Reading: What is Worship?

How to be an effective 
Worship Leader

What is worship?
Steve Elzinga

What is worship?
Definition – “to give something its worth.”
i.e.
Football players
Actors
Singers
Graduates
Spouse
God

How does one worship?
Communication through …
Words
Music
Art
Work
Play

Communication with …
Voice
Hands
Eyes
Feet
Body

Worship is a lifestyle of daily surrender to God and His will for your life.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What does worship help us do?
Experience God’s Pleasure
Psalm 100:1-2 (NIV) Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Experience God’s Presence
Psalm 22:3 (KJV) But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Experience God’s People
Hebrews 10:24,25 Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another …

Where does one worship?
Quiet places
Home
Work
School
Commute
Shower
Garden
Sports
Friends
Trips
Rain
Sun
Stars
Church

With whom does one worship?
Alone
Spouse
Family
Support group
Church
Kingdom
World

Worship vs. Worship Service
Worship
Anytime, anywhere
Specifically giving God His worth (praise and adoration)

Worship Service
Specific time, at specific location
Includes many other elements that are not specifically giving God His worth. (i.e. thanksgiving, supplication, testimony, encouragement …)

What is a Worship Service?
The culmination of all the worship
The support for worship
The inspiring example for worship
Halftime