The Regulative Principle of Worship

Our worship is relatively simple because we subscribe to the Regulative Principle of Worship. This principle is simply the understanding that Scripture should regulate worship. Basically, if Scripture does not prescribe something for public worship, then we believe it should not be included in our worship. Scripture prescribes these elements for worship:  the reading and preaching of God’s word, prayer, singing, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. The Regulative Principle helps us remember that worship should not be all about our personal desires or entertainment but should be God-centered. We believe worship should be both reverent and joyful, focused only on glorifying and pleasing God.

 

And yet, because of sin, we know that, no matter how well-intentioned we may be, our worship is far from perfect! Scripture teaches that, just as we need Jesus Christ for salvation from sin, we also need him to make our worship pleasing to God. Only Christ can perfect our worship.

 

The Principles of Worship

All that we do must be governed by the Scriptures as God’s Word. Here are several key principles from the Bible. We believe that worship services must be:

1. God-focused (Rev. 19:10).

2. Christ-centered, (John 14:6).

3. Spirit-moved, (John 16:13).

4. Word-based, (Matt. 15:9).

5. Heartfelt, (Matt. 15:8).

6. Orderly, (1 Cor. 14:40).

7. With instruction, (Col. 3:16).

8. Shared as a church, (Heb. 10:25).

9. Under oversight, (Heb. 13:17).

10. On the Lord’s Day, (Acts 20:7).

 

The Practice of Worship

The worship service includes the following elements:

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1. Call to Worship: Silent Reflection & Prayer

2. Confession of Sin: Individual & Corporate

3. Declaration of Pardon

4. Congregational Responsive Reading

5. Hymn Singing

6. Scripture Reading

7. Pastoral Prayer

8. Sermon

9. The Lord's Supper

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