assemblies of believers

Renée Antrosio – June 13, 2023 1 Comment

That thing we do on Sunday mornings- singing, reading scripture, praying, teaching and being taught, giving tithes and offerings, celebrating the Lord’s supper- the biblical writers wouldn’t have called this assembly “worship.” Huh, news to me! Though I think a lot about our gatherings and what elements are important to include, I’d never dug into the terminology before. 

Shachah, the primary Hebrew word translated as “worship,” means “to bow down or prostrate oneself in homage.” Proskuneo, the primary Greek word translated as “worship,” means “to do homage or make obeisance by kneeling or prostration” (whether to express respect or to make supplication.) Both are action verbs, physical acts of respect of an individual toward a greater power. 

Kneeling. Bowing. Prostrating oneself. Where do these occur in our culture? When do I kneel or bow? Something to mull over.

So what are we doing when we gather, why is it important, and what should we call it? We are far removed in language and time from ancient Hebrew culture or Jesus’ Jewish culture. Paul’s instructions to Gentile converts- the churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Colossae- seem like good guidelines.

When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All these things must be done to build up the church. 1 Cor. 14:26b

speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; Eph. 5:19

The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Col. 3:16

Gathering to sing, make music, teach, and learn is important! And I might stop referring to our services as “worship.” I want to think more about the act of bowing down. Maybe kneeling is more important than I realized. 

When I was reading Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians this morning, a phrase jumped out at me as very “New Covenant” and made me chuckle:

It isn’t that we are trying to control your faith, but we are working with you for your happiness, because you stand firm in your faith. 2 Cor 1:24

I understand that the word “worship” has come to include Christian assemblies. I am in the habit of talking about “worship planning” and “worship services” and named our podcast “online worship.” I am not trying to control how people refer to this essential part of our faith life together. And I think that it is worth considering the words we use as we try to understand each other, serve each other, and grow together in the living out of our faith. 

Come, let’s sing out loud to the Lord!
    Let’s raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation!
Let’s come before God with thanks!
    Let’s shout songs of joy to the Lord!
….
Come, let’s worship and bow down!
    Let’s kneel before the Lord, our maker! Ps. 95:1-2,6

May psalms and prayer, singing and music, teaching and interpretation of scripture build up the church that we may be the salt of the earth and light to the world. And may we also worship, bow down, and kneel before the Lord, our Maker. -Renée