Liturgy and Modern Life: The Use of Corporate Worship to Inform and Shape Christian Behavior Within and Beyond the Gathered Assembly

Abstract

Every Christian worship gathering rehearses the story of God in community. Liturgy provides the structure through which that rehearsal takes place. Despite declining church attendance and an exodus from North American Protestantism, corporate worship and the liturgies that shape it still play a significant role in spiritual formation and hold tremendous power to shape behavior among Christian communities. This thesis argues that liturgists and worship leaders must fully understand, teach, and employ their liturgies to tell God’s story in a way that shapes flourishing communities. Exploring the fields of liturgical theology and liturgical history, this thesis will first cover the power of Gospel storytelling. Next it will offer an overview of the Biblical and historical use of liturgies including the damage caused by liturgies that marginalize some while elevating others. The final chapters will provide a close examination of three liturgical elements: the call to worship/gathering, benediction/sending, and proclamation/preaching. These three illustrate well how liturgical elements shape habits in everyday life. Contrary to what some who have left the church lament, liturgy remains a powerful tool to shape Christian thinking and habits. Liturgists and worship leaders who understand the powerful way liturgy shapes Christian behavior hold significant, historic, and sacred opportunities in their hands every single week.