What happens during a Protestant service?

[JustRebecca]

I only know what happens during a Catholic Mass and I have been wondering for a while what goes on during a Protestant service? How often do they receive Communion, do they kneel,etc?

Thank you!!

 

[Allegra]

All manner of things go on depending on the denomination and individual church. Many look very similar to Catholic Masses and use a very similar liturgy to what we use.

 

[Mort_Alz]

Since Protestantism has very little universality among its denominations, I can only tell you what takes place in my local congregation.

I attend a Congregational denomination known as the church of Christ. Other movements similar to it are the Disciples of Christ, etc.

On a Sunday morning church service, we gather into the auditorium (or sanctuary, whatever you like to call it) and we sing some opening hymns before someone leads the opening prayer. Then more hymns are sung (particularly ones that guide us into reflection on communion). Then someone gets up and leads a communion thought before the communion bread is passed out among the people in trays. Then another thought is given for the Blood and it is passed out in trays that hold little cups, too. Then, in church of Christ tradition, an offering of money is taken up, too. Then, more hymns are sung before the preacher presents his sermon (this can be the longest lasting part of the service). Then an invitation is given for people to publicly come up and confess a sin or present a prayer request and then we are closed in prayer.

 

[Tietjen]

I only know what happens during a Catholic Mass and I have been wondering for a while what goes on during a Protestant service? How often do they receive Communion, do they kneel,etc?

Thank you!!

I’ve attended various Protestant services at different times in my life. They all differ between denominations but generally, there is more singing of hymns & more preaching. Most of the services I attended did not offer a communion of any kind (it isn’t always done every Sunday). I found them lacking.

 

[liturgyluver]

I only know what happens during a Catholic Mass and I have been wondering for a while what goes on during a Protestant service? How often do they receive Communion, do they kneel,etc?

Thank you!!

It’s difficult to generalise as each denomination’s liturgy will be different. If you to a high Anglican service for example, you will find probably a more traditional service than the catholic mass: here communion is celebrated every Sunday with vestments, incense, Latin mass settings, and fine music, and eastward-facing communion. At the other end of the spectrum, you are likely to find monthly -rather then weekly communion - and a focus more on the Bible, a long sermon, and probably more hymns.

In terms of posture, again it varies: Anglicans kneel, and tend to receive communion kneeling. Lutherans stand to pray. The Reformed churches tend to sit but stand for the hymns, at the procession, and for the introduction of the elements during a communion service. Hope this helps.

 

[juno24]

Since Protestantism has very little universality among its denominations, I can only tell you what takes place in my local congregation.

I attend a Congregational denomination known as the church of Christ. Other movements similar to it are the Disciples of Christ, etc.

On a Sunday morning church service, we gather into the auditorium (or sanctuary, whatever you like to call it) and we sing some opening hymns before someone leads the opening prayer. Then more hymns are sung (particularly ones that guide us into reflection on communion). Then someone gets up and leads a communion thought before the communion bread is passed out among the people in trays. Then another thought is given for the Blood and it is passed out in trays that hold little cups, too. Then, in church of Christ tradition, an offering of money is taken up, too. Then, more hymns are sung before the preacher presents his sermon (this can be the longest lasting part of the service). Then an invitation is given for people to publicly come up and confess a sin or present a prayer request and then we are closed in prayer.

My best friend and her family are members of a Church of God community, which is quite similar to yours in the structure of their services (I believe she told me that the 2 denominations were once very close, if not the same, with one breaking off from the other). I have been to 1 or 2 of their services with her, and this is pretty much what happens there, as well. I must say, though, that I was surprised to see you refer to the Blood, since it was my understanding that your denomination does not teach that it is the actual blood of Christ. My friend always refers to it as the grape juice (very strict, absolutely no alcohol in her denomination).
Can you tell me what you mean when you say a “communion thought” and a “thought for the Blood”? What type of message would be given?

 

[Syele]

I often attend two different churches, One is Anglican (order of service is very similar to mass), the other is not part of any denomination.

