What is Reformed Worship?

  • Reformed Worship, simply put, is

    • Conformed to God’s commands, hence, we do what God requires of us in worship rather than what he didn’t forbid.

    • Simple in spirit and in truth, hence, we put away external glories in order that Christ’s Word may be what draws us near to him by faith.

    • Trinitarian and through Christ’s mediation, hence, we worship with theological understanding, with grace in the heart, and filled with thanksgiving for Christ’s work of salvation.

    • Apostolic, hence, practicing the worship forms found in the New Testament that are to be continued until the end of the age, while opposing contemporary so-called “worship.”

    • Experiential, hence, not a dull and empty experience of religion, rather, an experience enjoyed in Jesus Christ, in the whole-man, and in the fruits of the Spirit while deeply rooted in faith, hope, love, and fear of God.

    • Patriarchal, hence, not complementarian or egalitarian, but strong in the concept of headship that defines the order of the church, even in public worship, according to the Scripture.

    • Sabbatarian, hence, glorifying and enjoying God in restful observance of a whole day in seven, namely the first day of the week, to praise him for his works of creation, redemption, and glorification in, through, and for Jesus Christ both publicly in the gathering of the Saints and privately within the home.

    • Minister led, hence, not led by members, ruling elder, deacons, or hired performers, rather, by the man ordained to minister the mysteries of God to the people.

  • Reformed worship contains the regular elements of

    • Prayer

    • Reading of Scripture

    • Hearing of Scripture

    • Preaching of Scripture

    • Singing of Psalms

    • And worthy receiving of the Sacraments of Baptism and Lord’s Supper

  • While containing the occasional elements of

    • Oaths

    • Vows

    • Solemn Fastings

    • And Thanksgivings

  • And privately it takes place

    • Both individually and with the whole family

    • Led by the head of house if in the family

    • Ordered without preaching or sacraments

    • Under the periodical examination of the elders

    • Called to take place daily