Education for Worship in the East Wenatchee Seventh-day Adventist Church

There is no greater challenge than to learn how to worship God, the Creator and Redeemer. God's people must make an effort to search for this truth as it is found in Christ (John 5:39). They must learn how to worship Him, who created and redeemed them through His only Son, for true worship experience will add power to their faith and vitality to Christian practice. One must not only endeavor to acquire more knowledge and to gain increased understanding about the truth of worship, but also to share in a greater worship experience. This project report begins by discussing the theological principles of Christian worship that were the basis of a worship emphasis series consisting of six sermons preached to the congregation of the East Wenatchee Seventh-day Adventist Church with the intention of educating the congregation regarding worship and six of its elements. A questionnaire designed to determine the congregation's attitude towards and understanding of worship and its elements was handed out to the congregation before the worship education series and again after its conclusion. The post-test data seem to suggest that the worship emphasis series has accomplished two things: (1) it has given the East Wenatchee congregation some theological information about Christian worship and its essential elements, and (2) presented the information in such a way that the attitude toward worship has changed and spiritual development has taken place. The worship education appears to have taken place during the implementation period. This observation appears to be substantiated by the results of the post-test questionnaires and the written testimonies submitted by the members. The responses seem to indicate that many of the members have made an intelligent reassessment of Christian worship, have gained a better understanding of it, and are experiencing worship more fully. The worship emphasis series can be planned and implemented by the worship committee and the pastor in any local church. As a result, God's people may grow in grace so that their worship as a redeemed fellowship on the Sabbath may truly be "in spirit and truth." God's people will give Him an appropriate response as a worshipping fellowship by dedicating themselves in service to Him, entering into the world to honor and glorify Him.