If you’re about to attend your first Lutheran worship service, you may feel nervous and unsure of what to expect. You might be wondering what’ll happen, what to say, or where to go. Here’s a detailed guide to give you an idea about how a typical Lutheran service is structured.

What Happens Before the Service?

When you walk into the church, someone from the congregation will greet you at the door and hand you a booklet that provides details about the day’s service. After you find a seat, take a few minutes to read over the booklet. Typically, the back of the pew in front of you will hold a Bible, hymnal, and Lutheran Service Book. If you want to read along with the Reverend, flip to the sermon’s passage in the Bible to prepare for the service.

What Happens During the Service?

At the beginning of the worship service, the Reverend will come to the front of the church and greet everyone. Then, they’ll lead everyone into the opening hymn. Music is a very important part of Lutheran worship as it reminds everyone of God’s holiness and grace.

After the end of the first hymn, everyone will stand up for the initial part of the service. The Reverend will begin with the words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The pastor will proceed to give the prayer of the day and then the sermon. The sermon’s purpose is to teach the Word of God and to remind everyone about the Lord’s love for all His children. Finally, everyone will share a moment of silence to pray for the needs of the church, family members, and friends. The service is closed with another hymn.

What’s Expected of Me?

If you’ve never been to Lutheran worship services, you might be curious of what’s expected of you, like how you should dress. While there’s no formal dress code, your clothes should be clean and neat and not too revealing. You may also wonder if you’re expected to contribute an offering. As a guest, no one will put pressure on you to make an offering. You may want to learn more about the church before you start contributing.

If you want to attend a worship service, visit Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Honolulu, HI. The church believes in teaching and following the Word of God and welcomes everyone who walks through the door regardless of age, background, or lifestyle. In addition to their Sunday services, they offer Bible studies and initiatives to contribute to the community, like volunteering at homeless shelters and youth outreach projects. Call (808) 922-6011 for more information about their midweek services, or view their upcoming sermons online.