Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Mar/90

Contributor - H. Rynberk, T. Dyktsra, J. Heeg

Title - Forum: Worship And God's Word

Topic - Worship

"What is the place of the sermon in the Service of Worship"

We asked that question of a minister and two elders in Reformed churches in Canada near responses, which follow here,'may motivate our readers to send in their comments. We would welcome that.

The following lead questions were suggested to guide our FORUM participants in their thinking:

1. How do you see the place of the sermon in the Service of Worship?

2. Why does the preaching of God's Word have a distinct emphasis in the Reformed Worship tradition.

3. Elders only: What do you expect to receive from a sermon, and how important do you rate the work of sermon preparation in your pastor's schedule.

4. Minister only: What are your personal aims and objectives for a sermon, and how much time does it require to prepare a message?

Mrs. Harriet Rynberk, elder at Christ Community Church, Welland, Ontario responded as follows:

"We Approach God, We Hear God's Word, Our Response to God-for many of us this is the familiar worship service format. We are given an opportunity to praise God, thank Him confess to Him, and bring our petitions and offerings to Him. We are active in worship--we come prepared to participate. It has been said, "Real worship is something vou do--not something you watch." Our responsibility therefore is to approach worship with eager anticipated focusing full attention on the service and allowing our hearts to be probed and examined. When we pray and praise because it comes from the heart and we mean it- our lives and the lives of others are chains.

Many believe that what one gets out of a sermon depends on the minister--his/her topic, organization, and dynamism. But it is only through the leading of !he Holy Spirit in the choosing, researching and preparing the text that we, the parishioners, can be inspired. The better prepared the sermon, the easier it s to follow. Preparation requires time - how much is an individual matter

Together we worship - the Pastor inspires us and through our participation he/she is also inspired.

What a great beginning to a new week."

Mr. Ted Dykstra, elder at Christ Community Church, St. Albert, Alberta wrote:

"The sermon is the central focus of worship. ff worship can be defined as the action through which God's people acknowledge God's worthiness (Rev. 4:11), then the sermon must stress God's worthiness, and how we can apply that same worthiness to our own Christian life and ministry."

The sermon is not, however, the sole focus of worship. Worship must also provide opportunity for adoration, confession, and thanksgiving through prayer and singing. The entire service of worship ii like a symphony in which all parts of the service blend together to the glory of God and the edification of His people.

I believe that the most important distinctive of the sermon in Reformed theology is that it, along with the two sacraments, serves as a means of grace. It proclaims the Gospel (the way of salvation revealed in Jesus Christ). It must therefore be grounded in scripture.

The sermon serves as the main dish of my "spiritual meal". I must therefore be able to "digest" (understand) the contents to experience growth. It must have the proper balance between scriptural truths and practical application.

The amount of time that a pastor devotes to sermon preparation will depend on a number of factors (experience, spiritual gifts, number of services, etc.). It should probably be in the range of 12-18 hours per week."

Rev. John Heeg, pastor at the First Reformed Church of Harriston, Ontario sent us this response:

"I believe that the sermon is a vital part of the total worship experience in Reformed worship. As we consider the importance of the sermon, we must remember that it is only a part of the total worship experience within the context of Reformed worship.

First of all, the place where we find the sermon in our worship service is important. We come into God's presence with thankfulness in response to the salvation we have received through Christ. We come with humility, realizing our short-comings, seeking His forgiveness and grace through our confessions. We come with open hearts to receive again His guidance, nourishment and strength for our lives. It is at that point of our worship experience that the sermon is being introduced. Ready to receive and to hear again what the Lord is saying to His people from His Holy word.

According to our Reformed confessions we place a high value on the proclamation of His word. We believe we are a church under the word. We are a church who boasts that Scripture is the only norm and rule be which we are to guide our life and conduct. For it is through the sermon that we believe that God communicates His will io His people. This makes the sermon a valuable part of worship.

Second, in order to hear God's voice through the sermon, it should be faithful to the text and scripture itself. It is the text and the scripture that should produce the sermon. I expect to hear through the sermon, the whole council of God as revealed in scripture. A sermon should inform, correct, encourage, warn, judge and save. It reflects His mercy as well as His judgments. It is a message that faithfully interprets the revelation of God as He has communicated himself through His word.

My personal aim as a pastor is that the sermon may reflect all these things, thus allowing scripture to speak on its own authority. Further, that through my sermons God's people may hear the whole -truth of God's word. This is the charge that Christ gives a pastor!

This preparation to deliver a faithful sermon is hard work. As a general rule it takes me approximately 15 - 20 hours for one sermon. The entire congregation will benefit from the fruit of the pastor's labour. Study will protect the parishioners from the excessive influence of the minister's own opinions, prejudices and feelings. The time spent in study is not getting from daily work but getting into daily work.

If we so perceive the sermon in our worship experience, where the pastor prepares well and the congregation listens well, the Lord will use the sermon as a blessing to all!

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