Congregational Worship

“One of the most overlooked tools for growth is honest self-examination—asking ourselves where our habits, patterns, and expectations fall short of the biblical vision for gathered worship.” - 9 Marks

“We honestly hope that the next several minutes of conversation, pastor, will help you perhaps re envision the role that confessions of faith and other documents can play in the life of your church.” - TGC

“Because Easter is often the highest-attended Sunday of the year, how leaders answer this question shapes not only the experience of that day, but also what first-time and returning guests assume about the life of the church.” - Sam Rainer

“Many faithful Christians are committed to churches they love, even if they don’t always care for the music. They join and stay because the preaching is biblicalb…. Because music engages our affections, though, it can be painful when we don’t love our church’s music.music.” - TGC

“From the parents’ perspective, children—especially very young children—pose an impediment to adults engaging in the worship service. Though I see legitimacy in these perspectives, it’s important to affirm that corporate worship is not like the workplace. Rather, corporate worship is, in fact, for children.” - 9 Marks

“Perhaps unsurprisingly in a world of vapid, repetitive ‘praise’ music and ephemeral ‘pop worship’ hits, the old hymns of our faith—many musically gorgeous and lyrically deep—have not only endured but been rediscovered by younger generations.” - TGC

“When Christians lift their hands during worship, pray publicly or share Scripture online, are they expressing genuine devotion—or performing for the approval of others?” - CPost

“We are rightly cautious about emotionalism. We don’t want distractions in the gathered assembly, and we certainly don’t want to draw attention to ourselves rather than Christ.Christ. Yet I think Scripture suggests that God wants more for us than internal, invisible worship.” - 9 Marks

“A church’s songs are not a mere preamble to the sermon. Singing is not filler time to warm up a congregation. Singing is a holy practice. We sing because God has commanded us, and our songs should fill our hearts with delight.” - Matt Boswell