1. Inspiring Worship Session 1: Defining Worship Welcome!

2. What, if anything has surprised you or struck you anew in this passage today? What, if anything has surprised you or struck you anew in this passage today? Jesus offers ‘living water’ to the Samaritan woman. What is life-giving to you? Jesus offers ‘living water’ to the Samaritan woman. What is life-giving to you? What does worshipping in ‘spirit and in truth’ mean to you? What does worshipping in ‘spirit and in truth’ mean to you? Gathering Worship

3. What is Worship? How would you define worship?

4. Oxford Compact Dictionary Noun: 1.Homage or reverence paid to a deity. 2.The acts, rites or ceremonies of worship. 3.Adoration or devotion shown towards a person or principle. Verb: 1.Adore as divine: honour with religious rites. 2.Regard with adoration. 3.Attend public worship. 4.Be full of adoration.

5. Biblical use Hebrew: 1.Shachah - To bow self down (vast majority of uses). 2.Abad - To serve (just 5 occurrences). Greek: 1.Proskuneo - To kiss (the hand), also – to prostate oneself. 2.Latreo - To worship publically (just 4 occurrences - Acts and Epistles).

6. Worship in Old Testament: Old Testament: Ritual of the temple – though not restricted to the temple Ritual of the temple – though not restricted to the temple Liturgy has an important place – Psalms (liturgy means – ‘the work of the people’) Liturgy has an important place – Psalms (liturgy means – ‘the work of the people’)

7. Worship in New Testament: New Testament: Emphasis on worship being a lifestyle not just something you ‘do’ (John 4:23-24) Emphasis on worship being a lifestyle not just something you ‘do’ (John 4:23-24) Worship is a part of being community and an integral part of that community’s life (Acts 2) Worship is a part of being community and an integral part of that community’s life (Acts 2) Through our worship, we can join in with the worship in heaven (Revelation 4) Through our worship, we can join in with the worship in heaven (Revelation 4)

8. Worship in tradition: See sheet of quotes Worship in reason: Private & public worship?

9. Worship in reason: Elements of worship: Praise Adoration Thanksgiving Confession Petition Intercession Teaching/learning Exploration Response

10. CPD: Tasks of Worship Leaders 681 Responsibilities of Worship Leaders. (1)Worship leaders are called of God, to be worthy in character and to assist in leading God’s people in worship. This places responsibilities on worship leaders. (2) As to worship, it is the responsibility of worship leaders: (i) to help lead worship with knowledge, conviction and competence; (ii) to help lead worship in accordance with our doctrines (the term ‘our doctrines’ refers to those truths of salvation which are set forth in the Methodist doctrinal standards); (iii) to be available to help lead worship at times and places agreed with the Superintendent in accordance with Standing Order 683(4).

11. CPD: (3) As to fellowship and training, it is the responsibility of worship leaders: (i) to continue to develop in knowledge, conviction and competence; (ii) to attend a class, housegroup or similar fellowship group if possible. (4) As to membership of the Local Church, it is the responsibility of worship leaders regularly to attend public worship in their Local Church, normally a Methodist church or an approved local ecumenical partnership, and to receive the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. QUICK BREAK !

12. Worship in experience: What kinds of worship might you be asked to lead/plan or participate in? What kinds of worship might you be asked to lead/plan or participate in?

13. Worship praticalities: Exploring praise and adoration Exploring praise and adoration Exploring intercession Exploring intercession Exploring response Exploring response

14. Create your own definition of worship Create your own definition of worship Observe two acts of worship Observe two acts of worship Breakdown and identify the different aspects of worship and how they were delivered Breakdown and identify the different aspects of worship and how they were delivered Homework!

15. Questions & Closing Prayer