The content of Emmaus’s worship reflects our adherence to sound doctrine (Timothy 2:1), per the church’s vision (Creed, Community, Commission). All liturgical content and application is reflective of the church’s theological commitments. 

The order of our worship tells the story of the gospel: the glory of God, our sinfulness, Christ’s finished work, and our response. God speaks to reveal himself in Scripture (Psalm 119) and in the person of Jesus (Hebrew 1:1-2). In response, the church offers his praise, prayer, and confession in faith; worship therefore is a responsive act. Emmaus’s liturgy does not begin with our word, but with God’s word, which proclaims salvation by his grace. He speaks first and we respond to him in a way that befits his glory and grace in Christ. This philosophical distinction is critical since the gospel is an announcement of good news about what God has done to save and reconcile sinners.

The presentation of our liturgy is geared toward facilitating participation among the church as an expression of the gospel, including the house lights in the room, the volume of music, the words that are spoken through the PA, and how words are projected on the screen. The idea is to minimize distraction and maximize God’s self-revelation in the gospel in order to facilitate a fitting response.

We do not worship in the dark; the room is well-lit to remind us that the gospel has gathered us together to worship God. We want to see our brother and sisters in Christ worshiping him together (Heb. 10:25).

The volume of the music is carefully set to enhance the most important instrument in the room: the sound of the congregation singing! We want to hear our brothers and sisters in Christ singing his praise (Col. 3:16).

The words spoken and displayed will reflect the ageless gospel truths once and for all handed down to us; though we do not expect a perfect performance, we always aim to present the verbal content of gathered worship in a manner that befits what is being spoken, read, or displayed and will do all we can to avoid being shoddy and un-prepared.

A fitting response in worship includes bringing our “whole self” to God in worship, our souls (Ps. 25:1) as well as our bodies (Romans 12:1).