Expert: Gordon F. Stoneburner - 4/4/2009

Question
I was passing a Lutheran church that advertised an "alternative worship" beginning soon on Sundays.  No one was around and they don't have a website.  I was wondering if alternative worship is a standard term for Lutherans and, if so, what does it mean?

Answer
Rose:

Traditional worship is based on the church liturgy.  It is usually taken from the hymnal.

"Alternative" can mean many things, but usually involves contemporary music instead of hymns.  From there, it can include part of the liturgy or no liturgy at all.

There is no standard for the term "alternative".

Hope this helps.

In Christ's Service,

Gordon Stoneburner