Thinking About Worship

But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

1 Corinthians 14:40

Those who lead the church in it’s worship are called to lead in a way that

is faithful to Scripture, Christ exalting, and humbly directed by the Holy Spirit so that God’s people are not entertained, but are instead helped to set their minds and hearts more fully on what God has done in Christ through the Gospel.  The result of this God-ward focus, is that the church is better able to respond to Him with appropriate actions of praise, gladness, repentance, prayer, confession, singing, trusting, and all other expressions of worship that arise from a living faith.  With that kind of worship in mind, I have been thinking a lot lately about what biblical worship in the church should be like.  I have likewise invited Nevin, as Elder in Training, and Stuart, as our Intern for Worship to do the same, so that the three of us can come together and prayerfully consider how we might provide more faithful leadership in this area.  Would you join us in praying for wisdom in this matter?

One clear principle from Scripture, in 1 Corinthians 14:40, is that our times of worship must be “proper” and “in order.”.  I take that to mean that they must be well-planned and led in such a way that the distractions of disorder and confusion are kept to a minimum while the truth of the Gospel is kept in the forefront.  It is that undistracted focus on Christ and His Word that will free us to respond to Him with genuine expressions of worship.

In the coming weeks, I will be giving instructions and guidelines that I hope will help us “order” our worship in an increasingly God-honoring fashion.  I ask that you join me in praying and seeking the Lord as we try to think and plan biblically so that every aspect of our weekly gathering in God’s presence will serve to encourage the body and exalt the Savior.  

Serving the One Who is Worthy of Our Worship!

Pastor Scott