“God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
The above mentioned words of Jesus address both the attitude and the intellect. While worship involves emotion, it is guided by “the truth,” which is the word of God (John 17:17). The Lord also explained that additions, subtractions, and innovations are unacceptable and vain (Matthew 15:9). The apostles further explained that both “will” worship (i.e., self-designed, self-approved), and “ignorant” worship are not acceptable to God (Colossians 2:23; Acts 17:23).
The Christians at this congregation collectively seek to follow the simple, spiritual pattern of worship revealed in the New Testament. Therefore, in our assemblies, one can expect to experience the following five acts of worship:
- The Lord’s Supper. This memorial feast of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine is observed each Lord’s day in commemoration of Christ’s death (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
- Congregational singing. Songs of praise, encouragement, and thanksgiving are sung from the heart to both educate one another and glorify God according to His direction (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17).
- Prayer. Humble requests and words of thanksgiving are given to God through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Voluntary contribution. A free-will collection is taken from members each Lord’s day to carry out the Scriptural work of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
- Bible preaching. We receive comprehensive and understandable studies of God’s word designed to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). Each sermon should both glorify God, and accurately communicate His will with love and urgency (Ephesians 4:15).
Since Christians are commanded to meet regularly (Hebrews 10:24-26), the faithful seek every opportunity to assemble for worship, accepting and practicing only those things for which there is clear Biblical authority (1 Thessalonians 5:21).