Abstract

The subject under consideration in this article is the analysis of worship in Free Churches of the Protestant tradition. In the first part the author explains the relationship in terminology between the service of God and liturgy by referring to the early Church and the Biblical heritage that connects all Christian traditions. In the following parts the author attempts to define the essence of Sunday worship in Free Churches, focusing on dominant characteristics and main rituals. Th e author points out that one of the distinguishing features of the service is “planned spontaneity”, which defines the relationships between the components of a regular service and its unpredictability. Th e structure of worship which consists of Scripture reading, prayer and reflection on the Word of God has not changed since the 17th century, although spiritual dynamism allows for spontaneity that is always held in check by divine ordinance. In addition, worship is characterized, above all, by Biblicism, the lack of rigid liturgical formulas, spontaneousfree prayer and the active participation of the faithful.