1
DISCUSSION FORUM5: Theology of Worship and Preaching
After reading the selected chapters from Worship Old and New and watching the presentations
by Dr. Steven Newby, Pastor Robert Morgan, and Professor Don Wyrtzen, articulate the
theological basis for worship and preaching, and describe the role the pastor has as a primary
communicator of worship theology.
Corporate worship begins with the first moments of singing or proclamation of Scripture
and continues through the sermon and to the benediction. From the first instance of public
worship described in Scripture and throughout the history of the church, the proclamation of the
Word of God has been a central act of worship according to Robert Webber.1 As corporate
worshippers sitting in the pew, we worship as we listen to the Word of God. As individuals, we
worship when we feed on the Word of God and apply it to daily living. All of us have no doubt
listened to sermons given by persons not engaged in worship. A man of God can preach without
worshiping – and the Word will not return void. But a man of God truly experiencing the joy of
worshiping in spirit and in truth will never preach the gospel without worshipping. Webber
states, “The sermon is the final and climactic point in which God speaks to the people.”2
My first theological basis for worship and preaching is that preaching becomes a sacrifice
of praise when it exalts the Person of Truth. God is the Person of Truth, and when sermons exalt
Him as such, preaching praises the Almighty, and we worship. Second, preaching engages people
in worship when it explains and expounds the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the Gospel is
explained, God’s people are edified, the unsaved are evangelized, and the truth of His Word
pierces the soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12). At the heart of biblical preaching that engages people in
biblical worship is the presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as Webber states, “the Gospel
carries the special privilege of communicating the legacy of Jesus, a different formula for
1 Webber, Robert E. Worship Old and New. Zondervan, 2009. Kindle, 2997-2998.
2 Robert, 3038.
2
introducing the Gospel reading developed.”3 Also, the Gospel itself is the power of God that
edifies and encourages. We worship as we listen to the preached Word of God. Third, we worship
God through the Word when we extol the power and wonder of God. We extol God when we
commend, compliment, laud, applaud, eulogize, acclaim, or celebrate His greatness. Biblical
preaching is preaching that provides opportunity for the preacher and the listener to enter into
worship. Fourth, we worship God through the Word when Christ is exalted as the source of
redemption. God sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. When we preach redemption, we
preach the plan and purpose of God. Scripture gives testimony that God provides His Word for
the purpose of bringing humans unto Himself. He has given us the Scriptures from His own
heart. Lastly, preaching the Word engages us in worship when we are edified by the promises of
the gospel. No wonder lives are changed when the Word of God is preached. We are prone to
worship when we hear the spoken Word, which illuminates, revies, produces faith, and keeps us
from destructive paths. We’ve seen that the reading of Scripture and preaching have always been
regarded as acts of worship from a biblical and historical perspective.4
The pastor and preacher worship as they declare the Word of God to their congregations.
And the pastors are contender for truth when it comes to their role as primary communicator of
worship theology. This involves they are being theologian for their worship program, team,
choir, and worship personnel. Next, it involves being a guardian over the music and worship
program. And, it includes being a protector against false doctrine, error, and misrepresentation of
the truth of God.
3 Ibid., 3068-3069.
4 Ibid., 3149-3150.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
