Worship Principles
We make no recommendation as to the use of liturgy and vestments except that we encourage simplicity in worship. We believe the earliest Christians were extremely simple in their order of service. Whatever is added to the service carries the danger of becoming only form. Even the simple parts of the service may become only form.
The preaching of the Word of God must be the central part of the service. True Gospel preaching endeavors to meet the needs of all who hear: the believer who desires to grow in his life with God, the seeking and uncertain souls who want to see Him, the hypocrite who must be awakened from his self-righteousness, and the hardened sinner who must still be called to saving faith.
The Sacraments must always be met by the response of faith in the heart of the recipient to be effective.
Hymn books should be such as will give honor to the Word of God and the Sacraments.
Congregations will cherish opportunities for Bible study and prayer fellowship.
The Lord has given talents and gifts to Christian lay people as well as pastors, and opportunity should be given for the practice of these gifts in the life of the congregation, in meetings of fellowship outside the congregation, and in service to a needy world.
The preaching of the Word of God must be the central part of the service. True Gospel preaching endeavors to meet the needs of all who hear: the believer who desires to grow in his life with God, the seeking and uncertain souls who want to see Him, the hypocrite who must be awakened from his self-righteousness, and the hardened sinner who must still be called to saving faith.
The Sacraments must always be met by the response of faith in the heart of the recipient to be effective.
Hymn books should be such as will give honor to the Word of God and the Sacraments.
Congregations will cherish opportunities for Bible study and prayer fellowship.
The Lord has given talents and gifts to Christian lay people as well as pastors, and opportunity should be given for the practice of these gifts in the life of the congregation, in meetings of fellowship outside the congregation, and in service to a needy world.
