The Regulative Principle of Worship

We will attempt to regulate church life by scripture alone recognizing that God has instituted in the Scriptures everything He requires for worship in the Church and that everything else is prohibited. Therefore, the only permissible elements of worship are those that are instituted by command, precept, or example or by good and necessary consequence and that whatever is not warranted by scripture is forbidden. This is another way of saying that Christ has authority over His church through the Word of God. We deny and reject that the church should invent and institute her own principles and methods for corporate worship and discipleship that disregard or replace the explicit teaching of Scripture. (Matthew 16:18)

"charge some that they teach no other doctrine..."

"These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 1:3; 3:14-15

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

John 4:24

I. We  worship our Lord through the sufficiency of Scripture. We acknowledge that God alone determines how He is to be worshipped, not the ideas or traditions of men. All elements and manner of our worship are grounded in and derived from the commands of Scripture alone. Mark 7:7-8; John 4:23-24; 17:17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 2:2; 3:15-17; 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; 14:33; Revelation 3:14-16; 22: 18-19; Deuteronomy 12:32

II. We  worship our Lord through reverence and Godly fear. True worship is marked by a prepared heart with humility, obedience, and a deep sense of awe before Almighty God. As Scripture teaches, we are to “walk prudently when we go to the house of God.” We believe that fruitful and acceptable worship begins before the service starts. Therefore, prior to our Lord’s Day worship service, we take a few moments of silent preparation to compose our hearts and minds for the serious, solemn, and joyful worship of our Lord. Please enter the  worship area quietly during this brief time so as not to disturb those who may be in prayer, meditating upon a portion of Scripture, or reading over the sermon text and spiritual songs of the day. Acts 9:31; Hebrews 5:7-10; 12:28-29; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; Ephesians 5:20-21; Habakkuk 2:20; Psalm 29:2; 62:5-8; 111:10; 128:4; 1 Samuel 12:24; Zephaniah 1:7; Zechariah 2:13

III. We  worship our Lord through congregational singing, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We delight in singing to the praise and glory of God by lifting up our voices (a-cappella) and making the melody with our hearts to the Lord. We believe that the beauty of the unaccompanied voices of God’s elect in song is truly pleasing to Him and edifying to the souls of His people. If, however, a musical accompaniment is needed to establish order and clarity, it is kept minimal in number, volume, and style. Once a congregational flow has been  established, the instrumentalist will cease playing in order to join the congregation in singing as one unified body, lifting up our voices to the glory of our Sovereign King. We believe it is imperative that every believing voice be lifted up in song as an act of acceptable worship and obedience to Him. We sing from the Psalter and diligently seek Reformed hymns that are rich in doctrine and proven to be theologically sound. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13; Romans 15:5-11

IV. We  worship our Lord through the complementary roles of men and women, teaching and upholding biblical manhood while preserving the femininity of our ladies. The biblically defined roles of men and women within the church are equal in worth and value yet distinct in manner and application. The Scriptures have given our precious ladies the supportive role of learning in silence, as the men lead in the public acts of the church. Our Lord has not permitted her to teach or to have authority over a man, and if she has a question, she is to ask her own husband at home so as not to publicly undermine the authority of her head. We see this not only as a command for the ladies to remain silent during the context of the church meetings but also as a command for the men not to remain silent in teaching their wives at home. It is the responsibility of her husband, as the covenant head, to lead and wash his wife with water in the Word. The cultural mandate against these timeless principles must not rule the day within the house of God. The biblically defined roles and responsibilities of men and women beautifully complement one another, are grounded in the order of Creation, and are essential to the structures of both the church and the family. Galatians 3:26-29; Genesis 1:27; 2:18-24; 3:16-19; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 2:1-8; 1 Corinthians 14:33-38

V. We  worship our Lord through public prayer by the men of the church. 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:18

