We attended a Presbyterian church yesterday where a friend of mine is pastoring. I'm thinking that it has been many decades since I attended Sunday morning worship in a non-Baptist church. My wife, perhaps never. So far, I have not noticed any ill effects but one never knows, perhaps they are latent and show themselves in time.
Actually, I knew from conversations that my Presby colleague loved Jesus, was serious about Scripture, and was theologically conservative. He preached about thirty minutes, was passionate about the subject and text, and serious in his intent to apply Scripture for the benefit of his congregation.
I think he had a full manuscript and mostly read it. It was worth reading and read well.
I have an Episcopalian relative who occasionally reminds me that his church uses Scripture more in worship than we Baptists, a point I don't contest. So did the Presbys, with several readings.
How about a corporate Prayer of Confession?
Forgive us, O God, for our lack of understanding of the Gospel. Forgive us when we make it more difficult that it really is...arguing over details which matter little, dividing over issues of insignificance. Forgive us also, when we make the Gospel easier that it really is...My pastor friend was on target with this one.
What? No music leader?
You mean that a church can sing hymns without someone up front waving their arms and leading?
Guess so.
We did sing the Doxology at a breathless pace, faster than I had ever experienced it. The ushers had to step quickly to get the offering to the front before the congregation finished singing the Doxology.
The church did have an excellent pianist who also doubled as choir director...but no music leader.
Folks were friendly. No one said we were sitting in their pew. Several people spoke to us even outside of the canned greeting time where it doesn't count.
We enjoyed it.
