ELDERS TRAINING SEMINAR Based on the Elders Handbook Ministerial Association of the General Conference

The Elder and the Worship Service Chapter 7

Many churches have used about the same order of service, made the same announcements, sung the same songs, prayed the same type of prayers year after year, decade after decade. As worship leaders, we should respect differences in worship style when they result from differences in existing cultures, but we tend to be to fearful of adapting our worship to contemporary changes in society. The Elder and the Worship Service

Worship is encountering with God. Christian worship is focused upon God. The whispering and laughing and talking which might be without sin in a common business place should find no sanction in the house where God is worshiped. Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 492 Purpose of Worship

Worship includes adoration. Expressed through singing and prayer. It affirms Gods goodness, recognizes His worthiness and reverences His presence. Purpose of Worship

Worship includes proclamation. Worship is a time for the proclamation of Gods Word. Worship includes renewal. It should result on renewal. It involves reflection, prayer, and meditation. It is a time of repentance.It should result on renewal. It involves reflection, prayer, and meditation. It is a time of repentance. It is a time to experience wholeness and peace in Jesus.It is a time to experience wholeness and peace in Jesus. Purpose of Worship

Worship includes fellowship. Sharing together in public worship gives strength to personal Christian development. Worship includes participation. Participation could include singing, prayer, giving, scripture reading or a sharing time.Participation could include singing, prayer, giving, scripture reading or a sharing time. Remembering anniversaries, birthdays, and other special event is another way to show members that they are important to the church family.Remembering anniversaries, birthdays, and other special event is another way to show members that they are important to the church family. Purpose of Worship

Worship deserves planning. Successful worship does not just happen. The service must not become mere routine. The worship service involves the coordination of the activities and talents of many people and therefore must be well planned. Purpose of Worship

Music Announcements: Be positive, use the bulletin. Call to worship: Bring people into a worshipful attitude. Prayer: Speaking to God on behalf of the people. Offering: Teaching self-denial, sacrifice and trust. Parts of Worship

Ministry to children Scripture reading Public testimony Congregational participation: Singing, litany. Parts of Worship

Prayer: Address to God. Praise. Repentance. Dedication. General intercession. Specific intercession. Conclusion. Parts of Worship One or two minutes is long enough for any ordinary prayer. (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 581)

A. Longer Format Prelude Introit Call to worship Doxology Invocation Hymn of praise Prayer Offering Scripture reading Music Sermon Hymn of dedication Benediction Postlude B. Shorter Format Introit Hymn Prayer Offering Sermon Benediction Order of Worship Suggestive Sample Worship Formats:

8 Rules for effective preaching 1. 1.Know Christ personally Preach biblically Preach relevantly. 4.Preach positively.Preaching Preaching is both traditionally and purposely central to Adventist worship.

5. 5.Prepare early Organize logically Speak clearly Plan annually. Elders, as well as pastors, are shepherds and the principal work of shepherd is to feed the flock. Preaching