Worship
Worship at Grace
In our multi-cultural, multi-denominational church worship is expressed in many ways. Sunday morning’s include prayer, giving, artistic creation, music, singing and Biblical teaching as we experience God’s presence together. We believe individual worship matters to God as well and is expressed through personal worship times, prayer, Bible study and serving others while building meaningful relationships with people. Worship is the central heart beat of all we do and enjoy at Grace.
What is The Music Like At Grace?
Music and singing are the most widely used expressions of worship at Grace Community
Church. Our worship leadership team is skilled in modern worship styles and songs and leads worship during our weekly Sunday morning services. People are moved in different ways, some with hands lifted high, others praying silently while others dance in celebration. Each week we sing about the greatness of God, the faithfulness of His love, and the personal nature of His kindness. We celebrate salvation through Jesus Christ and declare Him as the object of our heart's affections.
Our Response - Worship Blog
Dang - Newfangled Songs
“Dang - Newfangled Songs”, have you ever heard this phrase spoken in church? Have you maybe said this phrase yourself either under your breath or maybe to your best friend or spouse? It’s not uncommon for people from different backgrounds to value different styles of musical expression in the church. Past experiences always help form our opinions and preferences when it comes to the music we enjoy in worship. Music is very subjective and can be a powerful motivating tool for worship when people emotionally connect with a particular style. However, the subjectivity of music can become divisive, pulling churches apart internally and causing long periods of unresolved conflict. It's God’s desire that we be one is spirit with Him and each other, especially when we come together in worship. When we gather together in a spirit of unity, God's presence is with us (Matthew 18:20).
For centuries the church has faced the sometimes uncomfortable adaptation of new musical expressions in worship and has sadly at times divided over this issue. For example; A predominant clergyman compiled a list of 10 reasons why he is opposed to the new music trend of the church. He writes;
- It's too new, like an unknown language.
- It's not as melodious (having a strong melody) as the more established style.
- There are so many new songs that it is impossible to learn them all.
- This new music creates disturbances and causes people to act in an indecent and disorderly manner.
- It places too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than on Godly lyrics.
- The lyrics are often wordly, even blasphemous.
- It is not needed since preceding generations have gone to heaven without it.
- It is a contrivance to get money.
- It monopolizes the Christian's time and encourages them to stay out late.
- These new musicians are young upstarts and some of them are lewd and loose persons.
Some churches may identify with these oppositions and may want to add a few of their own statements to the conversation. However, this list is not directed at the 21st Century Church or young upstart worship leaders trying to get a recording contract. In fact, they were written in the year 1723 A.D. when the "hot button" was the use of Hymns in congregational worship.
The essence of true worship is not found in the style of expression but the content of the heart. Jesus taught a Samaritan woman about worship in John chapter 4 when He said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” To worship “in spirit” means that we involve all of our heart’s affections and natural emotions, to worship with our hearts fixed on God. To worship “in truth” means that we worship in response to who God is, to worship with our minds fixed on truth. True worship is when our hearts affections are stirred by truth.
As we gather to worship each Sunday, examine the songs we sing. Do they undeniably reveal truth about God and His character? As you look for truth in our music, ask God to stir up your affections for Him. It may be while we’re singing “How Great Thou Art” or maybe even one of those "dang - newfangled songs" that God reveals a deeper level of Himself to you. Such an event is intoxicating and glorious!
In His Joy,
- Phil Brumley
Worship Pastor
Worship & Music Leadership at Grace
Worship leadership is one of the many ways that church members can serve at Grace. Our prayer is that God will continually raise up men and women who are called and skilled to lead in corporate worship. Our worship leadership team consist of vocalist, instrumentalist, sound engineers and media operators. If you are interested to serve in worship leadership, please fill out the personal profile below to receive information on our "Worship Foundations" class.
