Corporate Worship Philosophy
Worship is Trinitarian. Worship is for God’s glory and honor. Corporately the Body comes together to adore, praise, and commune with God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
– Matthew 4:10
“Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.”
.– Deuteronomy 10:20
Worship is dialogical. Worship should allow the congregation to engage in conversation with the Holy Triune God and the fellowship of the saints. This dialogue has historically been in the form of revelation and response. God reveals his Truth through the presented Word and the Holy Spirit, and the Body responds.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
– Hebrews 12:1,28-29
Worship is communal. Coming together as a community is both a privilege and a blessing. Christians throughout the world risk their lives to commune with the Body of Christ. The support, encouragement and relationship corporate worship provides the Body of Christ is a rich blessing. Corporate Worship is the catalyst for strengthening the Body. Communal worship encourages each member of the Body to love their neighbor the way they are loved by God.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
—Acts 2:42-47
Worship is everyday. Corporate worship services are not the only expression of worship a member of the Body of Christ experiences. Worship is a calling on our entire lives. Everyday moments and tasks are worship if offered up to God for his good will and purpose. Corporate worship is the culmination of each member’s private worship; a re-membering of the Body with the Head, Christ Jesus.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…”
– 1 Peter 2:9
Corporate worship requires diligent preparation. In order to offer God our best as leaders, we must prepare. Excellence is not perfection. Excellence is the effort of offering our best. Prayer, vision casting, and consistent communication supports and unites a team of leaders who are each seeking after the face of God.
“What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:26