differences evangelicals from many traditions in recent years have introduced some common, specific changes in worship in at least five areas. First, many have added new elements to worship. Second, many have changed the character of traditional elements of the service. Third, many have altered the quantity, character, and role of music in the servic. Fourth, churches have shown a willingness to involve many more people in leading worship. Fifth many churches have made changes in the times of their worship.

These changes invite more detail details scrutiny.

Many congregations have added a variety of new elements to their worship. Some have added liturgical dance and dramatic or humorous skits. Some have used visual aids— from banners to slides and films. Some have added a variety of Pentecostal activities, from being slain in the spirit to holy Laughter. Some have added popcorn and Super Bowl viewing—although perhaps not as an active worship proper.

Many congregations have changed the character of traditional elements of worship. Worship leaders read much shorter passages of the Bible and spend less time in prayer. Sermons are more likely to be psychological rather than theological or expository. How to manage stress or time or money seem to be among the most pressing spiritual issues of our time. The Lord’s Supper is apt to be eliminated or elaborated with new ceremony and symbolism.

Many churches have seen major changes in the area of music. They give much more time to music and make use of a greater variety of instruments and of more special music, especially soloists and choirs. The style of music has also changed in many churches. Classical music and traditional hymnody have given way to praise songs in styles ranging from Christian rock or pop to country and western. Even more important, the role of music has changed for many. Whereas traditionally music was an important part of the dialogue between God and his people for many it has become the heart of worship, even called the “Praise and Worship” part of the service. Music seems to have become for some a new sacrament, mediating the presence and experience of God, establishing a mystical bond between God and the worshipers. With eyes closed and hands in the air worshipers repeat simple phrases that become Christian mantras.

Many Christians have abandoned the historic practice of having an ordained minister lead the service. Various parts of the service are now led by professionals or members of the congregation. In some places no part of the service—even sermon, sacrament, or benediction—seems reserved for the minister.

A number of churches have made changes in the time of worship. The Sunday evening service has died in many places. The Saturday evening service has emerged as a new time of worship for the busy, who save Sunday for work or recreation. Some churches give much more attention to the holy days of the church year. Christmas receives at least a month of preparation in many churches (as well as as in the stores). But, strangely, services are often not held on Christmas Day itself.

In spite of the magnitude of these changes, an amazingly small amount of discussion or controversy as attended their introduction. To be sure some local congregations have had troubles, and some articles and books have appeared on worship. But relative to the impact of the changes on the life of the church, the discussion about them has been remarkably mild. The ease with which such momentous changes have taken place point to the dissatisfaction prevalent among evangelicals with traditional worship and gives and insight into the contemporary Evangelical mind.

W. Robert Godfrey, “The Reformation of Worship” in James Montgomery Boice and Benjamin E. Sasse, ed., Here We Stand! A Call From Confessing Evangelicals For A Modern Reformation (Alliance Publishing 2025), 171–73.

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Post authored by:

• W. Robert Godfrey

  

  W. Robert Godfrey (Ph.D., Stanford) is President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Church History at Westminster Seminary California, where he served as president from 1993–17. He began teaching at Westminster Theological Seminary in 1974. He is a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America, a Ligonier Ministries Teaching Fellow, and has spoken at many conferences including those sponsored by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and Ligonier Ministries. He is currently serving as chairman of the Board of Ligonier Ministries. He is author of, among other titles, Saving the Reformation, Learning to Love the Psalms, and John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor. In 2010, a festschrift was published in Dr. Godfrey’s honor entitled Always Reformed.

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