Philosophy of Worship
1. Humanity was created by God to worship Him. Scripturally, we are commanded
to worship the Lord. Worship is of fundamental significance to the life of the
believer and to the corporate life of the church. Worship should not be treated
as a "prelude to the sermon" or "a selection of songs to make us
feel good".
2. Worship is for God and should be directed and focused toward Him. However, it is a two-fold communication process. As we worship our Lord, He touches us. As the Christian grows in worship, he/she gains knowledge and grows closer to the Lord.
3. Worshipping the Lord in "Spirit and Truth" can result in healing, deliverance, repentance, salvation, and gifts of the Spirit.Worship is also effective in spiritual warfare and is warfare in its very nature.
4. Scriptural worship includes, but is not limited to, the following: singing, bowing, kneeling, giving thanks, praising, singing with our spirit, clapping, dancing, shouting, lifting our hands, being still, meditating, lifting our eyes, bringing offerings, and playing instruments.
5. The Minister of Worship/Worship leader is a minister of the gospel and should be anointed and called by the Holy Spirit for his/her specific ministry. He/she should be sensitive to the Spirit's desires and the needs of the body, allowing for growth and maturity in personal and corporate worship. I consider myself an innovator, not a maintainer.
6. The Worship leader must be comfortable with the style and content of music he/she leads and allowed freedom in song selection as the Spirit directs. Personally, I lead in a contemporary style, singing as I play the piano or guitar. I enjoy leading with one other person, or with a worship band. I am also comfortable leading alone.
7. The Minister of Worship should train and disciple other potential worship leaders in the body, teach and train the body in Biblical worship and discern the needs of the worship ministry in regards to personnel, sound reinforcement, and musical direction.
8. The Minister of Worship should be accountable to the Pastors and/or Elders of the church. According to Levitical models, the Worship Minister should be supported financially by the body.
For Further explanation of my philosophy and Biblical references, please see my worship manual "In His Presence"
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revised December 23, 2005