a. This Directory for Worship reflects the conviction that the life of the Church is one, and that its worship, witness, and service are inseparable. The theology is based on the Bible, is instructed by our subordinate standards, and seeks to be sensitive to ecumenical discussion. A rich heritage of traditions and diversity of cultures in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand are reflected and encouraged by this Directory and we re-affirm the bicultural nature of our church. The previous Directory of our church, the Westminster Directory for Public Worship, set forth generally the order of worship of our church until this Directory was adopted.
b. A Directory for Worship is not a service book. Rather, it describes the theology that underlies Reformed worship and outlines appropriate forms for that worship. This Directory suggests possibilities for worship, invites development in worship, and encourages continuing reform of worship. It sets standards and presents norms for the conduct of worship in the life of congregations and the courts of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. As the constitutional document ordering the worship of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, this Directory for Worship shall be authoritative for this church
c. This Directory is recognised in regulation 1(d) of the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand as setting forth generally the order of worship of the Presbyterian Church.
d. In this Directory
- SHALL and IS TO BE/ARE TO BE signify practice that is expected,
- SHOULD signifies practice that is strongly recommended,
- IS APPROPRIATE signifies practice that is commended as suitable,
- MAY signifies practice that is permissible but not required.
This directory also uses language about worship which is simply descriptive.