Why Go to Church?

A Little Book of Guidance

C.K. Robertson

• Publisher: Church Publishing
• Year: 2017
• ISBN:
  9780898692631
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Teología y religión
• Subtopic: Religión

Easy to read; short book on a key topic for seekers.
In an age where people increasingly spend their weekends anywhere but in a place of worship, it is important to ask why anyone should go to church. In Why Go to Church? Robertson addresses the top reasons for not attending and goes further to explore how church participation can enhance one's life on so many levels. Essential reading for those who have thought about going to church, are thinking about going back to church, and even those who go to church regularly but want to attain a deeper worship experience.

Episcopal Terminology

I often remind congregational leaders that we too often use insider language, or as the apostle Paul put it in his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, we “speak in tongues.” In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul urged that if “tongues” are used in a church, then someone should be ready to interpret them. There are various online glossaries available, but for now you might find the following helpful.

Church Architecture

Apse	A semicircular vaulted area within the chancel of some cathedrals or churches, usually where the Altar stands or the clergy are seated.
Chancel	Also known as the sanctuary, the area at the front (east) end of the church, containing the Altar, pulpit, and seats for officiating ministers, usually raised slightly above the nave.
Narthex	The vestibule, or first section of the church, when you walk in from the main (west) entryway.
Nave	The central part of the church, from the narthex to the chancel, where the people are seated during the service.
Sacristy	The area in the church, unseen by most, where the various accoutrements for the service are stored, prepared, and cleaned, and where the clergy and lay ministers vest themselves.
Sanctuary	The chancel, though the word is sometimes used to speak of the entire church building, as distinct from other facilities on the church campus.

Church Roles

Acolyte	Either an adult or a young person, this person assists the officiating ministers, sometimes carrying the cross (then referred to as the crucifer), or a large candle (a torchbearer), or the censer with incense (a thurifer), or fulfilling other duties as necessary.
Bishop	Overseer and chief pastor of a diocese, the geographical region containing multiple church congregations. Often noticeable by a purple clerical shirt, and in a liturgical setting by wearing the hat known as a mitre and carrying the crozier, or shepherd’s staff.
Celebrant	The bishop or priest who officiates over a Eucharistic service, also known as the presider.
Deacon	A person called and ordained primarily to the ministry of service, directly accountable to the bishop, and bringing the needs of the world to the church.
Laity	One of the four Orders of Ministry, lay persons are not ordained but are called in their Baptismal Covenant to proclaim Christ by word and action in all areas of their lives.
Presiding Bishop	Chief Pastor and Primate of The Episcopal Church, elected by the House of Bishops and confirmed by the House of Deputies at the General Convention to serve a nine-year term.
Priest	The term being a contraction of the word “presbyter,” it refers to a person called and ordained primarily to serve as pastor to the people, offering blessing and absolution, administering the Sacraments and preaching the gospel, and working with the bishop in the administration of the church.
Priest-in-Charge	A priest working full or part-time with a contract by the annual appointment of the bishop, responsible for liturgy, preaching and teaching, pastoral care, and administration as negotiated with the vestry.
Rector	A full-time priest elected by the vestry and approved by the bishop, thereby having tenure.
Sexton	A person, usually working part or full-time, charged with taking care of the church facilities.
Verger	A lay person who acts behind the scenes in the logistical preparation and implementation of worship services and who then vests and leads the procession, carrying the traditional “virge,” a staff which in older times might have been used to keep back overenthusiastic crowds.
Vestry	The governing board of the local parish, consisting of lay persons elected to the office for a term, usually three years, and primarily responsible for property, finances, and the calling of a new rector.
Vicar	A priest, full or part-time, responsible for an aided or mission congregation, one that is not self-supporting like a parish. While a vicar has most of the responsibilities of a rector, this person does not have tenure but is appointed by the bishop for a period of time.

Church Seasons

Advent	From a Latin word meaning “coming,” this first season of the church year begins four Sundays before Christmas and emphasizes anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus. The liturgical color used in Advent is either light blue (representing Mary) or purple (for penitence).
All Saints	Also known as All Hallows Day, this feast is held on November 1, commemorates all God’s saints, both living and dead, and is a reminder of the bond we have in Christ with those who have already passed on into the larger Life. The color for All Saints is white.
Ascension	The Thursday forty days after the Feast of the Resurrection, or Easter, when we commemorate the risen Jesus ascending to heaven. The color for Ascension Thursday is white.
Christmas	The Feast of the Nativity, held on December 25, commemorating the birth of Jesus. Though most people think of Christmas Day only, it is the first day in a twelve-day season culminating with the Feast of the Epiphany. The color for Christmas is white.
Easter	The Feast of the Resurrection, a moveable feast with no fixed date like Christmas or All Saints. Celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox, a formula for determining the date in any given year is found in the back section of the Book of Common Prayer. The Prayer Book also includes a special service called the Great Vigil of Easter, to be held after sunset on Saturday. The color for Easter is white.
Epiphany	January 6, ending the Twelve Days of Christmas, and commemorating the coming of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The Season of Epiphany lasts until Ash Wednesday. The First Sunday of Epiphany is traditionally associated with the baptism of Jesus and therefore a principal day (along with Easter Eve, Pentecost, and All Saints) for Christian baptisms. The color for Epiphany is white.
Lent	From an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “spring,” Lent is a forty-day period of intentional self-examination and penitence beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating with Holy Week, with services for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday found in the Book of Common Prayer. Churches often use this season to host simple suppers and mid-week teachings or home studies. The color for Lent is purple.
Pentecost	Literally “the fiftieth day” after Easter, commemorating the coming of the Holy Spi...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Room for One More
• What’s the Point of Church Anyway?
• How Do I Choose a Church?
• What Do I Do When I’m There?
• The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
• For Further Exploration
• Episcopal Terminology