why we worship
Worship that is Christ-Centered and God Honoring
“Worship” comes from the concept of “worthy ship” – actions which show someone or something is “worth it” – worth the drive to the concert, the cost of the autographed ball, the sacrifice of time for the seminar, the price of the engagement ring.
We want our worship to show that God is the focus of our gathering. We want our worship to show that God is the focus of our gathering.
In worship everything we do, give, sing and eat should be centered on God. If the focus is people, then we say things like “the songs didn’t appeal to me” or “the sermon didn’t relate to me.” If the focus is God, we should read and hear talks, sing songs, and eat a meal focusing on God’s awesomeness in power, the goodness of His person, the richness of His mercy.
How we worship through liturgy
A too common MIS-understanding of liturgy is “ritual.” Liturgy means “work of the people.” So liturgical worship is ‘participation worship.’ When church events become a performance or entertainment, the leaders on stage perform a “service” to the crowd/congregation, whose role is to consume: the music, the message, the ‘package.’
Liturgy helps prevent an audience mentality; The people together seek God: they seek forgiveness, read scriptures aloud, lead and join in the prayers, come forward for communion, depart to share God’s love. Our favorite compliment we get is “What a God-centered worship service that was,” because it truly is all about Him.