The Reformed Heritage of Family Worship: A Foundation for Building a Heritage of Faith
- Jeremy Lyerla
- Nov 26, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Family worship is a vital practice deeply rooted in the Reformed tradition, championed by the Puritans and codified in documents like the Westminster Standards. At Heritage Covenant Church (HCC), we view family worship as foundational to our philosophy of ministry—evangelizing covenant children, discipling them in the ways of God, and building a heritage of faith that impacts future generations. While we do not promote a rigid or formulaic approach, we emphasize the essential components of reading the Word, prayer, and catechesis as vital practices for every household.
This post explores the rich Reformed heritage of family worship, its role in the lives of the Puritans, and practical ways families can carry it out today.
The Reformed Heritage: Family Worship in the Westminster Standards
Family worship is a biblically rooted practice emphasized throughout the history of the church, particularly in the Reformed tradition. The Westminster Standards—including the Westminster Confession of Faith and the accompanying catechisms—articulate the essential role of family worship in nurturing faith within households.
Biblical Foundations
The Westminster Larger Catechism underscores the responsibility of families to worship God together. Question 156 states that the Word of God should be read “privately by ourselves and with our families,” highlighting the importance of Scripture as the foundation of worship. Furthermore, Question 109 of the Larger Catechism identifies neglecting family worship as a violation of the second commandment, which calls believers to worship God as He commands.
The Directory for Family Worship (1647), issued by the Westminster Assembly, provides a comprehensive guide to family worship. It declares:
“The assembly requires and appoints, that in every family the worship of God be performed, by reading of the scriptures, and prayer, with thanksgiving; and also by catechizing and spiritual instruction of children and servants.”
This document reflects the Reformed conviction that families are not autonomous units but integral parts of the church, called to worship God collectively within the home. Family worship is viewed not as an optional activity but as a divine mandate that supports the church’s broader mission of discipleship and covenant faithfulness.
The Puritan Legacy: Lives Shaped by Family Worship
The Puritans exemplified a life centered on family worship, believing it to be a means of grace that fostered spiritual growth and reinforced the church’s mission. They viewed the family as a “little church” where Christ’s lordship was acknowledged daily. Their writings and practices provide enduring lessons for contemporary believers.
Puritan Practices
For the Puritans, family worship was a daily discipline that involved the reading of Scripture, prayer, and catechesis. These elements were considered essential for spiritual growth and the transmission of faith to the next generation.
Richard Baxter, a prominent Puritan pastor, insisted that family worship was indispensable to the health of the church and the home. In The Reformed Pastor, he wrote:
“If we suffer the neglect of this, we undo all. What are we doing to win souls, if we neglect this?”
Thomas Watson, another Puritan theologian, emphasized the necessity of prayer in family worship:
“A family without prayer is like a house without a roof, exposed to all the storms of heaven.”
The Puritans also believed that family worship should include the catechizing of children. This practice involved teaching the doctrines of the faith through structured questions and answers, such as those found in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Joel Beeke, a contemporary scholar of Puritan theology, highlights this emphasis in his book Family Worship:
“The Puritans understood the family as a little church, a primary place where Christ’s lordship was to be acknowledged and His Word practiced.”
For the Puritans, family worship was not merely a duty but a joy—a means of experiencing God’s grace and building a spiritual legacy that would endure for generations.
Puritan Convictions
The Puritans believed that neglecting family worship jeopardized the spiritual health of both the family and the church. They viewed it as a primary means of evangelizing and discipling children, equipping them to carry the faith forward. Joel Beeke writes:
“Family worship was a central means by which the Puritans sought to bring reformation and revival to their homes, churches, and society.”
Their conviction was that the family served as a critical institution for shaping character, teaching biblical truth, and cultivating a love for God. This legacy challenges modern families to prioritize family worship as a means of fulfilling their covenantal responsibilities.
Practical Steps for Family Worship Today
At Heritage Covenant Church, we affirm the biblical mandate for family worship but recognize that its expression may vary from family to family. Family worship doesn’t have to involve everyone sitting in a perfect circle, perfectly quiet, and reciting lengthy prayers. Instead, we encourage families to embrace a flexible approach that incorporates the key elements of reading the Word, prayer, and catechesis.
Key Elements of Family Worship
Reading the Word Begin with Scripture, the foundation of all true worship. Read a passage appropriate for your family’s context and age range. This might include a psalm, a parable, or a narrative from the Gospels. Allow the Word of God to guide your time together and speak into your family’s life.
Prayer Lead your family in a time of prayer, expressing thanksgiving, confessing sins, and presenting requests to God. Encourage each family member to participate in their own way, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and connection to God.
Catechesis Teach the doctrines of the faith through structured catechisms such as the Westminster Shorter Catechism or the New City Catechism. This practice helps children and adults alike understand and articulate biblical truths.
Joel Beeke offers encouragement for families who feel intimidated by the idea of family worship:
“It is better to have a brief time of worship every day, however imperfectly carried out, than to aim for perfection and never actually do it.”
Consistency, rather than perfection, is key. Even brief moments of worship build a rhythm that shapes the spiritual lives of all family members.
Building a Heritage of Faith at HCC
Family worship is foundational to HCC’s philosophy of ministry, reflecting our commitment to evangelizing covenant children and discipling them in the ways of God. We believe that parents are the primary disciplers of their children, but the church plays a vital role in equipping and supporting families in this mission.
Evangelizing Covenant Children
The practice of family worship aligns with our vision of nurturing covenant children in the faith. By regularly reading Scripture, praying, and teaching biblical truths, parents model a life of dependence on God and demonstrate the centrality of faith in all aspects of life. This practice also serves as a means of evangelism, bringing children into a saving knowledge of Christ.
Discipling the Next Generation
Family worship equips children to live as faithful disciples of Christ, providing them with a foundation in Scripture and sound doctrine. This aligns with our broader mission to build a vibrant, Christ-centered community where families flourish in discipleship and hospitality.
As Psalm 78:4 declares:
“We will not hide them from their children but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”
Through family worship, we pass on the faith to the next generation, ensuring that the gospel remains central to our homes and communities.
Practical Tips for Family Worship
For families seeking to begin or strengthen their practice of family worship, here are some practical tips:
Start Small Begin with just a few minutes each day, focusing on one or two elements of worship. Over time, you can expand your practice as your family grows more comfortable.
Be Consistent Establish a regular time for family worship, whether it’s after dinner, before bedtime, or in the morning. Consistency helps build a habit that becomes a natural part of daily life.
Use Resources Take advantage of resources such as catechisms, devotional guides, and Bible storybooks to enrich your time together. Many excellent tools are available to help families engage with God’s Word.
Foster Participation Encourage each family member to take an active role, whether by reading Scripture, leading prayer, or answering catechism questions. This fosters a sense of ownership and involvement.
Conclusion: A Legacy for Future Generations
Family worship is more than a daily routine—it is an investment in the spiritual legacy of your family. By gathering around the Word, lifting your voices in prayer, and teaching sound doctrine, you lay a foundation of faith that can endure for generations.
At Heritage Covenant Church, we encourage every family to embrace the privilege and responsibility of family worship. Whether simple or elaborate, consistent family worship fosters spiritual growth, strengthens the church, and glorifies God. Together, let us build a heritage of faith that honors our Reformed roots and impacts the future for Christ.
As Joel Beeke writes:
“Family worship is not just a tradition to be preserved; it is a divine command to be obeyed and a rich blessing to be enjoyed.”
May this practice shape our homes, strengthen our churches, and leave a lasting legacy for the glory of God.
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