New This Month

Hymns

I was raised in the church. I know the hymns backwards and forwards. They’re part of my upbringing, my legacy, my fabric. But what are they now?

Passion’s Place in Faith

It’s no surprise in today’s culture that the media is driven by passion. One look at movies and music today will show that the angst and cry of a broken heart will sell far more than a rational understanding or portrayal of the world. The same may be true for modern churches and worship. It is possible that the Church relies more heavily upon passion than it does intellect.

Order of Service: New Old Thoughts

The majority of churches today have the same general order or format for their services. Some of the elements may change periodically, or from church to church, but, overall, the corporate gatherings are very similar. Everything in the services leads to the climax: the sermon. Certainly, there may be other segments of the service that occur after the sermon—an altar call, communion, benediction, announcements, etc.—but the high point is the sermon.