WORSHIP IS VITAL
(Ephesians 5:18,19)
At Calvary Chapel great emphasis is given to music and worship. Worship is not just a warm up for the sermon, it is actually and literally entering into the Holiest of All, coming through the gates with thanksgiving and the courts with praise. Jesus said the Father was seeking those who would worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Way back in the early days of Calvary Chapel there was a sign out front that said "Jesus Christ is Lord, adore Him with us". That's true worship - adoring Jesus.
We like to stay away from performance type music where the congregation is just watching others worship, in favor of participatory worship that everyone can enter in to.
We also like to emphasize songs to Jesus, rather than just songs about Jesus. We are singing to Him, adoring Him, loving Him. We are not just filling space until the late comers get seated.
You can always tell a church that is moving with the Lord. The sanctuary fills up early, people love to sit up in the front row, and they sing with all their hearts.
True, heart felt, Spirit filled worship is vital and essential.
