Principles that Unite Us In Worship


A Philosophy of Music and Worship 
at Leon Springs Baptist Church

"The term worship is sometimes applied to all of a Christian’s life, and it is rightly said that
everything in our life should be an act of worship. However, worship can be used in a more specific sense to
refer to the music, words & heart-attitude especially when we assemble together."  Wayne Grudem

Worship as ALL of a Christian’s life

  1. Worship is far more than music:  Worship is not a part of life; it is your life.  EVERY activity can be an act of worship when you do it for the glory & pleasure of God (1 Cor 10:31, Rev 4:11). Martin Luther said “a dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God.”  Calvin wrote:  “Worship is the central concern of the Christian.”  The Bible clearly shows worship is far more than music.   Rom 12:1, Gen 22:5, 2 Sam 12:20, Job 1:20-22, Psalm 34:1

 

  1. We focus on SUBSTANCE more than Style:  Worship is an inner exalting of God in the heart & mind that results in an outward expression of true worship.  The substance happens inwardly, the style is expressed outwardly in daily expressions that glorify God including, but not limited to, music.  John 4:23-24, Mark 7:6-7,  Isaiah 58.  
  1. Worship is a CHOICE:  We bring the sacrifice of worship and praise because God is worthy and good. Worship is not feelings-driven but rather faith-driven. Heb 13:5 Psalms 25:6-9, 27:13, 31:19,  69:29-30, 42:5, 55:4-5 & Job 1:20-22 & 7:11, Matt 4:10, Acts 16:25.

 

  1. Private Worship precedes Public Worship:  Outward expression is the overflow of the inward relationship of knowing God.  The Bible teaches that we can truly KNOW God, not merely know about Him.  We exhort everyone, and especially those who lead us to worship God through music, to cultivate private worship through practicing discipleship habits .  This private worship should be authentic, earnest and disciplined.  We reject a shallow, superficial feel-good brand of Christianity. 1 Tim 4:7, Phil 3:8-10,               Titus 2:14,  John 17:3,  Matt 5:24, 7:21-23, 15:8-9, Psalm 63:1.

Worship, in a more specific sense, as music & heart-attitude when we assemble together
In addition to the aforementioned 4 principles, our services will be governed by the following:

  1. God-centered Vertical Focus:  Our aim & ambition is to please God.  In our services, we assert the primacy of vertical, God-centered worship with compatible coexistence of horizontal & personal aspects.  We reject me-focused or seeker-driven services.  We want to so experience God that He is glorified in our affections.   2 Corinth 5:9, Psalm 22:3, 69:30, 34:3,  Isa 62:3-5, 1 Corinth 10:31,  James 4:8   The horizontal aspect is seen in Eph 5:19, Col 3:16, Heb 10:24.

 

  1. Expecting God’s Supernatural Presence:  We earnestly seek God’s powerful presence.  We are participants in spiritual worship, not spectators.   We believe that in worship God draws near to us in power and makes Himself known and felt for our good and for the salvation of unbelievers in our midst.  The believer can experience the powerful presence of God and the unbeliever may sense “they have something that I don’t have.”  James 4:8, John 17:3, Phil 3:8-10, 1 Corinth 14:25, Psalm 22:3, 27:8, 17:15.
  2. Heart AND Head:  Worship in sprit and truth, with emotions and thought,  with ALL of our heart and ALL of our mind, with Bible-saturated words and zealous hearts that are emotionally-engaged but not emotionally-manipulated . Jn 4:23, Mt 22:36-38.    

 

  1. Atmosphere—Authentic Reverence, Passion & Wonder:  We will avoid a trite, superficial atmosphere in our services but instead set an example of reverence and passion and wonder.  We emphatically renounce hypocrisy, pretension, showmanship and desire an atmosphere of holiness, deep joy & humility.  Mark 7:6-7 & Psalms  

 

  1. Undistracting Excellence:  We strive to sing & serve with undistracting excellence so that people are not sidetracked or distracted by sloppy ministry or excessive flair.   We aim to combine desire, skill and selflessness in an orderly way to magnify God.          This is true in all ministries and especially in the Music & Arts where each person shares the joyful duty of leading people to worship God. 1 Chron 25:7, Col 3:23, Phil 2:3, 1 Cor 10:31 & 14:7-8, Neh 12:46, Exod 31:6.

     
10. Variety in Expression:  Our Worship Services include many elements such as Prayer, Scripture Reading, Giving, Fellowship and Praise.  The Bible reveals many ways to express praise including singing, clapping, standing, playing instruments, bowing, shouting, dancing, lifting hands and more.  The common denominator is that  each is expressive, not passive.  Thus, our services are filled with variety:  songs that are loud and soft, fast and slow.  Celebration and Repentance.  Guitar and Cello.  Choir and Solo.  We will be careful to avoid judging another’s legitimate expression praise even when it does not suit our taste.     2 Samuel 6:14-23  Romans 14:1-23 & 14:4 .                     

 

11. Our Style:   Substance matters more than style—but we do have a particular style.  We want high congregational participation , a blendhistoric & contemporary songs a blend of faster & slower songs, of louder & softer songs.  We aim to involve manymusicians and there will be much variety.  We intentionally choose songs that have words saturated with Biblical truth.   Matt 13:52, John 8:32, the variety seen in the Psalms    

 

12. Structure Submits to Spirit:   Although we prayerfully plan and prepare services,      God can interrupt our plans at ANY time!  Proverbs 19:21, Isa 55:8-9, Rom 11:33-36