Worship: Tertullian on Christian Worship Practices

Tertullian (d. c. 220) provides one of the earliest descriptions of how Christians actually worshipped. In his "Apology," he wrote: "We meet together as an assembly to offer prayer to God. We read the divine scriptures. If the nature of the times requires, we give exhortation. After this, we rise from our seats. There is the collection of alms. Then the gifts are taken from the table."

Tertullian emphasized that Christian worship was radically different from pagan worship: no animal sacrifices, no drunken feasts, no licentious behavior. Instead: "Our supper explains itself by its name. It is called agape, a word which among the Greeks signifies love. Before the meal, prayer is said to God; as much is eaten as satisfies the cravings of hunger; as much is drunk as befits the disciplined."

Practical application: Compare your church's worship pattern to Tertullian's description: Scripture reading, exhortation, prayer, giving, shared meal. Which elements are present? Which are missing? Consider adding a shared meal (agape feast) to your church or small group practice. Tertullian teaches that worship in the early church was simple, communal, and centered on the Word and the Table.