The one that is not part of a denomination has services that go in this order:

• We have about 30 minutes before service for fellowship, ther eis breakfast and coffee available in the kitchen.
• We sing a song to get started
• Song leader welcomes everyone and also speaks briefly (5 minutes), This is kind of like a short devotional.
• We sing praise and worship songs.
• Pastors wife tells announcements, then passes a prayer basket. (People place in the basket their prayer requests, and some take one out. Taking one out is a commitment to pray for that person all week). Most churches I have been to pass an offering basket at this point, this church does not.
• Next is the Children’s Sermon, All the kids go up front, and the pastor gives them a short lesson and then prays for them and sends them to Sunday School for age appropriate Bible lessons. It is not babysitting, more of a class.
• Pastor preaches a sermon
• once per month, the church holds communion service at the end

 

[Anna_Scott]

It’s difficult to generalise as each denomination’s liturgy will be different. If you to a high Anglican service for example, you will find probably a more traditional service than the catholic mass: here communion is celebrated every Sunday with vestments, incense, Latin mass settings, and fine music, and eastward-facing communion. At the other end of the spectrum, you are likely to find monthly -rather then weekly communion - and a focus more on the Bible, a long sermon, and probably more hymns.

In terms of posture, again it varies: Anglicans kneel, and tend to receive communion kneeling. Lutherans stand to pray. The Reformed churches tend to sit but stand for the hymns, at the procession, and for the introduction of the elements during a communion service. Hope this helps.

liturgyluver,

I see you just joined CAF yesterday. Welcome!!

I am an Anglican in the Episcopal Church that is Anglican Catholic in theology and practice. We are also “high church,” and do not call ourselves Protestants, but Catholics in the universal sense.

Peace,
Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

I only know what happens during a Catholic Mass and I have been wondering for a while what goes on during a Protestant service? How often do they receive Communion, do they kneel,etc?

Thank you!!

Some Anglican Churches celebrate the Holy Eucharist every Sunday (and even one or more times during the week) with liturgy similar to the Catholic Mass. Other Anglicans consider themselves to be Protestant.

This is an overview of an Anglican “service” at our Church (Anglican Catholic):

When entering the Nave, one bows or genuflects towards the Alter—a Sanctuary Lamp (which is continuously lit) is above the Aumbry (a small locked recessed safe,) which contains Consecrated Bread from the Eucharist, and Holy Oil that is used at baptisms and for the Sacrament of Holy Unction and the Laying On of Hands.

Then many kneel in silent prayer and reflection --others pray while seated—all with Music for Prayer and Meditation.

Procession to Worship as a hymn is sung. All stand and bow towards the processional cross as it passes by.

Opening Acclamation, all still standing.

Hymn, all still standing.

The Collect of the Day, all still standing.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray—another prayer, all still standing.

Children ages 3 through 2nd grade unite and follow the processional cross and adult leaders to the Children’s liturgy.

The first reading of Holy Scripture, all seated.

The Gradual Psalm is sung with a Cantor and congregational response, all seated.

The second reading of Holy Scripture, all seated.

Sequence Hymn, all standing.

Reading of the Holy Gospel, all standing, facing toward Holy Scripture held and read by a Priest. (We use our thumbs to make the sign of the Cross on the forehead, lips, and over the heart to symbolize our desire that the Gospel be in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.

The Celtic Alleluia sung twice by all, all standing.

Sermon (about 20 minutes), all seated…

The Nicene Creed recited by all, all standing.

The Prayers of the people, all standing.

Congregation confesses sins in unison, kneeling or seated if one cannot kneel.

The Absolution of Sins.

Priests and congregation exchange The Peace, all standing.

The Announcements, all seated.

Children return and sit with parents. One child brings forward the children’s offering and one will carry the children’s cross as part of the procession of gifts to the alter.

The Offertory Anthem, all seated.

The Presentation of Alms and Oblations, all seated except those presenting.

The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer is chanted by the Priest/celebrant–the Celebrant proceeds with the liturgy of the Eucharist, chanting certain parts. People standing.

Sanctus and Benedictus is sung by Celebrant and people, all standing.

Celbrant continues with the liturgy of the Eucharist. There are several points when the people sing–including We praise you-------The Great Amen, all standing.

The Lord’s Prayer recited by all, all standing.

The Breaking of the Bread, all standing.

Fraction Anthem: Pascha Nostrum, all standing.

People pray, kneeling, before and after taking Communion. People receive Communion kneeling at the Alter rail. Music is sung during Communion.

Postcommunion Prayer.

The Blessing and the Dismissal. People: Thanks be to God.

Procession to Serve. People stand and bow as the Cross passes.

Prayer After Worship for private devotion.

Also, Sanctus Bells are rung 3 times at the words “Holy, Holy, Holy”; to announce the Prayer of Consecration is starting; after the consecration of the bread, announcing Christ is present in the bread; after the consecration of the wine, announcing Christ is now present in the wine.

Candles are used, and incense is used at certain times.

Our Priests wear Vestments (color sequence,) and choir members and servers wear robes.

