Why Worship is Liturgical: A Brief Explanation of the Form and Content of Traditional Christian Worship

by Jeffrey J Meyers

How important is our way of worship? Should our worship services on the Lord's Day be ordered a certain way? Should our worship services have a "contemporary" or "traditional" form?
In this book, Pastor Jeffrey J. Meyers provides a simple guide in understanding the biblical order and practical benefits of a liturgical Christian worship service. The book is intended for church leaders and church members alike, to provide a biblical rationale for corporate worship on the Lord's Day and why such worship will look, sound, and feel more "traditional" than "contemporary" while avoiding pretentious or dead and musty liturgical traditions.

The "Answers in an Hour" series is an ongoing collection of short and easily digestible books written with the inquirer in mind. These little books provide brief studies of various topics of interest to Christians who seek instruction that is grounded in biblical theology.

Pastor Jeffrey J. Meyers has served Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in St. Louis, Missouri, since 1994. He has served in the US Army, taught Christian school, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri (BS), Covenant Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Concordia Theological Seminary (STM). He is the author of The Lord’s The Grace of Covenant Renewal Worship (Canon Press), A Table in the Ecclesiastes Through New Eyes (Athanasius Press), and Wisdom for The Epistle of James Through New Eyes (Athanasius Press). Jeff and his wife, Chris, have four children and five grandchildren.

Genres: Theology, Christian

98 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2024

Reviews

[Olivia Daming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to get it finished before the new year.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book. It affirmed things I have learned over the past few years about liturgical worship and its value in the daily life of believers. It also encouraged me by pointing out new reasons for adhering to this sort of worship.
As I have attended a reformed church for ten years now, I have learned to love the liturgy. And like the author says, I can certainly see how it has shaped my days, my responses, even my parenting.
If you’re curious about “why” liturgical worship is important, I commend this book to you. It’s an easy read that just might leave you wanting to go to church!

[Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this short treatise on what Sunday worship is meant to be. Though condensed, it still finds a way to biblically articulate the critical and foundational role of Church in the covenantal relationship between man and God.

[Jason Garwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I liked this book enough to give it 5 stars! I was actually conflicted between 3 and 4 🙈 But not because of the overall message of the book! I agree with almost everything he said and really appreciated all of the verses to back up things! I just honestly didn't enjoy the tone of this book, and reading it I felt like he was shaming or putting down anybody who doesn't do it that way instead of lovingly encouraging others to see the beauty of why Liturgical worship is important and necessary! That's my main qualm with the book, but I'm still grateful it exists as many don't talk about this subject and many don't know how needy they are for a good liturgical worship service. 😊

[Josh McInnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to keep strategically lying around for those friends and extended family who like to scornfully ask "why have Communion every Sunday" or "why sing Psalms" or "why does the pastor wear a robe" or "why do you write/read prayers instead of pray spontaneously" or even "why go to church at all: I can worship God just He and I in a personal relationship".

[Jlnpeacock Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book which explains the various parts of worship and answers many questions a vast number of people have. Wonderful for instruction in the proper attitude toward church services.

[Timothy Dehne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

[Ty Brunet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful primer to worship

[Andrew Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, concise overview of one take on Reformed worship. My only concern with the book is the way the author generalizes the practices he describes as being universal in Reformed churches.