MODERN WORSHIP

I guess I am in a critical mood tonight, so here are three big criticisms of modern American worship services:

1) We have ditched the classic hymns with their robust and systematic theologies for songs whose theologies seem to be driven mainly by their rhyme schemes. Modern praise songs range from simple collections of tired and undeveloped clichés to simple collections of tired and undeveloped metaphors. A particular pet peeve of mine is how many of these songs reassure us that God "will never let us down". On the bright side, some do have a catchy melody. 

2) So few sermons are expository in nature. Rather, the common practice is to pick a topic and then go searching for one or two Scripture passages to reinforce whatever advice or principle the preacher desires to convey. Scripture often feels like a secondary consideration in the construction of the sermon rather than the central consideration. 

3) All historical liturgy and ritual has disappeared. There's no Call to Worship. No recitation of creeds or responsive readings. Even the sacraments of baptism and communion often feel rushed and obligatory. If the closing Benediction remains, it is a recap of the sermon, which at least serves some purpose.

Do you see the same things? How is your church doing when it comes to worship? Am I being too harsh?