The sign of the cross is made at certain times such as when the priest says, “in the name of the Father” etc.; upon absolution, when the priest makes the sign of the cross over the congregation after the general confession; at the blessing when the Priest makes the sign over the people, etc.

Some people bow every time the name of Christ is spoken.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is almost identical to the Catholic Mass.

Peace,
Anna

 

[liturgyluver]

liturgyluver,

I see you just joined CAF yesterday. Welcome!!

I am an Anglican in the Episcopal Church that is Anglican Catholic in theology and practice. We are also “high church,” and do not call ourselves Protestants, but Catholics in the universal sense.

Peace,
Anna

Greetings and peace Anna - I have been here for a few weeks now. I know that Anglicans do not classify themselves as protestant but reformed catholic - and I undestand why - but I didn’t want to divert this thread.

Best wishes

 

[Publisher]

Between early First Day Meeting for Worship (7:30AM and Morning Meeting10:00AM there is a time of singing…for those who wish to sing as part of their meeting inbetween early and morning woship.

Order of Worship…

…wait quietly and expectantly upon the Lord and Listen to His Voice collectively and perhaps be let to give “verbal minstry”…as we worship and seek to “mind the Light” and “answer to that Light” that is in those we seek to commune with…Christ Present among us Himself…often in the Living Silence until those given “care of the meeting” decide Meeting is over…then we shake hands greet one another and receive announcements and reports of the Meetings involvement with the community and perhaps place a “concern” on the Meeting…it is handed over to Monthly Meeting oversight or stay indiviual involvement, each Friend deciding for themselves if they wish to take up this concern for himself and those Friends who wish to speak to this “condition”.

We then have tea & coffee hour…snaks…sometimes pot-lucks involving the Meeting as a whole and anyone else we can convince to eat with us after Meeting…usually however tea/coffee…cookies and small cakes.

 

[ltwin]

My Pentecostal church’s service starts with a prayer and then the praise team leads the congregation in song. We have guitars, a full drum set, keyboard/piano, etc. The song is usually contemporary praise and worship and gospel. At any time during the worship, one can go down to the altar to pray or request prayer from the pastors. Some people may kneel to worship God or they might also “run the aisles” (which is exactly what it sounds like).

After singing, the tithes and offerings are collected in a wicker basket. While this happens a song is usually sung and the congregation is offered the chance to greet and show some love to everyone else.

After that the preaching.

A lot of Pentecostal churches will have a regular time for communion, such as monthly. Our church doesn’t however. We just do it whenever the pastor decides to. When it happens the elements are passed around. They are usually individually prepackaged. You simply unwrap the package and the open the little cup with the grape juice. It is prayed over. A scripture is read about the bread being the body and then we eat the wafer. Then a scripture is read about the wine being the blood and then we drink. It is not unusual for those who take communion to experience the presence of the Lord in a profound way.

Children stay in the sanctuary while praise and worship is going on. When the preaching starts, the children are taken to children’s church (age appropriate classes). Those 12 or 13 and older remain in the sanctuary.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Greetings and peace Anna - I have been here for a few weeks now. I know that Anglicans do not classify themselves as protestant but reformed catholic - and I undestand why - but I didn’t want to divert this thread.

Best wishes

liturgyluver,

I was thinking Oct; but your join month is Sept. I’m sorry. My bad.

You probably know far more about Anglican history than I do. There are some Episcopal Churches that do not want “Catholic” associated with their identity. We have many extremes in the U.S----- as you know. Well–as just about everybody knows. . . .

Have a great weekend!
Anna

 

[JonNC]

I only know what happens during a Catholic Mass and I have been wondering for a while what goes on during a Protestant service? How often do they receive Communion, do they kneel,etc?

Thank you!!

You would find strong similarities between the Catholic Mass and Lutheran Divine Service, and that is not by accident, as the root of the Lutheran “mass” is the Catholic mass.

Depending on the parish (older ones have kneeling rails, newer ones often do not) Lutherans might or might not kneel to pray. I was raised by a Lutheran pastor and he always said we should stand to praise, kneel to pray, and sit to listen.
Ordinarily our lectionary parallels yours.
There are usuually 4 readings from scripture: the Introit (psalms), an OT lesson, an Epistle reading, and the Gospel.
We always rise for the reading of the Gospel.
Most Lutherans will kneel to receive His body and blood.

The service starts with the invocation, there is confession/Absolution, a collect and other prayers, sermon (homily), Prayer of the Church (intercessions), celebration of Holy Communion( more and more parishes have the Eucharist every week), and benediction.

Jon