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Strange, but true: the lack of Scripture reading in evangelical worship
<strike>Wannabe</strike> Newbie Anglican ^ | 8/22/2005 | Mark Marshall

Posted on 08/22/2005 6:26:33 PM PDT by sionnsar

As this piece points out, the churches where you are least likely to hear Scripture read during services are often those where the authority and teaching of Scripture are most emphasized, particularly evangelical churches. Strange, but true. And the writer’s experience is that even Anglican evangelical churches often read Scripture in their worship less.

My personal experience as one with a evangelical/fundamentalist background? My current REC church is the first of my church homes where Scripture is regularly read during services outside the context of the sermon.

I think this is one way is which evangelical-style worship impoverishes itself. As I’ve experienced first hand, there is a power to formally reading the raw word of God in worship. I'd much rather sit and listen to the reading of Scripture than sing one more “praise and worship” song. And Scripture reading is a prominent feature of Jewish and Christian worship through the centuries. Why cut oneself off from that?

Yes, I greatly value the role of Lector, of reading the Scripture lessons aloud during services.

My reading duties begin this Sunday.


TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Mainline Protestant; Worship
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To: Gamecock; gbcdoj; bornacatholic; OrthodoxPresbyterian; Calvinist_Dark_Lord; Tantumergo
Others, like the Arminian Cathedral to Health, Wealth, and Prosperity found in Houston Texas is growing a lot of briers, IMHO.

Howabout we found the Church of the Holy Tares for these people. Anyone?

41 posted on 08/23/2005 8:24:16 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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To: Hermann the Cherusker

Hiya Hermann! Long time no see, how ya been?


42 posted on 08/23/2005 8:36:47 AM PDT by Gamecock (We don't beat "nice" people to a bloody pulp, nail them on a cross and then watch them suffocate.)
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To: Salvation

As I said, I have been to scores of masses with scores of priests. Most of the time, their homily may be loosely based on the scripture, but it often, if not almost always, is not necessarily scriptural but rather their own opinion without any exegesis at all. Often it is an odd stretch to somehow fit that passage into what they wanted to talk about anyway, or about one of their favorite "causes". It is not much different than going into many of the apostate mainline protestant denominations and hearing a social sermon loosely based on a verse or two. (Of course there are always decent pastors in those also, but generally few and far between).

That doesn't mean I haven't heard a decent homily or two, but generally it isn't the case.


43 posted on 08/23/2005 8:43:27 AM PDT by lupie
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To: lupie

**That doesn't mean I haven't heard a decent homily or two, but generally it isn't the case.**

Glad that some came through. Maybe that is the percentage for ALL pastors!


44 posted on 08/23/2005 8:47:59 AM PDT by Salvation (†With God all things are possible.†)
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To: sionnsar

I am seeking to have more Scripture in our services, not less. We seek to sing, read, pray and preach Scripture.


45 posted on 08/23/2005 8:51:15 AM PDT by AZhardliner (PCA Pastor)
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To: Salvation
Glad that some came through. Maybe that is the percentage for ALL pastors!

Umm.. not in several denonimations. It would much higher than the less than 5% or so that I have seen in the RCC. It just doesn't seem to be set up that way. But maybe if you are talking all denominations and congregations, that may be the case. Sad to say.

46 posted on 08/23/2005 9:00:55 AM PDT by lupie
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To: Salvation; ItsOurTimeNow; Frumanchu; Mister_Diddy_Wa_Diddy; irishtenor
It settled my mind a bit, because this church is definitely on the "Welcoming" trend, even touting an "Espresso Bar" for all to gather.

Yup, that's the first sign of being seeker sensitive.

An interesting part of all this is that the inner city churches are moving out of the downtown areas, where members have to step over drunks sleeping on sidewalks, and the faint whiff of urine might be noticed by the back door. These churches are fleeing to enclaves in the suburbs where they erect churches that are nondescript cubes where the worship space doubles as a gym, espresso bars and fast food restaurants line the entry way. There are fleets of golf carts that shuttle folks from the parking lots to the entrance so they don't even have to walk a few feet in any weather that might be uncomfortable.

Hymns have been replaced with mindless chants and electronic music and drums drown out the chants.

Sin is now bad choices, and God really just wants to be our friend, he is portrayed as a whining teenage girlfriend rather than the King of the universe.

The very culture that modern evangelicals decry has been brought into "the worship center" in an effort to be seeker sensitive leaves seeker that might wander in scratching their heads, church looks just like any other self-help program in America.

If you think all of this is bad enough, here are the worship "venues" of a large, rather well known seeker sensitive church found in California: (link available on request)

_____________________________

Main Service is our venue for those looking for a (brand x) style of praise and worship with a full band. Praise is our venue for those who prefer to spend a little longer singing songs and features the (brand x) Gospel Choir. Praise! Meets in Venue Tent 3.

