- The Lord’s Supper: Observed every Sunday, this is a central and important element of our worship. It includes partaking of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine to remember Jesus’s sacrifice and death.
- Singing: Worship is exclusively a cappella (without instrumental music), based on New Testament commands to “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19). We sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to praise God and edify one another.
- Prayer: Multiple prayers are offered throughout the service, including adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication. This is seen as a time for personal and communal communication with God.
- Preaching/Teaching: A lesson or sermon is delivered from the Bible, which is the inspired Word of God. The purpose is to teach the congregation sound doctrine and encourage spiritual growth.
- Giving: A monetary collection is taken from members to support the work of the local church. This is viewed as an act of worship and an expression of gratitude for God’s blessings.
In addition to these elements, the worship at Joelton is guided by several key principles:
- Scriptural authority: All practices must be authorized by New Testament scripture. Worship is viewed as something directed by God, not by human preferences or traditions.
- Simplicity and sincerity: Worship should focus on sincere devotion from the heart rather than external rituals or entertainment.
- Congregational participation: The service is designed for the active participation of the entire congregation, particularly in singing.
- First-century pattern: The goal is to follow the worship practices of the early church as described in the New Testament.