What is Your Response?

We’ve made our way through two movements of a worship service so far: Gathering around the Word in which we come as we are and receive the opportunity to be called to worship and to clear and cleanse our minds and hearts, receiving forgiveness; and Proclaiming the Word, as we hear the word read, sung, enacted and opened to our minds, hearts, and spirits through a sermon in some form.

Now, that we have heard the word and been moved by its power to change our lives, we are ready to Respond to the Word.

Our Presbyterian Book of Order says that, “The response to the proclamation of the Word is expressed in an affirmation of faith and commitment.” 

There are many ways that we can affirm our faith in God and here are a few:  the congregation can sing a hymn or other type of musical response declaring our continuing faith in God; we could say or sing one of the creeds, such as the Apostles Creed or Nicene Creed.  This is also a place where the choir could sing an anthem.

The congregation may also renew and express their commitment to God.  There are many ways to do that: by receiving of new members at this time; by the ordination and installation of church officers (elders and deacons); and by the commissioning for service in the church (i.e., Sunday School teachers for children and adults) and to the church around the world (i.e., sending members and friends to the mission field, whether long- or short-term).  Our faith in and continuing commitment to God may also be expressed through prayer and intercession, for each other in our local church and for the Church in general, those in distress around the world, and in our nation, state, and local communities. 

Our most common and frequent way to express our commitment is through the offering.  The thought is that when we hear God’s word proclaimed we are so moved by faith and trust that we want to offer to God our resources and ourselves so that His work might be done. 

There is a separate movement that occurs periodically in our service that can be considered part of the Response to the Word, called Sealing in the Word. It includes our two sacraments: baptism (including reaffirming the commitments made at baptism) and the Lord’s Supper.  These are also ways of expressing and renewing our faith and commitment.  They are in a different category, however, because they involve more than just us.  While the parents may present their child for baptism (or others may present themselves), God is doing the work of enfolding us into His family by His grace.  We respond to God’s call by presenting ourselves or our children but God does the work.  Similarly with the Lord’s Supper; as we come forward in response to God’s drawing us with His love, He renews His presence in our hearts and spirits as we take the bread and cup, His body and blood.

Looking back, as we have come to worship God as we are, to hear His word proclaimed and to respond in love, faith, and renewed commitment, we are now ready to see how we can take our renewed hearts and spirits out into the world to share with others.  We’ll take a look at that next time!