Liturgy

The AELC uses the Lutheran Service Book (LSB) for its hymns and is currently evaluating service settings to be used during our worship services. Our congregations currently use variations of Service Setting Three from the LSB, which includes more current language and certain parts from Service Setting Four of the LSB.

To learn more about the LSB, visit Concordia Publishing House: https://music.cph.org/lutheran-service-book

To listen to the tunes of the liturgy which are used in the LSB and throughout the congregations of the AELC, please visit the Liturgy Audio Files on the resources page for worship in the LCMS: https://www.lcms.org/worship/church-music/liturgy-audio-files

The Importance of Liturgy

The AELC, like other Christian churches, recognises the importance of the service being held in good order with purposeful liturgy, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, that “all things should be done decently and in order”.

The liturgy reaffirms the worship of God alongside confession of truth. Using the liturgy during worship services, we as Christians are reminded of key aspects of daily life as Christians. Throughout the liturgy, we are reminded of our Baptism. We engage in confession and absolution, praising God, preparation to hear the Word of God preached, acknowledging who God is, and celebrating Holy Communion in fellowship with believers.

The liturgy is decided by each congregation and varies between congregations. Local congregations reserve the right to use the liturgy of their choice so long as the liturgy chosen is Biblically sound and its contents are theologically correct (Augsburg Confession, Article VII). Nevertheless, the AELC acknowledges the benefits of a common liturgy across local congregations for the sake of tranquillity (Apology, Article VII).