📖 Biblical Definition
The Call to Worship is the opening element of formal Christian worship, in which the minister summons the gathered congregation into the presence of God on the basis of God’s own command and invitation. Typical Scriptures include Psalm 95:6 ("O come, let us worship and bow down"), Psalm 100:1-2, and Psalm 96:7-9. The Call grounds worship in God’s initiative rather than ours: He summons, we respond. It establishes posture — reverent, glad, expectant — and tells the saints why we have come. In the Regulative-Principle tradition, the Call to Worship marks the formal beginning of the covenant assembly under the ministry of an ordained man.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Scripture summoning the congregation to worship.
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The opening element of Reformed worship in which the congregation is summoned to worship God; typically pronounced from a Psalm or other Scripture by the minister, declaring God's worthiness as the basis and the posture (kneel, bow, sing) appropriate to the moment.
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 95:6-7 — "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture."
Psalm 100:1-2 — "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 96:9 — "O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Replaced by announcements or musical 'warm-up'; the call to worship is itself a worship element.
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The call to worship is not preamble; it is participation. God is being honored from the first words. Replace announcements at the front of service with a deliberate Scripture call. The congregation arrives gathered to do business with God.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew qara — to call.
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['Hebrew', 'H7121', 'qara', 'to call']
['Hebrew', 'H7812', 'shachah', 'to bow down, worship']
Usage
"Open with Scripture, not announcements."
"The call is itself worship."