The liturgy in Calvin's Geneva
One of the key aspects that far too many Baptists have lost is a proper understanding of worship. Many of those who call themselves Calvinistic or even Reformed Baptists would be quite surprised if they were able to travel back in time and worship in Calvin’s Geneva, for example.
Here is the weekly order of worship that was generally followed by the congregation of Saint Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin regularly preached. Reading it over and comparing it with what one might call low-church worship today that prevails in far too many Baptist churches reveals the extent of what we have lost.
Invocation
Confession of Sins
Prayer for Pardon
Singing of a Psalm
Prayer for Illumination
Lessons from Scripture
Sermon
Collection of Offerings
Prayers of Intercession
Apostles’ Creed (sung while elements of Lord’s Supper are prepared)
Words of Institution
Instruction and Exhortation
Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Benediction