Preface
Worship is our loving response to who God is and what He has done. Corporate singing is not the only way we worship God, but this statement is concerned mainly with the congregation’s singing during a worship service. We sing together because of the commands and example of Scripture.
Our Worship Should Be:
• Scripture-Saturated
Our worship is based on God’s Word, in response to God’s Word, and prepares us to receive God’s Word. Therefore, we strive to select lyrics that are doctrinally correct and use terminology consistent with Scripture. Our songs should then reflect the work of God’s Word in our lives as we respond in a manner appropriate to His Word.
• God-Focused
Our worship is to God, through Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit. As believers under the New Covenant, we approach God through Christ’s life and death on our behalf. The Holy Spirit indwells us, and unites us with Christ so we are able to worship God. Our songs are focused on what God has done and will do, and our response to His grace in our lives.
• Body-Strengthening
Our worship is designed to edify believers. We sing to one another to teach and admonish one another. We desire that our services promote unity, as we as a congregation sing for one another to God. Our purpose is that our worship should be orderly, so that all can understand and benefit from it. Our clear, passionate singing will encourage believers and be a witness to any unbelievers present.
• Musically Appropriate
Our music, then, should facilitate our singing and not distract from the words. Our goal is to find melodies that are singable and that our musical styles be fitting for the local body. We draw from songs of the past and present to choose psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that are biblical and beneficial for our congregation.
Foundational Principles from Scripture
Colossians 3:16 (ESV) – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Ephesians 5:18-21 (ESV) – “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
I Corinthians 14:26 (ESV) – “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
I Corinthians 14:40 (ESV) – “But all things should be done decently and in order.”
Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) – “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”