OverDrive is our venue featuring a rock 'n roll music style. This venue is for those that like their worship loud. OverDrive meets in Venue Tent 2

Ohana Come for the worship... Stay for the sounds of the islands. Experience hospitality and hugs. Learn to worship through signing or hula. Room 404 near the Beach Cafe and island huts.

Elevation is our venue for all singles. The Saturday night service at 6:30pm is projected through a live video link in Venue Tent 2. You'll get the same great message along with live music.

Passion Join us for a time of expressive worship and heartfelt praise. The look and feel is younger than our main service and more intimate.

______________________________________________

An there are those on this board, who might appear at any minute and accuse me of being jealous because these churches are "successful."

I took the liberty of offering a prayer up to your daughter and her family that they will see what they are doing.

47 posted on 08/23/2005 9:03:18 AM PDT by Gamecock (We don't beat "nice" people to a bloody pulp, nail them on a cross and then watch them suffocate.)
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To: bobjam

But many fewer people hear it.


48 posted on 08/23/2005 9:07:45 AM PDT by RobbyS ( CHIRHO)
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To: Gamecock

At mass the priest is supposed to give a short homily explaining or exounding upon the meaning of the readings "old testament selection," epsitle, and gospel, and showing how they are related to one another. As the reading are often out of context, this is necessary.


49 posted on 08/23/2005 9:10:57 AM PDT by RobbyS ( CHIRHO)
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To: TommyDale

Yeah I've heard some of those stories. Abominable what the supposed 'shepherds' will sink to in being seeker friendly.


50 posted on 08/23/2005 9:17:33 AM PDT by Terriergal (What is the meaning of life?? Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.)
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To: sionnsar
In my Missouri Synod church, I am honored to be allowed to take part as a worship assistant. One of my duties is to read the first lesson, which is usually from the Old Testament, except for Easter season, when it may be from the Acts. (I am also honored beyond words can express by the privilege of helping to distribute Communion, but that's another issue).

We read three lessons, usually from the Old Testament, the Epistles, and the Gospel.

If I may give some advice, it is to practice reading the lesson first, to avoid mispronunciations. When you read it, do use change of pace and emphasis of voice so that it sounds more exciting than a laundry list--but don't put so much into it that it takes away from hearing the Word.

Your parishioners will read along in the bulletin, if they're like ours. I personally prefer not to when I'm listening. I think "faith comes from hearing," and if you're reading along, you're not listening--and you may miss something new!
51 posted on 08/23/2005 9:22:42 AM PDT by GAB-1955 (Proudly confusing editors and readers since 1981!)
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To: Gamecock
There are fleets of golf carts that shuttle folks from the parking lots to the entrance so they don't even have to walk a few feet in any weather that might be uncomfortable.

Now THAT would be cool! Except it would take three golf carts just for my family ...

52 posted on 08/23/2005 9:26:26 AM PDT by Tax-chick (Officially around the bend, at least for now.)
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To: RobbyS

Few hear it because their shepherd is not capable of understanding himself!


53 posted on 08/23/2005 9:27:30 AM PDT by TommyDale
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To: Terriergal

Like the secret to a healthy marriage is Victoria's Secret? A tall, well-dressed, smarmy fella from Houston said that not too long ago. :-)


54 posted on 08/23/2005 9:53:36 AM PDT by ItsOurTimeNow (Pap always said, "Never trust a Hogwallop!")
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To: Gamecock

Never better!

So what do you think of Christ's Apostolic Church of the Holy Tares?


55 posted on 08/23/2005 10:19:29 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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To: AZhardliner
I am seeking to have more Scripture in our services, not less. We seek to sing, read, pray and preach Scripture.

You've just described the official liturgy of the Catholic Church.

56 posted on 08/23/2005 10:21:11 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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To: Hermann the Cherusker
Contrary to what many Proddies on this board think, I believe he as an abomination.
57 posted on 08/23/2005 10:22:43 AM PDT by Gamecock (We don't beat "nice" people to a bloody pulp, nail them on a cross and then watch them suffocate.)
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To: ItsOurTimeNow; Gamecock; Terriergal
Like the secret to a healthy marriage is Victoria's Secret?

That is a very common message.

Most "Christian" marital help type courses, books, pamphlets, etc. that I've seen emphasize living in the flesh, encouraging couples to make sure they go out frequently for "dates", have a lot of sex, buy "sexy" lingerie frequently (one I saw reccomended going to a Victoria's Secret type sex shop once per month for new sexy clothes) and even sex toys!

Lost in the message and the practicality of this lifestyle is the raising of children. Well, not to worry of course, that is what birth control is for!

With this lifestyle, its no wonder that the divorce level of these people is so high.

58 posted on 08/23/2005 10:27:41 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker
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Comment #59 Removed by Moderator

To: Gamecock

No, I meant that we should start calling these types by that name, rather than pretending they are evengelical, fundementalist, or Christian.

The best part is, they probably won't even catch the allusion.


60 posted on 08/23/2005 10:30:24 AM PDT by Hermann the Cherusker (Christ's Apostolic Church of the Holy Tares - Calling All to a Life in the Flesh)
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