Worship Presbyterianism

presbyterian denominations trace heritage british isles organise church services inspired principles in directory of public worship, developed westminster assembly in 1640s. directory documented reformed worship practices , theology adopted , developed on preceding century british puritans, guided john calvin , john knox. enacted law scottish parliament, , became 1 of foundational documents of presbyterian church legislation elsewhere.

presbyterian catechising, 19th century

historically, driving principle in development of standards of presbyterian worship regulative principle of worship, specifies (in worship), not commanded forbidden.

over subsequent centuries, many presbyterian churches modified these prescriptions introducing hymnody, instrumental accompaniment, , ceremonial vestments worship. however, there not 1 fixed presbyterian worship style. although there set services lord s day , 1 can find service evangelical , revivalist in tone (especially in conservative denominations), or liturgical, approximating practices of lutheranism or anglicanism (especially scottish tradition esteemed), or semi-formal, allowing balance of hymns, preaching, , congregational participation (favored american presbyterians). presbyterian churches follow traditional liturgical year , observe traditional holidays, holy seasons, such advent, christmas, ash wednesday, holy week, easter, pentecost, etc. make use of appropriate seasonal liturgical colors, etc. many incorporate ancient liturgical prayers , responses communion services , follow daily, seasonal, , festival lectionary. other presbyterians, however, such reformed presbyterians, practice cappella exclusive psalmody, eschew celebration of holy days.

among paleo-orthodox , emerging church movements in protestant , evangelical churches, in presbyterians involved, clergy moving away traditional black geneva gown such vestments alb , chasuble, cassock , surplice (typically full length old english style surplice resembles celtic alb, ungirdled liturgical tunic of old gallican rite), some, particularly identifying liturgical renewal movement, hold more ancient , representative of more ecumenical past.