Abstract

STRAUSS, Piet J.. Worship services display the spiritual stand of the Dutch Reformed Church. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.58, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3025.

In theological and clerical circles, it is accepted that the content of church services in Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) congregations shows its spiritual state as a church, or the basic convictions of its Christian faith. From their General Synod as the broadest assembly in this church, stipulations of the DRC Church Order, as well as other resolutions about church services, are accepted to be implemented by congregations. From personal experiences during visits to congregations, the author came to the conclusion that there are tendencies in these church services that are no longer in accordance with its church order and the viewpoints of its General Synod, regarding church services. These tendencies lead to a derailing of the biblical lines of church services. It also indicates a lack of loyalty in this regard, by ministers of the DRC. What it boils down to, is that church services indicate the spiritual stand of the DRC. CONTRIBUTION: This article shows that church services show the spiritual approach and practice of churches. It states a principle for Reformed churches, and its critique on the Dutch Reformed Church aims at a reformation. The article stresses that the integration of the confessions of a church, as well as the understanding of the church, reflects in the services.

Keywords : worship service on Sundays; life as worship; Church order maintains essence; meeting between God and congregation; worship service shows spiritual trends; uninvolved church councils.

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