VI. We  worship our Lord through the public reading and hearing of the Word of God. The men of the church will read aloud from both the Old and New Testaments, unto the glory of the Lord and for the edification of His saints. 1 Timothy 4:13; Revelation 1:3; Romans 15:4; Colossians 4:16-17

VII. We  worship our Lord through biblically qualified men teaching and preaching the Word of God, paying careful attention to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:6, 16; 2 Timothy 2:14-15; 4:1-5; Titus 1:9

VIII. We  worship our Lord through modesty in dress. First and foremost, modesty is a condition of the heart; it is the outward expression of inward humility before our Lord. Our dress is to be distinctly masculine and distinctly feminine. We are to act and dress in a manner that does not draw attention to ourselves or our bodies, being very careful not to cause others to stumble. Our dress code is summed up by Mark 12:30: “‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” Genesis 3:21; Deuteronomy 6:5, 22:5; Proverbs 11:22; Matthew 5:27-30; Romans 12:1-2 1; 13:13-14; 14:21; 1 Corinthians 12:23-24; Galatians 5:19; 1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-5

IX. We  worship our Lord through biblical headship. “The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). In light of God’s created order and design, and a reflection of divine submission within the Godhead, it has pleased the Lord to again regulate the manner in which His church is to approach Him in worship through coverings. When assembled together for the public worship of God, the Apostle Paul has provided particular instructions to both the men and the women. 1 Corinthians 11:7-10 teaches: “For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. For this reason, the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” Two distinct types of head coverings are identified for the ladies: one being a literal covering worn upon the head as a symbol of submission and headship when sitting under the praying and preaching of the Word; the other being her long hair, which is a glory to her, given by God as a covering in all of life. It is, by nature, shameful for a man to have long hair for this reason (1 Corinthians 11:14). Paul admonished all the churches everywhere to “keep these traditions just as I delivered them to you” (παράδοσις—paradosis: the transmission or handing down of teachings or practices from one generation to the next). We echo the words of Charles Spurgeon in reference to this doctrine: “We shall not adjust our Bible to the age; but before we have done with it, by God’s grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible.” We believe Scripture is clear that when the saints are assembled for the corporate worship of God, a man dishonors his head if he is covered, and a woman dishonors her head if she is uncovered (1 Corinthians 11:4-5). This was the universal practice of the Christian Church throughout its history until recent years when it began to be disregarded. While the teaching within our assembly emphasizes the importance of a literal covering for the ladies—such as a headband, scarf, or hat—we do not view this as an issue to divide over. If someone, based on their understanding of this passage, considers a woman’s long hair to be sufficient for her covering, it is a matter of personal conscience, and this conviction is respected within our congregation. Genesis 1:27; 2:18-24; 3:16-19; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 4:14-17; 7:17; 11:1-16; 14:33; 2 Cor. 11:28; Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6; Titus 2:1-8; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Hebrews 1:14

X. We worship our Lord through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are gospel ordinances to be observed by believers in a church capacity. Baptism is by immersion and should only be administered to those who give evidence of having been regenerated. We are joyfully edified when the congregation gathers at the river, baptizing a redeemed sinner and singing praises to God! We commemorate the Lord’s Table weekly in remembrance of His death on the cross for our sins. We believe that fellowship in gospel church ordinances is based upon fellowship in gospel truths believed. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:36-38; Romans 6:3-7; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26; Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 2:41-42; 20:7

XI. We worship our Lord through giving. “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper.” Though giving is not necessarily an official element of the corporate worship service, it remains a vital expression of worship and obedience. We believe giving should be done privately and according to each one’s conscience. Therefore, a box for tithes and offerings is provided in a designated location outside of the worship area. 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Psalm 41:1

