The Longing for Change and for Continuity in the Liturgy

The changing parts are called the propers. They include lessons, hymns, sermon - all the things whose title includes: " . . . of the Day."

The things that remain the same are the ordinaries. The Confession of Sins, Songs of Praise, Creeds, etc.

There is a major difference between the periodic change of the ordinaries to keep them fresh in text and sound and the change that comes with "the liturgy of the day" approach.

"We've always done it that way!" and "We hate change" are never a godly reason for NOT changing. But the following reasons speak to good reasons for continuity, consistency and even constancy.

1) Repetition is a teacher. None of us is so bright to get it all with one pass. The word is rich and deep. Time and repetition combine to bless those who meditate on the familiar, confident with the humility that knows I will never fully plummet the simple gospel.

2) The Baptized - The Children. My 2-year-old chimes in on the General Verse of the Day in Service of the Word and the Service of Word and Sacrament. Other portions of the liturgy will soon follow. This is not just a teaching tool. This is a celebration of the reality that the Church is the baptized. If we make worship titillating for adults who demand constant variety to stimulate engagement, we say the worship of the church is not for all the baptized. Besides, giving in on the demand for constant titillation guarantees that they will never be satisfied.

3) Ordinaries that are rooted in the ancient liturgy reflect that confession, "We believe in one holy Christian Church." The truth doesn't change. We confess with the church of the past. (Recall, however, the above stated value of periodic revisions to keep the text and tunes fresh. How frequently? It depends on the pace of change in a society. We dare not wait 50 years. In fact 20 will probably be too long.)

To change or not to change - let it be a matter of mission and purpose, not personality and preference. That requires an understanding of what we have, its role and function, the Bible truths reflected in both its content and structure. Only then can we ask if there is any way to do it better. Of course, change in the worship life of God's people calls for pastoral sensitivity. Pastors lead their flocks. Cowboys drive a herd.

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