Our Vision
“Leitourgia (light-org-ee-ah)”
doesn’t roll off the tongue easily. It’s a Greek word that is often translated “liturgy” or “worship.” In its ancient context it was a word used to describe the work done by a civil servant, so it can be translated “the work of the people” or “the work done for the good of the people.” When early Christians were looking for a word to describe what they did when they came together each week to worship the living God, this was the word they chose. It’s a reminder that each of us has a role to play in corporate worship.
In too many of our congregations, youth are relegated to the margins of our worship services. At best, youth are given opportunities to lead in a youth worship band or on a youth Sunday. The predominance of age-level ministries in our churches has had a tragic consequence: we’ve become fragmented by age on Sundays.
The research is clear: students who are segmented from the worship life of their congregation are far less likely to remain active in the church when they become adults.
The Leitourgia Project was formed to push against this trend.
Drawing upon a time-honored conviction of the historic church, we equip students to be active participants and leaders in the worship life of their congregation by unpacking the rich meanings of Christian worship. We do this not only through teaching, but also through equipping. In our curriculum your students will learn, for example, why the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to understanding worship. And they will be empowered to: read Scripture in public, lead intercessory prayer, give the announcements, incorporate poetry as testimony in worship, select songs for worship, help live-stream a service, and more. Throughout the study they will be encouraged to love the Triune God and the church through the unique gifts they bring to worship, their “leitourgia.”
