Trends and directions in ecumenical worship and proposals to pave the way towards liturgical renewal in the presbyterian church in Taiwan

Abstract

This research is an attempt to survey the features of Christian worship from its Biblical heritage to the Presbyterian Church tradition in Taiwan. The primary aim is to identify elements of worship that could lead to dynamic, relevant liturgical experiences in modern times.

Part I. Historical and Biblico-Theological Foundation of Worship

In Chapter 1, the Biblico-Theological foundation of worship is analyzed to find out the basic elements. By basic elements, we refer to the inclusive and universal understanding of worship that embraces both the divine and human character of any worship act.

Chapter 2 deals with a study of the Reformed Church practices of worship. It is aimed at looking at changes in liturgy as brought about by the need to transform church worship.

Chapter 3 is a discussion of the upsurgence of interest in liturgical renewal within the ecumenical circle. The approach used in this paper is to trace the varying levels of ecumenical understanding on what constitute a relevant worship.

Part II. Analysis and Reflections of Worship

The next unit is a close scrutiny of the worship life of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. The PCT faith formulations and principles on worship is taken from secondary sources as well as from personal experiences and observations. Problem areas of worship in churches are considered v is - a - v is the influx of the charismatic movements.

Chapter 4 shows the current forms and elements of worship of churches belonging to PCT. It will point out both strengths and weaknesses on its worship life.

Chapter 5 are observations and reflections on how the charismatic movements 4 have, directly or indirectly, influenced the views of some sector of the church regarding worship. Thus, the PCT's church members have developed different levels of understanding on what constitutes a meaningful worship. A short description of the worship and praise approach of the charismatic movement is dealt with in this section.

Part III. Towards The Development of Liturgical Renewal in The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan

Based on the research findings, the following are the significant observations and recommendations deemed necessary for a liturgical renewal to take place.

A. Contextualization of worship in Taiwan: There seems to be lack of efforts to bridge the gap between scriptural practices of worship with the cultural thought - forms of the worshiping people here and now. The essence of worship must be "translated" into the current expressions, modes and mediums of culture.

B. Creating relevant Liturgical symbols and art: There is a need to discover and make use of symbols and art that could enhance worship Planning worship experiences to allow each person to respond in varying ways can be done by using the medium of symbols and art.

C. Stressing the importance of worship in theological education: There is a lack of understanding among church members regarding the details of worship. Appreciation of the forms, movement and the significance of each part of worship can be strengthened by awareness-building activities. An educational program on worship can be a way of encouraging more active participation of the people in worship.

D. Creating new worship forms : The author presents ten (10) suggested experimental liturgies which had been found to be meaningful to the people who participated in it. Some of these models had been personally prepared and conducted with overwhelming positive responses. Based on concrete experiences, there's a clamor for more of such models to serve as guides or models in preparing liturgies.

E. Balance between the intellectual and the emotional: Some church had been found 5 to be over-emphasizing the intellectual aspects of worship while others give undue stress on emotions. There is a need to encourage churches to bear in mind the appropriate combination of the two dimensions in the liturgical preparation.

F. Learning from the trends of ecumenical worship renewal: Integrating the trends and directions of ecumenical worship: The ecumenical worship fosters unity and brotherhood among people of different religious understanding. There is much to learn from the ecumenical experiences in worship as people try to make it responsive to the needs of modern people. A meaningful worship ought to be one which creates openness, acceptance and solidarity.

G. Enforcing the education of hymnology and church music: There is room for improvement in the use of hymns and other musical expressions of faith. There must be some degree of creativity in selecting songs that will appropriately suit the circumstances and moods of the worshiping people. In some instances, revision of hymns and musical components of worship is in order.

H. Use of inclusive language: Worship has to utilize words and expressions that are not limited and discriminatory. Gender expressions, ethnic words and class- oriented terms can either isolate or exclude some group of worshipers. There is, therefore, a need to plan a worship which will tap an all-inclusive thought-forms and terminologies.

I. Adaptation of audio-visual techniques and scientific methods in worship renewal: There is a need for people to be able to have varied and profound experiences on worship that will involve senses. It has already been shown by psychological researches that human experience involving the various senses has profound effects on individuals. The use of audio-visual medium in worship that will enhance the aesthetic dimensions can contribute to make it meaningful. Church members can be asked to get involved in improving the worship exercise by soliciting their feedback. The feedback systems can be in the form of an evaluation form for them to rate the worship activities in terms of form, content, movement, significance, and relevance. They can also make their own personal analysis on the various elements of the format, design and elements. Moreover, they can make their own recommendations for its further improvements. CONCLUSION

This research paper has shown the features of a meaningful worship. Firstly, it involves a strong conviction of the important role of understanding biblical traditions. Worship must be rooted and grounded on the Bible and likewise centered on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, it involves a confessional feature where the worshiper proclaims his/her convictions about God and that what one does is nothing but to glorify God and to worship God in "spirit and in truth".

Thirdly, worship has to consider the culture feature where the unique social milieu must be identified and discover how God's message can be "incarnated" in a culture without losing its universal dimension.

Fourthly, worship to become meaningful must be ecumenical. By ecumenical, it refers to its inclusive nature and unity where different units become one body in Jesus Christ.