Worship Resources
The worship of God is central to the life of God’s people in all ages. Under the old covenant (the Law of Moses), worship in the nation of Israel was centred in the Tabernacle-Temple with daily sacrifices, and weekly and annual sacred assemblies (Lev. 23).
God’s intent for this form of worship was to point people to Jesus, the promised Messiah (Gal. 3:24-25). Following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the worship of the newly formed church (under the new covenant) focused directly on Jesus, with the gospel-shaped worship pattern shown in the diagram below emerging over time. Worship within this annual cycle includes proclamation of the gospel through Scripture reading, preaching and singing; the administration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper); praise and intercession in prayer; and the giving of offerings.
God’s intent for this form of worship was to point people to Jesus, the promised Messiah (Gal. 3:24-25). Following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, the worship of the newly formed church (under the new covenant) focused directly on Jesus, with the gospel-shaped worship pattern shown in the diagram below emerging over time. Worship within this annual cycle includes proclamation of the gospel through Scripture reading, preaching and singing; the administration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper); praise and intercession in prayer; and the giving of offerings.
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Gospel-focused worship pattern
Along with many others in the body of Christ, worship in Grace Communion International follows the Christ-centred and gospel-shaped pattern of the Western Christian calendar shown in the diagram above and detailed in the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This pattern is organized around a weekly celebration of the gospel (typically on Sunday, the day the risen Lord Jesus was first encountered). For a suggested order of services (liturgy) for this weekly gathering, click here. The worship pattern then includes several annual celebrations that highlight key aspects of the gospel with most of them focusing on events in our Lord’s life and ministry:
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Liturgies for church services & ceremonies
To assist congregations in following its standard worship pattern and content, GCI publishes RCL-synced sermons in GCI Equipper (click here to access) and the following liturgies for worship services and church ceremonies (click on the links below to download each one as a Word file).
Flexibility Granted GCI congregations may adapt the denomination’s standard liturgies to accommodate local customs and needs (though the basic formats and content should be followed). Congregations also may adapt GCI’s standard pattern of worship, though all are to provide services celebrating Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season and his resurrection during the Easter season. It is recommended that each of the other key aspects of the gospel (listed at left) be celebrated in a weekly worship service at the designated time of year. GCI congregations may hold their primary weekly worship service on any day of the week, though Sunday is the norm. Also, congregations may determine how often to offer the Lord’s Supper, though it should be offered no less than quarterly, and at least once during Holy Week. Offering the Lord’s Supper every week is recommended. |
