Constructing a Liturgical Theology of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in Korea

This short article attempts to construct a liturgical theology of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in Korea (GAPCK). As a Reformed tradition, the GAPCK has two solid foundations for its theology and practice: the Bible and the theology of Calvin. The GAPCK frequently uses Calvin’s theology as the primary hermeneutic for interpreting the Bible and applying it to ministerial practice and the Christian life. In this regard, a liturgical theology of the GAPCK should also be constructed within the frame of Calvin’s theology in order to be effective for this ecclesial body. However, liturgical theology does not exclude the realities of worship services. Local worship services within the GAPCK do not follow any written text or rubric that can be applied to and required of all churches in the denomination. Given this complexity of liturgical theology, first and foremost, Calvin’s ideal of Christian worship will be briefly defined as a standard for GAPCK worship services. Second, the liturgical reality of the GAPCK will be examined in order to see how much they follow and/or stray from their Calvinist theological confession. Third, based on the similarities and gulfs between Calvin’s ideal of Christian worship and the liturgical practice of the GAPCK, a liturgical theology will be suggested for GAPCK to develop a Calvinist worship service that is appropriate for the Calvinist confession.