Worship FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The worship staff receives a number of common inquiries on worship-related topics from across the church.
The responses you find linked to each question should not be considered the final word on the topic, but rather as useful guides to be considered with sensitivity to the local context. Many of the responses link to other Frequently Asked Questions that may be useful as you dig deeper into a particular response.
A resource section appears at the end of each response providing a bibliography of resources consulted in answering the question and which may be helpful to you in your further research. Links are provided as resources to find these works but are not meant as an endorsement of any vendors.
Any of these responses may be reproduced for local use as long as the appropriate acknowledgement, including the website address, is cited on each copy.
If you would like additional information or do not find the question that you are seeking an answer to, we invite you to contact the worship staff.
FAQs
Do Christians hold Seder meals?
Do Lutherans re-baptize former Mormons who are joining a congregation?
How do we bless Roman Catholic or other ecumenical guests who feel they cannot come to communion?
How do we worship and pray with other Christians and non-Christians?
What does Full Communion mean for Lutheran worship?
What is the relationship between the ELCA and the Roman Catholic Church?
At what age do congregation members receive communion?
How can we provide for communion of the ill, homebound and imprisoned?
How do we distribute Holy Communion?
What kinds of bread are used in Holy Communion?
What kinds of wine are used for Holy Communion?
Can a civil marriage be blessed in church? How can the centrality of baptism be renewed?
How do Lutherans regard organ donation and cremation?
How do rites of social and fraternal societies relate to Lutheran funeral practice?
What are baptismal festivals?
What are columbaria and memorial gardens?
What are the marks of a Christian funeral?
What are the practices for remembering and affirming baptism?
What is a sacrament for Lutherans?
What is meant by inclusive and expansive language in worship?
What is "postmodern" or "emerging" worship?
What is the Exchange of Peace?
What is the pattern of worship?
What is the role of silence in worship?
Why and how do we use incense in worship?
Why do Lutherans make the sign of the cross?
Can technology help lead congregational singing?
Can we alter the language of hymns and songs?
Did Martin Luther really use tavern tunes in church?
How can a worship band be used in Lutheran worship?
How can I create simple liturgical music for free?
How do we choose a new organ?
How do we expand our congregation’s hymn repertoire?
What can we do if we don’t have an organist?
What components are needed for a sound system?
What is an appropriate hymn tempo?
What is Church Music Sunday?
What is Taizé worship and how can it be used?
What is the role of music in the Lutheran liturgy?
What is the role of the choir in worship?
Are flags appropriate in church?
Are Unity Candles appropriate for weddings in a Lutheran church?
How can our worship services be more welcoming to people with disabilities?
How can video projection be used in worship?
How can we make our worship space accessible?
How do we make decisions about art and materials used in worship?
