The Nicene Creed stands as a theological and liturgical anchor in Christian history, yet its role in Protestant worship has varied widely—from central confessional recitation to near-total neglect. This paper examines how the Creed has been employed in Protestant liturgy as a means of retrieving early Christian theology, particularly in contemporary worship renewal movements. What theological and liturgical functions does the Nicene Creed serve in Protestant worship, and how might its intentional use foster unity, orthodoxy, and continuity with the early church?
This study employs a historical and theological analysis of the Nicene Creed’s role in Protestant liturgical traditions. Drawing on sources such as John Behr (2004) and Gordon W. Lathrop (1998), the paper traces the theological underpinnings of the Creed’s use in worship. It also engages with contemporary worship scholarship, including Monique Ingalls (2015) and Lester Ruth (2020), to assess how the Nicene Creed is being reclaimed in modern Protestant contexts. Key case studies include evangelical contemporary worship movements that are rediscovering its confessional power, demonstrating its capacity to bridge historic orthodoxy and contemporary expression.
This paper argues that the Nicene Creed offers Protestantism a vital framework for worship renewal, grounding contemporary practices in historic orthodoxy while resisting theological fragmentation. Its retrieval addresses two modern challenges: the erosion of doctrinal clarity in worship and the ecclesiological divide between “traditional” and “contemporary” expressions.