XII. We worship our Lord through individuals and families assembling together within all of our worship meetings. We fully affirm the biblical principles of a family-integrated church. We believe the Scriptures sufficiently outline a clear pattern of age-integrated worship and discipleship. We see no scriptural precept or principle to separate our children from the teaching of the Word alongside the nurturing of their parents. We reject the notion of age segregated “Sunday school” or “children’s church” that excludes them from the gathered assemblies of God’s people. We believe the church is to edify the family, not divide it. We encourage parents to train their children to participate in all of the worship services. We are accustomed to the sounds of children in the congregation and enjoy it that way. We want those who are in the process of training their children for worship participation to feel comfortable in our meetings. If needed, a cry room and nursery are available with audio for listening to the services, allowing them to move about as necessary. One thing to note: this principle does not solely identify us as a body. The church is for the family, not about the family. We preach Christ and Him crucified. The purpose and focus of the church is for God’s people to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the proclamation of His glorious gospel. Hebrews 10:24-25; Exodus 12:21-27; Deuteronomy 16:9-14; 31:9-13; 32:46; Joshua 8:34-35; 2 Chronicles 20:13; Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 8:2; 12:43; Joel 2:15-16; Acts 20:7-12; 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 11:1-2 16; 12:12-26; Ephesians 6:1-4; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-14; 3:15; 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:15-17.

“The Lord himself establishes for and reveals to man the regulative principal, indicating what He requires man to do and in which manner He wishes this to be accomplished.” Wilhelmus A Brake

"Therefore receive [welcome] one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." Romans 15:7

The Lord’s Day Sabbath is a delight for the believing saints of God. It is a day of rest, worship, and fellowship, all the day long. We find great joy and blessing in spending time together. “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” - Psalm 118:24. Come early to greet and encourage one another in the Lord over a light snack and coffee, eagerly anticipating the corporate gatherings of the day for the praise and worship of our Sovereign King in “spirit and in truth.” Attendance at all Lord’s Day meetings is encouraged for the unity and spiritual growth of the body.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

"Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2

I. A time of quietly preparing our hearts and minds for worship

II. Opening Prayer

III. A Call to Worship

IV. Congregational hymn singing (Amen)

V. Gospel proclamation of sovereign and free grace

VI. Congregational Psalm singing (Amen)

VII. Old Testament reading and hearing of the Word of God

VIII. New Testament reading and hearing of the Word of God

IX. Congregational Psalm or hymn singing (Amen)

X. The verse-by-verse expository preaching of the Word of God

XI. A moment of silent reflection and individual prayer over the sermon

XII. Administering the Lord’s Supper

XIII. Benediction and singing the Doxology (Amen)

XIV. Baptismal Services held at the Mississinewa River or at our meeting place

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you are also doing.” 1 Thess. 5:11  “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians. 6:2

On every Lord’s Day, we gather together for a time of Christian fellowship over a pitch-in meal, rejoicing together in the abundant blessings God has granted to us and bearing one another’s burdens. We are mindful of the needs of our children, giving them time to stretch out and do what kids do. Toward the end of our fellowship time, our brothers and sisters in Christ share prayer requests. We then assemble together once again to worship our Lord through the means of corporate prayer and Bible study.

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1 Timothy 2:8

As we assemble together to worship our Lord in corporate prayer, the men, or heads of the home, pray over the congregation, lifting up our praise, worship, and supplications unto our Lord. The women and children of the assembly follow along in one accord as the men publicly pray aloud. It is encouraged that all baptized, believing men fulfill their duty and pray!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

As previously stated, our Bible study time is family-integrated and serves as a continuation of Lord’s Day worship. We engage in a doctrinal study through the reading, teaching, and hearing of the Word with questions and answers from the men, or heads of the home.  It is also a blessed time of discipleship for our children, providing mom and dad with the opportunity to reinforce and expand upon the teaching through further instruction at home. We dismiss with prayer and congregational singing of a Psalm or hymn. Additional fellowship time is always welcome after our closing song.

*Note: For the sake of unity and consistency, and  In keeping with 1 Corinthians 14:40 — "Let all things be done decently and in order,” —  we have chosen the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible for pulpit ministry and corporate teaching. We also value the Authorized King James Version (KJV), as the two versions are closely related in translation.  However, please feel free to use any other version with which you are personally comfortable.