Biblical Principles in Our Approach to Worship
As music is only a tool in worshipping the Lord, we can conclude that if we violate biblical principles, music can be destructive and divisive. We must be committed, prepared, orderly, and skilled, to avoid obstacles and stumbling blocks in our worship and fellowship.
MAKE AN OFFERING: Worship is an offering to the Lord and our sacrifice of worship needs to be the best we can offer. Such an offering requires commitment, preparation, and order.
BE RELEVANT: Paul knew the importance of relevance in the church when he wrote, “...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (I Corinthians 9:2) We don’t want to be responsible in causing others to stumble by blindly insisting on man’s traditions as in Mark 7:7-9, “They worship me in vain...You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” Therefore, our worship must be relevant to today’s Christian and an example to today’s non-Christian.
SING TO HIM A NEW SONG: Psalm 33:3, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy,” reminds us that our worship is to be fresh. We are not to fall into non-thinking habit, letting our worship become stagnate. Therefore we will introduce both new music and sing songs we already know in ways we have not done before.
DEVELOP A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF WORSHIP: It is our desire in the Worship Ministry for participants to grow and unify as a team in the understanding pf the biblical principles of worship. Developing our understanding of biblical worship will help us be the kind of worshippers He desires. (John 4:23,“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”)
FOSTER POSITIVE ATTITUDES: The worship ministry is a place where we are vulnerable as we give all we are to the Lord as evidenced by Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.” So we must always seek humility and give praise to Him who enables us.
GROWTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT: As we grow in our skills, spiritual walk, and ministry (individually and as a team), we expect to be encouraged and raised-up in new ways and areas. (Hebrews 10:24,“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”)
BE ACCOUNTABLE AS AN EXAMPLE: Everyone on the platform is responsibly accountable, which is one of the main reasons we have developed methods to be accountable to God and the body of Christ. Others look to our lives and behavior as examples. Therefore, we have established specific qualifications and guidelines for participation in the Worship Ministry.