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Reformed Worship: Worship that is According to Scripture
The Reformers and Puritans believed that how we worship is just as important as how we are saved. They taught this because they understood (perhaps better than any Christians who ever lived) that the way worship, to a large extent, determines the God we worship. This is why biblical worship is always the response of the redeemed to God's initiative of self-revelation.
If we worship according to our own imaginations and traditions, we will worship (at least to some degree) a God of our own imagination. But when we worship according to God's own instruction, we worship the God who is - the only true God.
If we worship according to our own imaginations and traditions, we will worship (at least to some degree) a God of our own imagination. But when we worship according to God's own instruction, we worship the God who is - the only true God.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Terry L. Johnson
36 books12 followersTerry Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles. He studied history at the University of Southern California and also studied at Trinity College, Bristol, England, and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, before earning his D. Min in 2008 from Erskine Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 13, 2022
A defense of the regulative principle in worship, but a poor attempt, in my opinion. The broad generalizations, self-contradictions, and poor exegesis represented here might end up dissuading readers more than anything else.
The goal of this book is to call Reformed churches to be uniform in the forms of worship, as well as the elements. Although he says we have "freedom in forms" (p. 44), he argues for a "consensus" and a "significant degree of uniformity" in forms (p. 19). "Form matters," he says, and claims that Jesus requires "the right form" of worship (p. 32).
Of course, this immediately brings up cultural implications. Johnson praises missionaries who export the Presbyterian order of service and Psalters to foreign lands (p. 20). He believes we are not imposing our culture on them, but rather a transcendent "ecclesiastical culture" (which just so happens to be Anglo culture from the 17th century).
He applies John 4:23 in ways that are true, but I'm not sure it's the point of the verse. According to Johnson, worship "in spirit" is: from the heart, simple, reverent, and wise. Good points, but isn't the point that we worship not in a place but in the realm of the Spirit?
By the end of the book, it feels like Johnson has constructed an elaborate system to defend worship according to his preferences. (You can watch one of his church services here.) Worship must be simple, not sophisticated (p. 72). But hymn tunes must be sophisticated (p. 49). Oh, and no dancing (ch. 4). And no hand raising (p. 79). And when you preach, don't go over 30 minutes (p. 80). And when you pray, 10 minutes is too much (p. 81). Although he admits we have freedom to use wisdom, it didn't feel like it.
In spite of these weaknesses, Johnson describes the regulative principle well and gives good Scriptural support (pp. 33-50). If this section were a separate booklet, I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
The goal of this book is to call Reformed churches to be uniform in the forms of worship, as well as the elements. Although he says we have "freedom in forms" (p. 44), he argues for a "consensus" and a "significant degree of uniformity" in forms (p. 19). "Form matters," he says, and claims that Jesus requires "the right form" of worship (p. 32).
Of course, this immediately brings up cultural implications. Johnson praises missionaries who export the Presbyterian order of service and Psalters to foreign lands (p. 20). He believes we are not imposing our culture on them, but rather a transcendent "ecclesiastical culture" (which just so happens to be Anglo culture from the 17th century).
He applies John 4:23 in ways that are true, but I'm not sure it's the point of the verse. According to Johnson, worship "in spirit" is: from the heart, simple, reverent, and wise. Good points, but isn't the point that we worship not in a place but in the realm of the Spirit?
By the end of the book, it feels like Johnson has constructed an elaborate system to defend worship according to his preferences. (You can watch one of his church services here.) Worship must be simple, not sophisticated (p. 72). But hymn tunes must be sophisticated (p. 49). Oh, and no dancing (ch. 4). And no hand raising (p. 79). And when you preach, don't go over 30 minutes (p. 80). And when you pray, 10 minutes is too much (p. 81). Although he admits we have freedom to use wisdom, it didn't feel like it.
In spite of these weaknesses, Johnson describes the regulative principle well and gives good Scriptural support (pp. 33-50). If this section were a separate booklet, I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
September 19, 2020
A helpful little book on Reformed Worship.
December 7, 2022
It's mainly a critique of John Frame's book on worship, which I haven't read. It's conservative, but like a lot of conservative standards that claim to be biblically based (and even have verses attached to them), the reasoning isn't as tight as should be to be convincing.
It wasn't my copy, so I didn't mark it up, and I didn't take many notes, but just one example comes from p. 54: The argument is that worship should be simple, not based on the wisdom of man, but on God (1 Cor. 2:5). From that very generic statement, the author continues in a "Wisdom" section on pp. 61-62 and gives very specific guidelines (even down to the length of prayers and sermons) that are entirely opinion and not biblically based at all. The question also arises: Who decides what "simple worship" means? Does that exclude a classical organ prelude? Does that exclude 4-part harmony? What is too complex (or "not simple enough")?
Further, should we conclude that brilliant observations by God's ministers are off-limits so as to avoid the "wisdom of man"? What exactly is the "wisdom of man"? Some of the arguments sounds anti-intellectual, which is not the intended implication, I'm sure.
