Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer is a professor of religion instruction at Hope College, Holland, Michigan, and the author of several books and articles on worship, preaching, and congregational development. His most recent book is titled Covenant Documents: Reading the Bible Again for the First Time (2014). He is a graduate of McMaster University (PhD), Calvin Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Dordt University (BA).
Last Updated: September 10, 2025
Charles Arn’s book is a technician’s delight. Its aim is clear. Its approach is confident. Its process is comprehensive. If you are thinking about starting another worship service in your congregation’s ministries, don’t do it until you have read this book (see also his article on p. 22).
George Barna says you have to. Lyle Schaller says you ought to. Evangelists say you need to. The idea of creating a new worship expression, "contemporary" in character, alongside your present worshiping community is racing like wildfire through congregations all across North America.
I choose the dove
with airy wings,
soft-feathered breast,
and gentle cooing
descending on me
fresh, renewing
a voice from heaven
down to my Jordan,
bringing love.
But tongues of fire
in this swirling place
choose me and energize
my halting flame
race to be run
praise to be won
for Someone's name.
Prelude and Personal Meditation
Welcome and Announcements
Our Hymn of Trust: "Like a River Glorious"
[PsH 560,TH 699]
Organ Prelude and Personal Meditation
Welcome and Announcements
Our First Thoughts at the New Year: "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven"
[PsH 475, PH 478, RL 144, TH 76-77]
Our Testimony of Praise
I will exalt you, my God and King! I will praise your name for ever and ever!
Following a prescribed pattern for preaching, such as the Common Lectionary provides, is certainly not a new concept in Reformed churches. For centuries pastors in the Calvinist tradition have preached sermons based on the consecutive Lord's Days of the Heidelberg Catechism. It's a practice called "catechetical preaching," and it grew out of the church's need to educate its people about the doctrines and standards that they professed.
Prelude and Personal Meditation
Choral Call to Worship: "Alleluia! Christ Is Risen!"
Our Easter Shout of Praise:
Christ is risen!
Glory and honor, dominion and power, be to our God for ever and ever!
Our Easter Song of Praise: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
[PsH 388, PH 113, RL 325, TH 277]
The bride was obviously nervous. It was only the rehearsal, but she showed signs of panic that didn't bode well for the next day's big event. With a gentle touch, the pastor led her aside.
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