Home Liturgy: A Simple Explanation

 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

Hebrews 10:23-25 

The last couple weeks have been a learning experience to say the least. There’s been a lot of adjusting to new rhythms for all of us: working from home, kids doing school work, online grocery shopping. It’s been no different for us as a local church. We began navigating uncharted waters providing video with worship songs and sermons online. This was the furtherest thing from my plan on the next thing our church needs. Nonetheless, here we are.

As mentioned repeatedly, I’m grateful for technology and it’s afforded us a way to serve you and others during all of this. Still, myself and the worship leaders wanted to ensure we are making the most of this moment. We wanted to help serve our church, anyone who stumbles upon us online, or might have been invited to join us on a Sunday morning. The overall hope was create more participation, less of a spectator gathering, so we provided a resource this weekend entitled, “Home Liturgy.” I wanted to take a couple moments and provide an explanation of the resource and how best to use it for this coming Sunday gathering at home.

THE HEART BEHIND THE LITURGY

Our gatherings have always been an importance piece for spiritual formation. It’s one of the environments to help us accomplish mission. At the heart of our gatherings we want people to behold and enjoy the character of God. As we see in Scripture and Church History, singing and listening to the proclamation of God’s Word have served a prominent role in the spiritual life of God’s people. The prayer and aim of “Home Liturgy” resource is to help people grow as a disciple of Jesus. 

WHAT DOES LITURGY MEAN? 

The word liturgy refers to the form and function of a worship gathering. Our Liturgy for all Sunday gatherings moves through the story arc of the Gospel found in the Bible: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. Through each movement we remember the story, experience a different aspect of the Gospel, and respond appropriately. The liturgy seeks to help people behold and enjoy the God of the Gospel. While quarantined we will follow a similar liturgy in our homes, Home Liturgy. 

HOW DOES THE HOME LITURGY WORK? 

The Home Liturgy will feel very similar to a Sunday Worship Gathering at Doxa. We will begin with a Scriptural call to worship, confession of sin, a song of assurance, the proclamation of God’s Word, a response to God’s Word, and a benediction. This will include the songs so you can sing together and a sermon video to watch. We will provide a guide with notes to help you prepare and lead. 

  • PREPARE. Take a few moments to pray and prepare. Print or distribute a digital copy of the Home Liturgy for everyone. Make sure to have the doxaop.church on your TV or desired device. 

  • INCLUDE. Delegate the Call to Worship, Scripture Readings, and Benediction to others in the family. It’s a perfect way to involve children and family members. 

  • PRAY. There will be opportunities to pray together. The first will focus on concerns of one another, the church, and the world. Give everyone an opportunity to pray and conclude with the Lord’s Prayer together. Following the sermon, make time for reflection and response to God’s Word. Then lead in a time of prayer together responding appropriately to whatever the Spirit of God has revealed through the sermon. 

  • SING. It can feel a little intimidating to sing with a small number of people in your living room. Even so, encourage everyone to make a joyful noise to the Lord. 

  • ENJOY. Rejoice and expect the Lord to meet you, even within the confines of your own living room. The good news of the Gospel is God dwells within His people [John 4:23-24]. It's a great discipleship opportunity to teach your children that God doesn’t dwell in a temple, a school, or a building, but within the body of His people who repented of their sins and placed their faith in Christ Jesus. 

 
Jeth Looney