User:Merond e/Worship Project

Original article at Contemporary Christian worship. For more information on why this article has been copied over see the talk page.

A contemporary Christian worship session in a Western church

In general, worship for both the Eastern Orthodox churches and the Catholic branch of the Western church is based on regular celebration of the "Lord's Supper", celebrated by a priest with more or less participation from the whole body of generally Christian believers present. This tradition, variously known as the Mass, Eucharist or Communion, continues in the Low Church branch of the Anglican church and among some Protestants. A worship service in these traditions is centered on the sharing of bread (or bread and wine, or substitutes for them) and it includes prayer, the reading of Scripture, singing and some form of teaching or sermon. In many Protestant traditions, however, Communion is celebrated only occasionally, and corporate worship is centered on a formal sermon, which may resemble a lecture or a passionate exhortation. Worship in such a context also generally includes spoken prayer (either spontaneous or carefully prepared), liturgical recitations, Scripture, singing and an offering of money from members of the congregation.

The format of the worship service may either follow the rubrics set out by authority in a prayer book or similar guide or it may follow socially defined norms and the tastes of the minister or other individuals who are leading the service. In virtually all Christian traditions, this regular public worship is complemented by other forms of worship, such as individual meditation, prayer and study, small group prayer (often linked with Bible study), and formal ceremonies on special occasions such as weddings, funerals and events of Church or state.

Worship music[edit]

Worship music is a sub-genre of Christian music that is commonly used to denote songs that are used to worship God and set in popular music styles, often with repeating, short, easily sung "chorus" parts. Originally termed praise music (or praise song), then later praise and worship, worship music has become the more current phrase to refer to any music used by Christians as part of their devotional practices, whether in the confines of a local church, or elsewhere.

Other devotional music[edit]

There are many styles of music used in Christian devotional contexts. A broader review of those styles and their origins and history in church liturgy would incorporate the broader topic of church music. This includes all the forms of Christian devotional stylings such as gospel (including southern gospel, country gospel, and urban contemporary gospel), hymns, chants, blended music and choral music.

Worship leader[edit]

In some Christian churches, a worship leader (sometimes lead worshipper) is a minister, musician or singer who leads the congregation in worship, more typically in the style of contemporary worship music.

Types of worship leader[edit]

A "presider" of the assembly (usually an ordained priest) is considered to be the worship leader in Catholic churches.
A person who is leading a band (and the congregation) in worship by singing (usually playing an instrument, as well)
A person who is leading/directing a choir and band (sometimes, organist/pianist, as well) in musical worship
A person who is leading a small group in worship either by playing an instrument and singing or by singing with a CD/DVD
Sometimes a person in charge of organizing the service and/or the songs (not necessarily musically gifted), although in most churches such a person is referred to as meeting leader or program director

In a small number of Protestant churches, every member of the choir or band is considered to be a worship leader. They believe it is the role of each person to help "lead" the congregation in worship by truly worshipping God with their voice or instrument. Other churches recognise the Holy Spirit as the only person qualified to lead the worship. In churches where these philosophies are promoted, the term "Lead Worshipper" is sometimes used for the person who is given the role of leadership within the band or choir.

Worship band[edit]

A modern Western worship band leading a contemporary worship session.

A worship band is a band that leads singing in Christian worship. They are often known as a worship team or a praise band or a praise team. Worship bands often play contemporary choruses or praise songs. Many churches which use modern styles of music in their worship form their own worship bands. Some contemporary Christian music bands also act as worship bands for events, and may label themselves as such. As a trend within the Emerging Church phenomenon as well as contemporary and seeker-sensitive churches, there has been an evolution in the style of music employed in congregational or small group worship. This involves an increased use of modern worship music to either supplement or entirely replace traditional hymns. Worship bands are most common in evangelical groups, but can also be found in mainline Protestant churches as well as in Roman Catholic worship.

Along with the new styles of music is the incorporation of non-traditional church instruments. Typical band instruments such as guitars, both acoustic and electric, keyboards, bass, and drums have emerged as the instruments of choice in many churches, leaving out the more traditional organ or piano. A band usually has one main song leader, or two who alternate the role of leading a song, and one to several back-up singers. Worship bands usually lead congregational singing replacing the traditional church choir. A worship band can create a contemporary sound to the worship that younger worshipers can identify with. Worship bands can also be utilized in order for non-churchgoing visitors to feel more comfortable, whereas in traditional worship settings they may feel intimidated.

Worship presentation program[edit]

A worship presentation program is a computer software package used to present text (songs, scripture, announcements), images and/or video, normally in the form of a slide show. It typically includes a text editor, a system to manage song lyrics, background images and other media, database of various Bible translations, and a slide-show feature to display the content. Similar to a presentation for business purposes, a large projection screen (or multiple screens) is positioned in the front of the room (either fixed onto the wall or suspended from the ceiling) to display information for the participants. While the pastor, speaker or worship leader may control the display directly from a portable computer (or by using a remote control or Musical instrument digital interface (Midi) device) to advance the slides, houses of worship often have a computer operator who will control what is projected onto the screen(s).