Worship

Coming into the Presence of God

At Arise, our vision for worship is to lift up Jesus Christ as the center of our lives, our church, and our ministry:

  • Our Worship Is Christ-Centered.  Jesus said that when he was "lifted up" or crucified and exalted, he would draw all people to Himself (John 12:32). Therefore, our worship is focused on God's presence. We agree with the words of A.W. Tozer: "The presence of God is more important than the program." We nurture an atmosphere in which God can manifest His presence in powerful and tangible ways.
  • Our Worship is Bible-Based. Word, worship, and Spirit go hand-in-hand. Our desire is to passionately pursue the Word of God like the Bereans, who "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily ..." (Acts 17:11). We practice this through Word-based expository messages with practical applications on Sunday mornings, Bible studies during the week, intentional discipleship/ mentoring ministries, and the encouragement of daily personal Bible reading and study.
  • Worship is Spirit-Led. Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). True worship exercises the gifts of the Spirit. We encourage appropriate exercise of all of the gifts, manifestations, and ministries of the Spirit to build up believers and to serve as signs to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 12:3-10, 14:26). Moreover, our worship blends old and new treasures of worship (Matthew 13:52)—ancient songs and practices and new songs and practices, all inspired by the Spirit.
  • Worship is Life-Encompassing. All of life is worship. Thinking, eating and drinking, sleeping and rest, working at our jobs, playing and enjoying life, giving, spending money wisely—we are to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This kind of worship involves the whole person. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). And so, we encourage the entire range of biblical practices such as raising hands, kneeling, bowing prostrate, clapping, shouting, dancing, waving banners, and being still before God.