Worship Assessment Form

One of the features of the church, today, is the number of denominations that exist. All of which have sprung up for a variety of reasons—but mainly as the result of discontent of existing beliefs and practices. And all worship in different ways. Indeed, even within a denomination worship can be practiced in various ways.

But then, we’re all different, and we all respond to God and worship in different ways. As a consequence, there is, perhaps, no right or wrong way to worship. And one style of worship is not, necessarily, superior to another. They’re just different. Indeed, a formal written liturgy suits some, and an informal unwritten liturgy suits others. (And I say ‘unwritten liturgy’ because I have yet to go to a ‘non-liturgical’ church and not identify a regular order of service.)

The variety of worship practices, then, is perhaps a good thing. And the variety of forms of worship meets a need that might otherwise be absent in the life of the church. But having said that, while we can rejoice in our variety, there are still common problems that plague the church, no matter what church or denomination to which we attend or belong.

And because of that, I am offering the attached Worship Assessment Form as a first step in addressing some common issues. It’s purpose is to raise some of the major issues that need to be addressed (e.g. is our worship a performance or does it allow community participation? Is the sermom something that is informative and helpful, or is it just gobbledy-gook that goes over most people’s heads?)

As a consequence, please feel free to use this tool, to assess the quality of the worship in your local church. I am hopeful that by doing so—by analysing what goes on Sunday by Sunday—it may be a catalyst to improve teaching and congregational participation in the life of the church.

I have deliberately avoided using a point system for the various items listed, because one size does not necessarily fit all. But then, who’s to say what is more important than another?

Worship Assessment Form

Name of Church
Denomination
Address
Time of service

Welcoming
Does the church have an up-to-date website, detailing the time and location of worship services?
Does the church have an up-to-date noticeboard outside church?
Are people welcomed when they arrive at the door of the church?
Are people helped to fit in/feel a part of the church after being seated?
Are seats left at the back of the church for visitors, to save the embarrassment of them having to walk down the aisle in front of the congregation?

Church
How comfortable is the seating in the church? Does it allow for people of different shapes and sizes?
Is the sound system too loud, too soft, or just right? And do people use (or ignore) it?
Does the configuration of the church furniture allow for people to mix and talk prior to and after the service?

Music
Are the words to the songs/hymns biblical?
Are the words easy to understand?
Is the music easy to follow? Or is it designed more for a performance than for congregational participation?
Is the music too repetitive?

Order of Service
Is the service biblical?
Is the service easy to follow?
Is there something in the service for everyone (young and old alike)?
Does the service include religious mumbo jumbo?
Does the service suffer from being politically correct?
Does the service include a time of confession?
Does the service include a time of thanksgiving?
Does the service include a time of petition?

Sermon/Address
Is the sermon more secular than Christian?
Is the preacher’s interpretation of scripture based on biblical context, Christian tradition and practices, or secular thinking?
Is the sermon easy to follow?
Does the sermon include an application for everyday life?
Is the sermon concise or verbose?

Notices
Do the activities of the church match the church’s teaching?

Length of Service
Is the length of the service fitting for all members of the congregation?
Does the flow of the service allow for those who have trouble sitting for long periods of time?
Does the length of the service encourage (or discourage) people from joining in morning tea?

Farewelling
Does the church provide any follow up for visitors or for members of the congregation?
How welcoming is the local congregation towards visitors at morning tea?
How welcoming is the church for those who intend to go straight home?