An Adventist Model Of Worship

Early Adventist worship was simple, informal, and vigorously nonliturgical. When the first church Manual was adopted, reluctantly, in 1883, it made no mention how regular worship services should be conducted. It did, however, lay down some guidelines for the "ordinances of the Lord's house," meaning the Lord's Supper and the accompanying foot-washing service. Indeed, the earliest mention of an order of service for Adventist churches appears to be in a book published in 1906 by a prominent Colorado pastor, H. M. J. Richards. This order of service is presented below. Scattered hints in earlier sources mention such elements as "prayers, singing, exhortation, and preaching" (see D. M. Canright,"A Few Thoughts About Meetings," Review and Herald, vol. 28 [Oct. 30, 1866], 173). Text: Silent Prayer Opening Hymn Public Prayer Hymn Sermon Hymn Benediction Commentary: The minister enters the pulpit and kneels for a few moments in silent prayer to God. All the people bow their heads a…