“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another…” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (BSB)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27 (BSB)
“After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… They cried out in a loud voice, ‘Salvation to our God… and to the Lamb!’” — Revelation 7:9–10 (BSB)
The early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). This remains the model for Christian worship: rooted in Scripture, centered on the Eucharist, and practiced in community. Anglican worship in particular draws us into this rhythm through the historic liturgy, rich in Scripture and saturated with prayer, that teaches, sanctifies, and sends.
Article XIX of the Thirty-Nine Articles identifies the Church as a visible community where “the pure Word of God is preached and the Sacraments be duly ministered.” It is in the context of this gathered Church that God has promised to meet us and to nourish us for faithful living.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Public worship is a means of grace. It pleases God, strengthens faith, stirs the heart, and binds believers together in love. The man who willfully forsakes the assembly is injuring his own soul” (Practical Religion, 1878).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “Worship is the beating heart of the Church’s life. In Word and Sacrament, the Spirit unites us to Christ and to one another, forming us as the Body of Christ” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) says, “When the Church gathers, God is in our midst. He speaks, He heals, He strengthens, and He sends us. Worship is not optional—it is the breath of the Christian life” (Pastoral Charge, 2022).
Canon Dr. Esau McCaulley (ACNA, Wheaton College) reflects, “Worship draws us out of ourselves and into the reality of the Kingdom of God. It forms our imaginations and gives us a foretaste of the world to come” (Reading While Black, 2020).
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) writes, “The gathered Church is where we encounter the presence of Christ through His Word and Table. Worship strengthens us for mission and reminds us who we are: redeemed, sent, and beloved” (Diocesan Letter, 2021).
Therefore, worshiping with the Church is essential. It is not about personal experience alone, but about being formed as a member of Christ’s Body, participating in God’s covenant life, and joining the song of heaven.
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “On the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place… and the memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read” — First Apology, 67
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “He who sings prays twice. Worship binds the Church together in love, lifting our minds to God and knitting our hearts as one.” — Sermon 336
St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD): “You cannot pray at home as you can at church… where there is a great multitude, and where cries are raised to God as from one great heart.” — Homily on Matthew 3.3
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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