Introduction

Is there a right or wrong way to worship God? Does God care how we worship Him? These are questions we must ask, especially in a world with so many approaches to worship. From candles to smoke machines, from dancing to drama, from puppet shows to solos, churches often vary in their practices. But how can we be sure that our worship is pleasing to God?

In Deuteronomy 12:29-32, Moses speaks to the Israelites as they stand at the edge of the Promised Land, about to encounter Canaanite culture. The warning is clear: “Be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). God’s people were to reject the detestable practices of the surrounding nations and worship Him as He had revealed. They were to worship God, doing what He said in His Word, and refraining to do what He hadn’t said.

This principle applies just as much to us today. The regulative principle of worship teaches that God, in His Word, has shown us how He desires to be worshipped. It’s not for us to innovate or imitate the culture around us but to follow His instructions carefully.

The regulative principle of worship teaches that God, in His Word, has shown us how He desires to be worshipped. It’s not for us to innovate or imitate the culture around us but to follow His instructions carefully.

Rejecting false worship

Moses warns in Deuteronomy 12:30-31: “Be careful not to be ensnared by their ways… Do not inquire about their gods, asking, ‘How did these nations worship their gods? I’ll also do the same.’ You must not do the same to the Lord your God.”

The Canaanite practices were not neutral—they were abhorrent to God. They included child sacrifice, ritual prostitution, and idolatry. These practices were a complete rejection of God’s holiness.

Moses tells the Israelites to handle these influences like a toxic poison. Curiosity about ungodly practices can lead to spiritual death. In our context today, false worship may not look like child sacrifices, but it can take the form of practices that elevate human creativity, emotional experience, or cultural trends above God’s Word.

God cares deeply about how He is worshipped. Worship isn’t just about good intentions; it must be shaped by God’s revelation.

God cares deeply about how He is worshipped. Worship isn’t just about good intentions; it must be shaped by God’s revelation.

Elements of New Testament worship

In Deuteronomy 12:32, Moses instructs, “Be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it.”

God’s commands for worship are not open to addition or subtraction. He has provided everything necessary in His Word. This principle requires us to: Do what God commands – Align our worship practices with Scripture. Avoid what God has not commanded – Resist the temptation to innovate or adopt unbiblical practices.

For the Church today, this means structuring our worship around the elements God has prescribed in His Word:

The elements of worship

Guidelines for serving

These elements, and only these, form the foundation of corporate worship.

The Church today structures our worship around the elements God has prescribed in His Word: Readings, praying, preaching, singing, and seeing the Word.

Forms of New Testament worship

The forms of worship refer to the particular way each element is carried out. For example, preaching is an element, but the choice of sermon length, and structure would be matters of form. Singing is an element, but the selection of songs, musical style, and instrumentation are matters of form. Forms should serve the elements faithfully, ensuring that the biblical purpose of each act of worship is upheld. While there are only 5 elements of worship prescribed in the His Word, there are a myriad of forms those elements may take.

While there are only 5 elements of worship prescribed in the His Word, there are a myriad of forms those elements may take.

Circumstances of New Testament worship

The circumstances of worship are the logistical details that facilitate worship but are not prescribed by Scripture. These include things like the time of the service, the use of microphones, the seating arrangement, and whether hymn lyrics are projected on a screen or printed in a book. Circumstances require wisdom and prudence, ensuring that they support reverent and orderly worship without overshadowing the elements themselves.

Our run sheet

We’ve worked hard to encapsulate these elements into a run sheet, ordering the elements of worship, the forms they take, and the circumstances on any given Sunday. The intension isn’t getting the service to finish in a certain amount of time, the intention is to orchestrate the elements, the forms, the circumstances, and the people, all together, to glory of God.

Our LIVE worship

So, what does our worship look like? What does it feel like?

Why this matters

The regulative principle of worship is not just about following rules—it’s about honouring God. By worshipping as He commands, we demonstrate our love for Him and our trust in His wisdom. It also protects us from the influence of false worship, keeping Christ central in all that we do.

This principle reminds us that worship isn’t for our entertainment or creativity—it’s for God’s glory. When we worship as He directs, we reflect His holiness and declare His worth to a watching world.

This principle reminds us that worship isn’t for our entertainment or creativity—it’s for God’s glory.

Conclusion

Is there a right way to worship God? Yes, and He has revealed it in His Word. Does God care how we worship Him? Absolutely, because worship is about His glory, not our preferences.

Let us, as His people, commit to worshipping Jesus as His Word directs—faithfully, reverently, and joyfully.

Is there a right way to worship God? Yes, and He has revealed it in His Word.