Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

/ 1 8 7

T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

A Theology of the Church (continued)

2. The entire congregation ministers to the Lord, each one contributing a song, a word, a testimony, a prayer, etc. according to their gifts and capacities (1 Cor. 14.26). 3. The Church worships with the full range of human emotion, intellect, and creativity: a. Physical expression- raising of hands, dancing, kneeling, bowing, etc. b. Intellectual engagement- striving to understand God’s nature and works. d. Celebratory expression- the Church plays in the presence of God (Prov. 8.30-31) experiencing “Sabbath rest” through festivals, celebrations, and praise. 4. The Church worships liturgically by together reenacting the story of God and his people. a. The Church proclaims and embodies the drama of God’s redemptive action in its ritual, tradition, and order of worship. b. The Church, like the covenant people Israel, orders its life around the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism which reenact the story of God’s salvation (Deut. 16.3; Matt. 28.19; Rom. 6.4; 1 Cor. 11.23-26). c. The Church remembers the worship and service of saints through the ages, learning from their experiences with the Spirit of God (Deut. 32.7; Pss. 77.10-12; 143.5; Isa. 46.9; Heb. 11). c. Artistic expression- through music and the other creative arts.

5. The Church worships in freedom:

a. Constantly experiencing new forms and expressions of worship which honor God and allow his people to delight in him afresh (Pss. 33.3; 40.3; 96.1; 149.1; Isa. 42.9-10; Luke 5.38; Rev. 5.9).