Worship Ministries

Prepared by a team of Lutherans from around the world and assisted by worship scholars Gordon Lathrop and Anscar Chapungco, the  Lutheran World Federation Nairobi Statement (1996) explores some of the challenges and opportunities for worship in our time and provides a framework for discussions about worship and culture.

Christian worship relates dynamically to culture in at least four ways. First, it is transcultural,

the same substance for everyone everywhere, beyond culture. Second, it is contextual, varying

according to the local situation (both nature and culture). Third, it is counter-cultural, challenging

what is contrary to the Gospel in a given culture. Fourth, it is cross-cultural, making possible

sharing between different local cultures. In all four dynamics, there are helpful principles which

can be identified.