The Lord says His "house shall be called a house of prayer for all people." The primary function of the services in the house of God is worship. In order that worship may indeed be in spirit and in truth, it is necessary that there be a truly worshipful atmosphere, in which the very presence of God is sensed. True reverence is not present where that atmosphere is lacking; and it should be the pastor's constant study. and the study of every officer, regardless of the size of building or congregation, to create that worshipful atmosphere which will lead each one present to feel the presence of the Holy One of Israel.
In bringing about those conditions which are conducive to the greatest reverence and the most worshipful experience, such material features as type of building, architecture, furnishings, and arrangements, play an important part. But even greater importance attaches to the character and conduct of those who have the services in charge. And the very first essential has to do with what the leader is in his daily life. A life that is characterized by the presence of God throughout the week, will be the strongest single element in bringing the sense of the presence of God into the services directed from the pulpit on the Sabbath.
Secondary to what the minister himself is, the nature of the services will be determined by his conduct and the conduct of those associated with him in the sacred desk. The psalmist's call to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," is rendered literally, "in holy array." and suggests the form, arrangement, and order of worship. While it might be granted that too much emphasis has been placed on form, ritual, and the mechanics of worship by some confessions, it is likely that more has been lost by the careless, slipshod, casual manner in which others have conducted their services.
The minister needs constantly, to be on guard against allowing the conduct of divine services to become a common thing, done in a perfunctory way. He needs constantly to cultivate and practice the sense of the sacred, as contrasted with the ordinary affairs of life. If each time he goes into the house of God it is with a new and vivid sense of the presence of God, it will bring into his very demeanor a carefulness, a solemnity, a reverence, and a worshipful frame of mind which will be felt by, and transmitted to. the congregation. Without this heart preparation, growing out of a constant walk with God and fellowship with Him, the most correctly worked out order of service will be mere form and will fail to produce true reverence and devotion. However, given a sacred flame in the heart of those who lead, that order of" service will be the most helpful to those who worship and the most pleasing to Him who is worshiped, which is characterized by a "holy array," and which is most free from distracting elements, irrelevant intrusions, and awkward interruptions.
Attention to certain particular points which may well be considered, will do much to improve the public ministry of even the most devout worker. In these days when so much study is given to means of attracting people and holding their attention, the Christian ministry must not fail to make the services attractive, beautiful, and powerful to hold and mold people's lives. It goes without saying that thorough preparation should be made for every detail of each service, if it is to be carried out smoothly, in an orderly way, and without confusion, hurry, or embarrassment. This preparation should extend to all who have any part on the rostrum.
In this connection, there is much to say in favor of having only a small number, say three, take part, rather than a larger number. The more men there are on the rostrum, the greater the distraction and the likelihood of confusion. Although in conference meetings and other assemblies there may be times when men should be honored or for other reasons brought before the people, it seems that these reasons do not hold when the church meets for its regular Sabbath worship. Then everything should be planned with a view to reverence and quiet worship. There will be occasions, of course, when visiting ministers should be asked as a courtesy to assist, but in any case it is much better if all can be informed beforehand of the part they are individually to have in the service. The question of dress is often involved, as one might have just returned from a journey and might not be wearing what he would if he knew he were to go before a congregation in worship. Surely a motley array of different-colored suits, shirts, neckties, and socks, does not add to the dignity and impressiveness of a service. Those who ministered in the temple anciently would never have been allowed to go to their duties in the ordinary street or business garb. There is much to be said today in favor of a distinctive garb for use in conducting sacred services. Even though this does not seem to be the order in our denomination, the minister would do well to have a suit that he uses only for his church duties. At least he should avoid wearing any but a dark suit, or taking into the pulpit with him those wearing inappropriate suits and conspicuous ties. In extremely hot climates, a neat white or light-colored suit might be in order, but the appearance of sport or picnic garb should be avoided.
Announcements and Rostrum Posture
Having made sure that those who are to have part in the services are in readiness and on hand well before the time to begin, the leader will attend to arranging and organizing matters, and then all will go in before the people in a quiet, orderly manner. All will kneel reverently in the same direction for the silent prayer, and then take their seats. Each one will do his assigned part without having to be reminded. There should be no necessity for ministers' communicating among themselves while on the platform. If it is necessary to make any introductions, this may often be attended to at the same time the announcements are made, so as to avoid further interruptions in the service.
Announcements should be limited to such items as pertain to the church, and these reduced to a minimum. Where the church has a printed bulletin for announcements, time can be saved and distraction from worship avoided by assuming that all can read, and omitting the public reading of these. And if the order of the services is printed, why should it be necessary to have someone stand up to announce the numbers of the hymns? Even where there is no printed bulletin, neat hymnal boards can easily be provided on which these numbers are posted. As the instrument begins to play the opening strains, all can find the hymn and join in singing at the proper time without an announcement from the desk. Thus needless announcements and repetitions may be avoided. When such provision is not made, omission of stanzas can be indicated at the time the hymn is announced and not in the midst of the singing. No one who is following the thought of the hymn, and singing as an act of worship, appreciates having the devotion broken by someone's calling out to omit one or more "verses" (or correctly, "stanzas"), nor does this add to the general atmosphere of reverence.
The preparation for going in before the worshipers might well include an understanding regarding the posture in prayer. If the congregation kneels for the public prayer, the ministers would do well to kneel toward the people, all in the same way, preferably on both knees. A very disorderly impression is made if some latecomer looks in and sees one minister with his back toward the people, another balancing on one knee, and still another crouching or squatting in some other ungainly position.
The manner of sitting on the rostrum during the services should also receive thought. Careless or undignified posture, lounging, slumping, one leg thrown over the other, thoughtless toying with some article or part of the clothing, too-conspicuous use of the handkerchief, vigorous fanning, vacant gazing about or staring, fingering through the hymnal, or reading something not related to the sermon—all these offend the higher senses of cultured persons and distract from the attention and quiet devotion of the worshipers. Best form indicates that both feet should be on the floor and the knees not spread apart. Sufficient change for ease and relief from stiffness might be had by slight shifting of one foot before or behind the other, but never should the feet and legs be thrust forward full length.
Earnest attention to some of these details will soon make it come natural to deport oneself in the proper and dignified way. The worship of Jehovah in "holy array" will be a real delight to him who conducts the service, a great help in securing reverential attention and order in the house of God, and it will honor and please the unseen host who with us worship Him who is a God of order and not of confusion.
