Non-Verbal Responsive Worship

In my tradition (Presbyterian Church USA), our liturgy in worship is very responsive. A lot of call and response and unison prayers. Many, many opportunities to share our germs with one another.

As we think about what worship will look like when we are able to return to worshipping in person, in addition to skipping the congregational singing for now, we will also need to limit the verbal responses. Although Presbyterians have been called the frozen chosen (and not without reason), it’s hard to imagine worship without the congregation members opening their mouths.

So I’ve been playing with some ideas about that what worship with non-verbal responses that engage our senses might look like.

If you are a preacher, worship leader, Christian educator or youth leader, feel free to use, change and adapt these ideas to work for you. Perhaps it will spark your imagination to create new kinds of liturgy in your own setting. If it does and you’re willing to share, I’ll continue to expand this resource so that others can benefit as well.

Many, many thanks to all who are bringing their energy, imagination, intelligence and love and making church happen week in and week out during this time none of us ever envisioned.


Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.

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