Chapter 1 emphasizes the central position that the worship service occupies in the life of the believer, but then the whole person of the believer. The atmosphere is therefore vital. This is researched in part 2 by an exegetical study of 1 Corinthians 1-14, as well as the rest of Scripture. The variations through history are also studied. The atmosphere in the worship service should be such that the worshipper meets God with the necessary awe and respect. The service must also create an atmosphere of love, warmth, friendliness, and joy. All present must be invited and made welcome by the service. The atmosphere must further encourage and create room for everybody to participate and use their specific gifts. It can therefore change from service to service and within a single service. Important instruments in the atmosphere are the liturgical space, symbols, rituals, physical movement, gestures, music, song and the senses. Part 3 studies the contribution of adjacent sciences, like the theory of communication, cognitive science, symbolism, music, architecture and multimedia. These sciences support the principles of part 2 and give important perspectives for the practical application thereof. The situation in practice is studied by empirical research. The atmosphere is clearly not sufficiently integrated in the worship service. Although some elements are present, they are purely coincidental. A specific aimed strategy is lacking. Part 4 tries to bridge the gap between the base theory (part 2) and the practice (part 3) by suggesting practical guidelines. Because every congregation is in a unique context, a model is given to realize the principles. The image of the 'house of God is used to summarize and explain the principles. The final conclusion is that atmosphere plays a vital role in the worship service. In practice very little is made hereof. If the Atmosphere in the worship service is adjusted to what it should (and can!) be, the worship service will come closer to the purpose for which it is there and will it become even more of a meeting of the total person with the totality of God and with the totality of the fellow believer and the world. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Liturgics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Chapter 1 emphasizes the central position that the worship service occupies in the life of the believer, but then the whole person of the believer. The atmosphere is therefore vital. This is researched in part 2 by an exegetical study of 1 Corinthians 1-14, as well as the rest of Scripture. The variations through history are also studied. The atmosphere in the worship service should be such that the worshipper meets God with the necessary awe and respect. The service must also create an atmosphere of love, warmth, friendliness, and joy. All present must be invited and made welcome by the service. The atmosphere must further encourage and create room for everybody to participate and use their specific gifts. It can therefore change from service to service and within a single service. Important instruments in the atmosphere are the liturgical space, symbols, rituals, physical movement, gestures, music, song and the senses. Part 3 studies the contribution of adjacent sciences, like the theory of communication, cognitive science, symbolism, music, architecture and multimedia. These sciences support the principles of part 2 and give important perspectives for the practical application thereof. The situation in practice is studied by empirical research. The atmosphere is clearly not sufficiently integrated in the worship service. Although some elements are present, they are purely coincidental. A specific aimed strategy is lacking. Part 4 tries to bridge the gap between the base theory (part 2) and the practice (part 3) by suggesting practical guidelines. Because every congregation is in a unique context, a model is given to realize the principles. The image of the 'house of God is used to summarize and explain the principles. The final conclusion is that atmosphere plays a vital role in the worship service. In practice very little is made hereof. If the Atmosphere in the worship service is adjusted to what it should (and can!) be, the worship service will come closer to the purpose for which it is there and will it become even more of a meeting of the total person with the totality of God and with the totality of the fellow believer and the world. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Liturgics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.