The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Regulative Principle in Corporate Worship

My questions are more focused on the mediation that takes place through the minister on behalf of the people to God and then on behalf of God to the people (I’m not sure of the concise phrase to use).

Dr. Godfrey references this the following article under the heading, A Spiritual Conversation:
https://www.the-highway.com/worship_Godfrey.html

I’ve also heard him reference it in a podcast but I haven’t found much information specifically on this part of corporate worship.

1. Do you know of any articles or books about this element of corporate worship?
2. From a Biblical perspective, I assume it’s drawn primarily from the role of Moses and Aaron to the people in the Old Testament. Is that correct or is more generally derived from the role of the priest under the Old Covenant?
3. Related to question 2, is Paul’s qualifications for Overseers in 1 Timothy 3 derived from that role? In other words, is there anything in the dialogue the minister participates in on behalf of the people that further enforces the need for the minister to be a male?

Not immediately does any particular article come to mind, although there are some excellent books that deal with the office of Elder that have been written.

Yes, in part. One can see the role of pastor/teacher from the OT priesthood and prophets that God called to lead and guide Israel. And, of course we see this responsibility/role in the early church with certain evangelists and ministers.

Not only was it God's will to appoint men to lead in the administration and teaching of Israel, although it was God's determination to put a few women in authoritative roles, typically as judgment rather than for a blessing. However, it is in the New Testament that God has revealed His infallible will for the organization and administration of His Church thus making clear the types and shadows of the OT. Thus, in 1Tim.2:8-3:3:13 and Titus 1:5-9, it is clearly set forth that Elders and Deacons are to be (biological) males. Male headship is an established principle in God's covenant; the Church and the Household of God's people throughout Scripture.

Thank you for reply! These are all helpful thoughts!

I have a couple of follower up questions.

Below are two quotes from Dr. Godfrey’s article that I referenced.

“The classic pattern of Protestant worship was for the minister to lead the worship. That pattern arose from the teaching of the New Testament, since out of the congregation God called pastors and teachers to be set apart for leadership roles.”

“The role of the minister in leading this dialogue between God and his people is sometimes unclear because in worship the minister both speaks for God to the congregation and speaks for the congregation to God.“

The overall point of the article seems to be that corporate worship should be marked by a balance between reverence and joy. The dialogue aspect seems to lean towards the reverence side - not just anyone can speak on behalf of God to the people and not just anyone can speak on behalf of the people to God.

Do most reformed churches still practice this dialogue in corporate worship? Is it intending to restrict the number of people leading corporate worship or just to restrict it to men that have been ordained into ministry?

1. I have no clue as to whether "most" Reformed churches follow the historical practice which is also found in many of their official documents. Personally, I fear "most" would not be the case as across the board many churches of all types have opted out of the biblical doctrine of "The Regulative Principle of Worship" (see here e.g. The Scriptural Regulative Principle of Worship).

2. a) Yes, the NT has far more emphasis upon "reverence" without totally ignoring "joy". IF <-- the songs included in biblical worship are based upon Scripture and sound doctrine, then the passage(s) that undergird the song will dictate the "lyrics". The "melody" should always reflect the attributes of God; sovereign, infinitely holy, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. which has historically been understood in the term "reverence". b) Yes, historic Reformed worship has consistently upheld the offices enjoined from Scripture as God's will for the church. Elders (pastor/teacher) and Deacons (priesthood of mercy). Corporate worship is nowhere in Scripture described in word or via example as an open "free-for-all' democratic meeting. Corporate worship has two fundamental purposes: 1. Extolling the one true living God as He has revealed Himself and pleading for His forgiveness, mercy and providential care. et al. 2. The upbuilding of the saints through the preaching of the Word. Worship is NOT a social gathering nor community center for general dialogue, nor an entertainment center. Those other than the Elders who are given by permission of those Elders must be vetted and be in conformity to the biblical teachings of worship and are under direct supervision of those same Elders. c) Again, it is incontrovertible that Scripture restricts the offices of Christ (Prophet, Priest, and King) in the Eldership and Deaconate to biological men. The requirements of those two offices are perspicuously delineated in the two major passages previously given. Other texts found in both OT and NT prohibit women from occupying either of those offices nor to have authority over men. This principle was part of the very creation (cf. 1Cor 11:9) itself as can be seen even between our first parents; Adam and Eve.