Building a Theology of Worship

Our worship needs a strong foundation in theology. When we build up a theology of worship, there are a few key ideas we need to use as building blocks. This theology should be built on seven concepts: spirit, truth, balance, theology, community, culture, and excellence. These are all very crucial ideas that are needed to provide a strong foundation for your beliefs on worship.

Worship should be pleasing to Him. When it is, we know that we are worshipping in spirit. We know it pleases Him when we encounter and feel His presence. It is equally important to worship Him in truth. To worship in truth is to worship in the word of God. Stick to what His word, the bible says. When we start to divert in our own thoughts and ideas, we can drift away from the Word and our worship becomes superficial. It is important to know theology in general when building a theology of worship. We must have an accurate view of who God is. If we are ignorant to the massiveness of God, then our praise to Him isn't all of what it could be. We must know about the theology of God so we can praise Him knowing why He deserves our praise.

Community is essential to true worship. Throughout the bible people have always been praising God while in community. 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 tells us of the people coming together to worship and praise God. Real worship that causes people to encounter God happens when we gather in community. We must be connected to each other in order to truly love and lift up God's name. Throughout Paul's ministry, we always wanted whoever he would be writing to, to be in community and worship together. Not only with music but they were to also look after one another in love.

We must immerse ourselves in the culture we have been placed in to build our theology. When we can't relate to the culture that we are trying to commune with, then we are walking in circles. We must understand how the people around us live, so we can love them the way they need to be loved. Dr. Pete Sanchez said, "If we want to reach the world, we may have to sit in the smoking section."

The final concept is excellence. In Philippians 4:8, Paul writes the church, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." When we worship Him, in a way where we come into His presence, we have brought Him excellence. We can find excellence when we find peace in our offerings to Him. These are how we build a strong theology of worship.