Our Worship: Why We Worship the Way We Do

Have you ever wondered why we worship the way we do at church on Sunday mornings? Every church has its own traditions and rhythms, but behind all of them lies one simple goal — to glorify Christ together.

When we talk about worship, we don’t just mean the music or the hour we spend in church each week. True worship involves our whole lives. The Bible says in Romans 12:1, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In other words, worship isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are as people who belong to Christ.

The word worship actually comes from the old English word worth-ship — to show the worth of something. That’s what happens every time we gather. We come together to recognize that God alone is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory. As Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10).

At Elk Community Church, we believe worship involves both adoration and action. It’s not just about singing with our hearts, but also about living for God with our hands and feet — at work, at home, and in our community.

When we gather for corporate worship, we do so with purpose. Every element in our service — from Scripture reading to prayer to singing and preaching — points us to the gospel. Our service follows a simple rhythm that mirrors the good news of Jesus Christ:

1. God – We begin with a call to worship, focusing on who God is and what He’s done.

2. Man – We confess our sins, acknowledging our need for His mercy.

3. Christ – We remember Jesus’ work on the cross and rejoice in His forgiveness.

4. Response – We pray, give thanks, and commit to living for Him in the week ahead.

Some call this a liturgy, but it’s really just a pattern meant to shape our hearts and remind us of the gospel every week. The truth is, what we do in worship shapes us over time. As the psalmist says, “Those who make [idols] will become like them” (Psalm 115:8). We become like what we worship. So we want our worship to form us into people who love Christ deeply and live faithfully in this world.

When we gather on Sunday, it’s more than a routine — it’s a meeting with the living God. It’s where we are reminded of His grace, strengthened by His Word, and sent back into the world as His people.

So the next time you come to church, come ready to meet with God. Worship isn’t about entertainment or personal preference. It’s about giving God the glory He deserves — together.