The Structure of Modern Church Worship and the Call to Return to True Worship

1. The Structure of Modern Church Worship

Most contemporary church services follow a specific format and sequence, such as:

• Opening hymn → Representative prayer → Sermon → Offering → Closing prayer

1.1 Catholic Mass and Protestant Worship

• Catholic Mass:

  • Origin: Derived from the Roman legal term "Ite, missa est," which signified the conclusion of a trial.
  • Structure: Includes a Eucharistic celebration (the Lord's Supper) following a sermon.
  • Focus: Over time, the Eucharist became a ritual-centered practice, losing its original intent.

• Protestant Worship:

  • Modeled after Catholic Mass but excludes the Eucharistic celebration in most services.
  • Adopted by most churches after the Reformation while maintaining a similar structure.
  • Sects like the World Mission Society Church of God and Shincheonji replicate this format.

2. The Origins and Evolution of Catholic Mass

The Catholic Mass was originally inspired by the Last Supper of the early Church. However, over time, it diverged into a formalized ritual, losing its spiritual essence.

2.1 Early Church Practices

• Jesus’ Teachings: Emphasized life transformation and inner purity rather than rigid rituals.
• Communion in the Early Church: Focused on fellowship and sharing meals to proclaim the resurrection.

2.2 Institutionalized Communion

• After the apostles passed away, influences from Judaism and pagan religions introduced formalized rituals:
  • Eastern Church: Fasted until Nisan 14 and observed communion to commemorate Jesus' death.
  • Western Church: Fasted from Nisan 14 until Resurrection Sunday, emphasizing Jesus’ resurrection.

2.3 The Paschal Controversy and the Council of Nicaea (AD 325)

• The Council resolved to observe communion on Sundays, aligning with the Western tradition.
• This decision formalized ritualized worship that persists to this day.

3. The Reformation and the Formation of Protestant Worship

3.1 The Reformation’s Impact (16th Century)

• Rejected Catholic Mass but retained much of its structure.
• Shifted focus to sermons, with communion observed occasionally.

3.2 Persistent Issues

• Despite reforms, worship remained formalized and ritualistic.

4. Jesus’ Teachings: Worship in Spirit and Truth

Jesus emphasized the essence of worship rather than outward rituals:

• [John 4:23–24]
  “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

4.1 Early Church Worship

• Simple gatherings, sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ teachings.
• Focus: Inner transformation, purity, and fellowship with God.

4.2 Contrast with Modern Worship

• Contemporary worship emphasizes sermons, offerings, and communion rituals, which deviate from Jesus’ teachings.
• These external acts often resemble legalistic practices rather than spiritual worship.

5. Conclusion: A Call to Return to the Essence of Worship

The modern Church has strayed from the simplicity and purity of early Christian worship:

• Catholic Influence: Formalized rituals from Mass have shaped today’s worship.
• Protestant Continuity: Despite rejecting Catholicism, Protestant churches retained many of its structural elements.

5.1 What Is True Worship?

• God’s Temple Is the Believer:
  • [1 Corinthians 3:16]
    “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
• True worship involves repentance, love in action, and a transformed life.

6. Guidance for God’s People

True believers must reject superficial rituals and seek genuine worship:

1. Move Beyond Rituals: Shift focus from external ceremonies to inner transformation.
2. Practice Worship in Spirit and Truth: Embrace worship that reflects a sincere heart and God’s truth.
3. Pursue Inner Purity and Repentance: Build a deeper relationship with God through a cleansed heart.
4. Live a Transformed Life: Demonstrate faith through practical love and righteous actions.

Final Exhortation

The formalized worship of today diverges significantly from the pure faith of the early Church. True faith requires breaking free from traditional rituals and understanding God’s will.

Let us abandon the “ritualistic enchantments” that entangle the Church today and approach God with sincere worship in spirit and truth. Through this, we can restore the true essence of faith and deepen our relationship with God.