Articles

In this article, Rev. Dr. Michael Lockwood asks, “What does it mean to be liturgical?” He examines liturgy in the Old and New Testament, in Luther and the Confessions, and the connection between liturgy and the mission of the gospel.

In addition to identifying as biblical, confessional, and missional, Lutheran Mission – Australia also describes itself as liturgical. So what exactly does that mean?

When many people hear the word liturgical, they think primarily of adherence to certain human traditions. This may include chanting, wearing robes, singing hymns in a classical musical style, or using scripted prayers and responses, with little room for free prayer or spontaneity. While the content of such worship is usually biblical in nature, these outward forms by themselves do not guarantee that a church is biblical, confessional, or missional. 

Instead of focusing on such outward forms, this article will focus on what lies at the heart of the best Christian worship practices. It will do so by defining the liturgy of Christ’s church in way that is biblical, confessional, and missional. A church that is liturgical in that sense is one that is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, and his work of cleansing us from our sins and ushering us into the presence of God so that we can receive his gifts and blessings.