PHilosophy of Worship Correspondance

Philosophy of Corporate Worship at GP

At GracePointe Church, we desire to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in all aspects of our lives. Below our guiding principles that help shape a lifestyle of worship. Through individual and group discipleship, we long for our whole lives to be filtered through these guiding principles. This lifestyle of worship shapes and informs the preparation of our whole church life including how we engage in corporate worship.

The Philosophy of Corporate Worship is a document that gives biblical foundation and principles regarding authentic worship for our corporate worship gathering here at GracePointe. This includes all aspects of our corporate gathering.

Guiding principles of worship

Christ-centered, Scripture-Guided, Sacrificial, Dynamic, Spirit-filled, Unified,

Intergenerational, Excellence and Authenticity

PHILOSOPHY OF WORSHIP

We are committed to Christ-centered worship as we gather to declare our love and devotion to God for who He is and what He has done through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus both in the present and for eternity. In our worship services, the focal point is always the Gospel of Christ. Jesus is the unchanging foundation of the church, enduring beyond shifts in styles, methods, and cultures. While these may evolve, the steadfast foundation of Jesus Christ remains unchanged.

Colossians 3:17, Colossians 3:1, Philippians 3:10, Hebrews 8:1-2, Hebrews 4:14

We are committed to Scripture-guided worship. We believe that the 66 books of the Bible are the inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, complete as the revelation of God’s will for salvation, and the supreme and final authority in all matters to which they speak. This means that our way of gathering, leading, participating, serving, teaching, and pastoring our people stems from the principles found in His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:21, Psalm 19:7-14, Deut. 4:1-2, Proverbs 30:5-6, Isaiah 40:8

We are committed to Sacrificial worship by expressing gratitude, praise, and obedience to God who remains constant, no matter the season or circumstance. Our corporate worship is a service or offering to God, where His people gather in Christ's name to honor Him, connect with the Spirit, respond to His word, and go forth to serve and honor Him.

Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15, Psalm 51:17, Psalm 107:21-22, Hosea 6:6, Philippians 2:3

We are committed to Dynamic and engaging worship by creating participatory worship experiences that inspire engagement rather than passive observation. Actively seeking ways to involve diverse individuals in the worship of the Almighty God is at the core of our mission.

Psalm 34:3, Psalm 95:6, Psalm 86:12, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 69:30

We are committed to Spirit-filled worship, by having fellowship with the Spirit as He directs us to proclaim the glory of God. The Spirit intercedes, leads and guides our worship including music, teaching, prayer, and reading of scripture. Overflowing with humility, worship in spirit involves thinking of oneself less and directing the focus entirely toward God. Lastly, worship in spirit is an expression of brokenness, reflecting a complete dependence on God for every need.

John 4:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:18-20, Hebrews 13:15

We are committed to Unified worship that strives to blend traditional hymns with modern songs, incorporating bands and choirs for a unified worship experience. In collective worship, we let go of personal preferences, solely to express gratitude to the God who has rescued us.

Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 2:2, Romans 514:19

We are committed to Intergenerational worship, believing that we are commanded to teach and train the generations in corporate worship. We are committed to engaging in deliberate ways we can all join in shared activities that help us connect with God, respect each other, and grow to be more like Christ, regardless of age.

Psalm 145:4, Psalm 78:4, Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 6:4-9

We are committed to Excellence and Authenticity in worship, believing that we should offer our very best to God. Our praise should involve excellence and authenticity as we inspire others to give their unique best to the Lord. We balance this by reminding one another that true excellence comes only from Jesus Christ and so we strive to have Christ be the foundation of all that do.

Psalm 150:2, Psalm 145:7, 1 Peter 2:9, Colossians 3:23-24, Deuteronomy 6:5

NOTE: Sources for this document include the following:

Austin Stone Worship

Collierville First Baptist Church

Book - “Worship Architect” by Constance M. Cherry

Psalm 25 NIV

Of David. In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how numerous are my enemies and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you. Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!