Lots of other similar issues throughout the book, but all in all, it seems like there is a very visceral attraction to traditional conservative music, just as there is a negative gut reaction to newer music—but when it comes to air-tight reasons why the old is better than the new, things fall apart, the center cannot hold.
It wasn't my copy, so I didn't mark it up, and I didn't take many notes, but just one example comes from p. 54: The argument is that worship should be simple, not based on the wisdom of man, but on God (1 Cor. 2:5). From that very generic statement, the author continues in a "Wisdom" section on pp. 61-62 and gives very specific guidelines (even down to the length of prayers and sermons) that are entirely opinion and not biblically based at all. The question also arises: Who decides what "simple worship" means? Does that exclude a classical organ prelude? Does that exclude 4-part harmony? What is too complex (or "not simple enough")?
Further, should we conclude that brilliant observations by God's ministers are off-limits so as to avoid the "wisdom of man"? What exactly is the "wisdom of man"? Some of the arguments sounds anti-intellectual, which is not the intended implication, I'm sure.
Lots of other similar issues throughout the book, but all in all, it seems like there is a very visceral attraction to traditional conservative music, just as there is a negative gut reaction to newer music—but when it comes to air-tight reasons why the old is better than the new, things fall apart, the center cannot hold.
August 28, 2019
This is a fantastic introduction and principled overview of what a Reformed, or balanced view of worship should be. It is, as Jesus instructs the Samaritan woman, to be done in spirit and in truth. Not merely one or the other. Here Johnson breaks down this verse for his structure and dives into both spirit and truth as they pertain to the public worship service. I found his writing very accessible, helpful, and practical and would highly recommend this book as a great personal introduction, elder group study, or small group study resource!
November 29, 2022
Um pequeno, porém excelente tratado sobre o tema da adoração reformada. O autor Terry L Johnson toca aqui em temas extremamente sensíveis porém totalmente pertinentes a todo cristão que deseja verdadeiramente agradar a Deus e não a homens, através da adoração no culto público e privado. Um livro curto com um alcance longo e profundo para esse dias tão rasos em que a adoração tem se tornado uma apoteose confusa de pantomimas teatrais, causando um esvaziamento da mensagem que deve ser simples, sábia, reverente, em espírito e em verdade.
March 17, 2020
Dr. Johnson’s defense and justification for Reformed worship as primarily outlined in the Regulative Principle of Worship is adequate. He treads no new ground here. This book is written as an introductory work at a popular level. A specific point I found helpful was his clear explanation of the various components of Biblically defined worship as outlined by the Westminster Standards, namely 1. Elements 2. Forms 3. Circumstances (p 40-44). Overall, this work is a quick reference for some scriptural support for the RPW and an excellent resource for those new to Reformed worship.
November 30, 2020
Worship God in spirit and in truth, the main framework of T. Johnson. Truth pertains to form, regulative principle that is according to and filled with Scripture. Spirit pertains to the condition of the heart.
It was a straightforward argument yet he misunderstood the whole essence of OT worship.
The conclusion was just all about opposing dancing for public worship.
Overall, I just enjoy the first part. He started well but finished a little low.
It was a straightforward argument yet he misunderstood the whole essence of OT worship.
The conclusion was just all about opposing dancing for public worship.
Overall, I just enjoy the first part. He started well but finished a little low.
March 24, 2019
Uma ótima introdução ao Princípio Regulador do Culto, embora o autor não seja tão convincente em alguns de seus argumentos a favor da inclusão de hinos que não os Salmos, por exemplo. Por fim, há uma conclusão excelente e necessária acerca dos riscos que tanto tradicionais quanto carismáticos correm ao inserir elementos não ordenados no culto ao Senhor.
May 11, 2020
Very good, short introduction to Reformed Worship.
July 9, 2022
Incredibly helpful and unintimidating introduction to reformed worship. I was surprised to realize how much I take for granted and the degree to which the Bible informs the public worship of God.
January 13, 2024
A wonderful introductory book to this topic. Would recommend!
February 9, 2025
Good introduction.
April 14, 2025
Great little primer. Right worship is essential for the reformation of the church.
July 24, 2017
A great introduction to the regulative principle of worship with several examples from scripture and church history to support the doctrine. Coming from a non-denominational background which held to the normative principle of worship I found this book very convicting. Some the songs he uses as examples of regulative worship principle violations where songs I was leading the congregation in before Sunday School at my old church just a few years ago. This book is a brief introduction to the rpw and does not get into the debate of exclusive psalmody, instruments in worship, nor holidays. A great primer on what Biblical worship should look like.
July 24, 2022
A succinct yet rich overview of Reformed worship practices, this booklet presents a biblical challenge to the vapid and insipid worship innovations so prevalent in evangelical churches and, sadly, even in Reformed and Presbyterian churches. It ought to be required reading of every pastor and elder.
December 30, 2017
A clear articulation Reformed, biblical worship.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews