Responsive. Because worship is a marvelous supernatural encounter involving communion between the triune God and his covenant people, therefore worship involves a covenant conversation. God speaks to His people in the reading and preaching of the Word and in the sacraments, and God's people respond with thankful singing, prayer, and cheerful giving. As we move through the service, you will find it helpful to think of our alternating between God’s speaking to us and our speaking to God.
A family event. For this same reason--because God’s covenant is with believers and their children--God calls families to come and worship him together. We encourage parents to train their children to worship God from tender years and bring them into the service. We are patient with a little noise in the service. There is always a cry room, however, for those who may need it.
Scriptural. We seek to worship God in a manner acceptable to him, and not according to the imaginations and devices of men. His Word is the rule of our worship.
Reverent and Joyful. Because God is holy we approach Him with reverence and awe. Our service reflects that worship is entering into His heavenly throne room. We also rejoice as we draw near to God because our sins have been forgiven in Christ.
God-Centered. All too often worship is man-centered; that is, it is overly preoccupied with our needs, our feelings, and our aspirations. But since the primary purpose of worship is to give glory and honor to God, the most important thing that we could say about our worship is that it is God-centered. There is a time and a place to focus on people, to celebrate their character and accomplishments—a birthday party would be a good example. But what should be front and center in Christian worship is the radiant and glorious character of the Triune God and the greatness of his saving work on behalf of sinners.
