Is our worship biblical?

Churchgoers sometimes ask their leaders that question. As a worship pastor and educator, I take seriously my responsibility to minister and teach in a way that faithfully reflects biblical revelation.

Historically, Christians have considered worship biblical if it meets three criteria:

• First, Scripture supports it. We sing and pray, for example, because the Bible instructs us to do these things.
• Second, Scripture infuses it. Whether through song lyrics or a public Bible reading, worship should point us back to God’s truth.
• Finally, it invites people into the story of Scripture. The biblical pattern of revelation and response gives worshippers an opportunity to experience God personally and corporately.

Taking Inventory

Pentecostals often steer clear of worship traditions they view as liturgical. One pastor told me he didn’t want to engage in empty ritual and vain repetition.

Of course, much of what happens during our weekly church gatherings is repetitive and predictable, from the order of worship to the song list. The issue isn’t how often we do these things, but why.

Leaders should inventory each aspect of the worship service, considering its biblical basis and corporate purpose. This requires an honest assessment of the formulas used and cultural traditions we take for granted.

If certain habits have become routine, it might be time for a change. Instead of standing during all the songs, invite worshippers to kneel or sit prayerfully for a few moments while focusing on God.

It’s also worth considering what might be missing from our worship services.

I serve as a professor of worship studies at North Central University in Minneapolis. In that role, I have the privilege of teaching ministry students the theology and foundations of Christian worship.

Each semester, I lead students in two Communion services. I include liturgical practices to highlight the role of ancient traditions in contemporary contexts.

Students sing psalms of praise and lament from Scripture, along with evangelical hymns and contemporary worship choruses. They recite creeds, offer corporate confessions, pray ancient prayers, and gather around the table for Communion.

The worship is exciting and Spirit-led. Students fully engage without worrying about whether their genuine expressions are too traditional.

These students represent the next generation of ministry leaders. They recognize they don’t have to choose between passion and tradition. They can embrace both.

Five Practices

As Pentecostals, we can be authentic, relevant, and biblical while rediscovering expressions of worship we might have neglected.

Consider incorporating five traditional practices into your worship services.

1. Take Communion weekly. Acts 2:42 provides the first description of the Early Church gathering for worship.

Luke said the meetings entailed teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Our weekly worship services should include these four elements of worship as well.

Breaking of bread refers to Communion. This practice, which Jesus himself commanded, meets all the criteria of biblical worship.

Some pastors worry Communion will become mundane or ritualistic if practiced every week. Yet I seldom hear the same concerns about singing or sermons.

It’s appropriate to avoid traditionalism in worship. At the same time, we must steward and pass down the biblical traditions of our faith.

We change musical set lists and sermon topics to keep them fresh. With a bit of planning and creativity, we can add variety to Communion as well. Instead of passing a tray, for instance, people could receive the bread and cup at the altar.

2. Engage the psalms, including those of lament.

Theologian N.T. Wright observed that if this generation of Christians excludes psalms from corporate worship, it will be the first in history.

The Old Testament Book of Psalms served as the Church’s earliest hymnal. It covers the full range of human experiences, from profound joy to deep pain.

Churches tend to lean toward joyful worship. Yet according to Romans 12:15, we should “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “mourn with those who mourn.”

We don’t have to choose between rejoicing and mourning. God’s Word acknowledges and models both.

Paul seems to have understood the need for variety in worship when he instructed believers to sing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

3. Practice corporate confession. Encourage worshippers to confess their sins to the Lord.

During singing, before Communion, or in the quiet moments following a prophetic utterance, confession can become a powerful part of the worship service.

Share Scriptures like Romans 3:22–24 and 1 John 1:9, pointing to the forgiveness Jesus offers.

We can’t see the spiritual and emotional loads attendees are carrying, but we can point them to the One who welcomes the weary and burdened. Jesus assures us His yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:28–30).

4. Utilize the ancient creeds. Ecumenical texts like the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed have served as powerful statements of faith for much of Chrisitan history.

Affirming beliefs as a community can help unify the Church and serve as a teaching tool.

If you don’t want to recite creeds, there are a number of modern worship songs with strong declarations of faith. Look for lyrics that summarize the gospel and connect believers to the worldwide Church.

Reciting or singing such declarations during worship makes the biblical narrative accessible and memorable to each worshipper.

5. Create space for extended prayer. Acts 2:42 emphasizes the importance of prayer for the Early Church.

Prayer remains a common feature of worship meetings today. However, worship leaders seldom devote as much time to it as they think.

Worship historian Lester Ruth uses the term “capo prayers” to describe prayerful interludes lasting just long enough for a guitarist to make adjustments before the next song.

We can do better. Every worship service should include meaningful opportunities to intercede for the congregation, community, and world.

If you don’t already have a time of prayer for personal needs, start there. Anoint the sick with oil, as Scripture instructs (James 5:14–15).

Encourage worshippers to join in specific prayers, such as the salvation of unsaved family members and friends.

While many worship songs have prayerful lyrics, most are self-focused. Encourage intercession for others by singing outward-focused prayers.

God’s Story

In The Vindication of Tradition, Jaroslav Pelikan said, “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. And, I suppose I should add, it is traditionalism that gives tradition such a bad name.”

It’s appropriate to avoid traditionalism in worship. At the same time, we must steward and pass down the biblical traditions of our faith. These include reading, singing, and preaching Scripture; sharing Communion; and interacting with God through praise, prayer, and lament.

When we come together in worship, God speaks, and His people respond. So let us respond with passion, reverence, and authenticity anchored in truth.

May every aspect of our worship — whether old or new — be thoroughly biblical, telling God’s story and not our own.

This article appears in the Winter 2026 issue of Influence magazine.