Liturgy On Fire

Abstract

Contemporary evangelical churches face a crisis of spiritual formation. Many Christians know gospel facts but are not deeply formed by them. This thesis argues that one of the primary sources of this failure stems from the church’s shallow understanding of the story of the gospel. In a culture dominated by expressive individualism, believers will default to cultural narratives if churches fail to creatively, consistently rehearse the gospel.This project proposes an approach called "Liturgy on Fire"—the union of deep gospel content and rich liturgical framework. The four-chapter gospel narrative (Creation, Fall, Redemption, New Creation) provides the flame: the true story of reality that answers humanity's deepest questions and offers identity rooted in God's scandalous grace. Historic Christian liturgy provides the frame: rhythms and forms through which the gospel story is repeatedly rehearsed and embodied. Without gospel content, liturgy becomes empty ritual; without liturgical practice, the gospel remains primarily intellectual and fails to reshape affections and habits. This thesis demonstrates how one mid-sized evangelical church in Northern Michigan’s recovery of the gospel has been sustained and strengthened by adopting the liturgical calendar and restructuring worship around the gospel narrative. The results include deeper love for Christ and his gospel, increased fruit of the Spirit, and a congregation growing in hospitality across diverse backgrounds. This work aims to offer a compelling theological basis and some practical guidance for churches seeking to make disciples who are genuinely shaped by the gospel.