Worship When You Come Together
A group discussion at the Brookfield Church of Christ, led by Walter Wiegand, focused on the topic of worship. The group explores what it means to worship God both corporately and individually, transitioning from a previous 19-week study on the attributes of God to examining their response to Him.
-
-
Discussion 1: Worship When You Come Together
This study explores our collective response to God . True worship demands radical self-examination and heart preparation before entering the assembly . By recognizing God’s active presence in our midst and moving away from a consumer mindset that seeks entertainment , we can cultivate deep reverence . Delve into the vertical and horizontal dimensions of worship through this summary and interactive quiz .
This study explores our collective response to God . True worship demands radical self-examination and heart preparation before entering the assembly . By recognizing God’s active presence in our midst and moving away from a consumer mindset that seeks entertainment , we can cultivate deep reverence . Delve into the vertical and horizontal dimensions of worship through this summary and interactive quiz .
-
-
-
Discussion 2: Introduction
This introductory session examines cultural shifts in modern assemblies, contrasting entertainment models with the biblical pattern of true worship. Focusing on "spirit and truth" from John 4, the class separates daily Christian living from structured congregational gatherings. Highlighting Noah’s Ark and Acts 17, the study warns against human innovation, emphasizing that corporate worship is designed for God’s pleasure rather than human preference.
This introductory session examines cultural shifts in modern assemblies, contrasting entertainment models with the biblical pattern of true worship. Focusing on "spirit and truth" from John 4, the class separates daily Christian living from structured congregational gatherings. Highlighting Noah’s Ark and Acts 17, the study warns against human innovation, emphasizing that corporate worship is designed for God’s pleasure rather than human preference.
-
Discussion 3: A Theology of Worship
This study examines the vital connection between worship practices and foundational theology. Facilitated by Bro. Herb Sherrod at the Brookfield Church of Christ on June 10, 2026, the session evaluates congregational worship through four primary criteria: theological, historical, pastoral, and communicative. Participants explore what it truly means to worship God "in spirit and truth" according to the New Testament pattern.
This study examines the vital connection between worship practices and foundational theology. Facilitated by Bro. Herb Sherrod at the Brookfield Church of Christ on June 10, 2026, the session evaluates congregational worship through four primary criteria: theological, historical, pastoral, and communicative. Participants explore what it truly means to worship God "in spirit and truth" according to the New Testament pattern.
-
What You'll Learn
1. The Theological Foundation and Purpose of Worship Students will learn that Christian worship is fundamentally a response to God and his divine actions, specifically his grace and salvation. The study challenges the consumer mindset of modern culture and equips students to evaluate worship practices using four key criteria: theological soundness, historical precedent, pastoral impact (edification), and what the practices non-verbally communicate to others.
2. The Historical Roots of Early Christian Worship The study provides a deep dive into how the earliest Christian worship practices were shaped by their Jewish heritage. Students will explore the differences between temple sacrifices and synagogue meetings—which heavily influenced early Christian emphasis on the Word and prayer—as well as how Christian worship evolved as it expanded into the Gentile world during the first few centuries.
3. The Meaning Behind Corporate Worship Practices Rather than just going through the motions, students will gain a rich understanding of the specific elements that make up the Sunday gathering. The resources thoroughly examine the theology and history of common prayer, congregational singing (including the history and theology of a cappella music), the reading of the Word, the role of the sermon, the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper, the weekly contribution, and the communal importance of baptism.
4. The Importance of the "Shape" of the Worship Hour Students will learn that even in traditionally "non-liturgical" churches, the structure and order of a worship service inherently create a liturgy. The study reveals how the "shape" of worship—how its components relate, what is emphasized, and the transitions between acts—communicates profound theological meaning in a powerful, non-verbal way.
5. Worship as a Daily Lifestyle of Service Finally, the curriculum teaches that biblical worship is not confined to a church building on Sunday mornings. Drawing heavily on Romans 12:1-2, students will learn that true spiritual worship requires presenting our bodies as a "living sacrifice". This means that daily benevolent service, sharing worldly goods, and mission efforts are all evaluated using the sacrificial vocabulary of worship, bridging the gap between the Sunday assembly and daily Christian living.
