The Use Of Language In Worship

Language has always been at the center of discussions about worship. In highly liturgical churches, concerns about language are focused on a fixed text. In free churches, choice of language is primarily the domain of a pastor or worship leader, whose selection of words for prayers and introduction of the various parts of the service may be either extemporaneous or written beforehand. In almost every tradition, texts set to music are scrutinized. Most often, when the language of worship is discussed, theological and cultural issues are central. Texts of prayers, sermons, and songs are analyzed for their faithfulness to Scripture and to the central tenets of the Christian faith. The same texts are scrutinized for how they respond to and are sensitive to all persons in the worshiping congregation. But language also has aesthetic qualities. Metaphors and images make language more imaginative and meaningful. The rhythm and rhyme of language make it memorable and momentous. This section will…