The shape of a Sunday.
Order of worship examples, by church tradition
Christian worship has a shape that goes back a long way, and most churches still follow it, whether or not they would use those words. Here are sample orders you can copy and adapt for your own.
Updated November 5, 2026
The short answer
Almost every Christian service moves through the same four parts: people gather, they hear the word, they respond, and they are sent out. What changes between traditions is how much is written down, and how often communion is shared. These examples are starting points, and your own church’s practice comes first.
Start from your tradition
Type your church’s name, choose your tradition, and see next Sunday set in the right shape.
No sign-up to try it. Ten services a year are free.
The four parts of a service
Knowing the parts makes a sheet easier to lay out. Put each one where people can see it, and a visitor can tell how far through the service they are.
Episcopal: Holy Eucharist
Lutheran
Lutheran worship is usually described as four movements: Gathering, Word, Meal and Sending.
United Methodist
The United Methodist basic pattern has four parts, with communion in the third.
Presbyterian
Baptist
Often less fixed, and built around the sermon, with the Lord’s Supper on some Sundays.
Nondenominational
The Sermon series template suits this shape, with room for notes and codes for giving.
Catholic Mass
Mass has a fixed shape, and a church bulletin usually carries Mass times and intentions as well. The Catholic church template is set up for that.
Making your bulletin follow the service
- Use the same headings every week, so regulars stop needing them and visitors can rely on them.
- Put page numbers from your hymnal or service book beside each item.
- Mark the moments people move: stand, sit, come forward.
- If the service varies a lot, print the shape and leave the details out.
Once your shape is right, the template guide goes through what else belongs on the sheet.
Start from your tradition
Type your church’s name, choose your tradition, and see next Sunday set in the right shape.
No sign-up to try it. Ten services a year are free.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a bulletin and a liturgy?
A liturgy is the set form of words and actions. A bulletin is the printed guide to one particular service, which may include some of that liturgy.
How long should a Sunday service be?
Most run for about an hour, and a service with communion often takes a little longer. Your own congregation’s habits matter more than any rule.
Do we have to follow a set order?
That depends on your church. Some traditions have approved forms, and others are free to shape each service. If in doubt, ask whoever leads your services.
Can we print the words of the service?
Often yes, but it depends on who holds the rights. Many denominations allow local use with a credit line. Our page on copyright and licenses explains what to check.