Liturgical... what's that?

The word liturgical is one of that is used typically only in circles where those in the circle already know what it means. It is a code word, loaded language, insider knowledge. If you're not familiar with the term, walking into a conversation about liturgical worship would be like an episode of Charlie Brown when the teacher talks, or trying to understand what those weirdos on the TV show "Big Bang Theory" are talking about (seriously, how does anyone watch that show?). Okay, now that I've isolated a large number of you, let's get back to liturgies.

Liturgical worship is a big fancy word that basically means big fancy worship... or at least a big fancy attitude toward worship. A couple of terms that have been used to describe this form of worship are "high church" or "vertical" worship. This is because the attitudes and approach to this style of worship are focused on the transcendence of God. These services are devoted to the grandeur and awe of God. The goal is to speak to the majesty of God through songs and rituals.

Liturgical worship is very structured. Every part of the service has significance and every part has its place. Because of this, some see liturgical worship as being boring or stale, and of course it does suffer from a predisposition of turning that way. Liturgical worship left to its own devices will most certainly become dull and dreary, because the congregation is simply going through the motions of the strict format.

But a liturgy of worship can have great positive aspects as well. It offers stability and assurance that what is being done in the service has meaning. As opposed to some versions of worship services where prayers function merely as a transition to give the choir time to find their place in the hymnal, in liturgical services everything has meaning and is done with intention. No doubt this is partly responsible for many young evangelicals now favoring a liturgical model where they find meaning and substance.