A Definition of Corporate Worship

Corporate worship is the proper response of a gathered church to the person of the triune God and to his past, present, and future works, especially as they pertain to reigning and redemption. This response requires an accurate understanding of God’s greatness and goodness informed by Scripture and is characterized by an earnest attitude of awe, devotion, confidence, and submission that results in obedience and service. Key elements include: (1) public prayers, (2) vocal singing and instrumental music, (3) public testimonies, (4) financial contributions, (5) public Scripture reading, (6) expositional preaching, (7) observing the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Table), (8) confessing faults, and (9) offering words of spiritual encouragement.