Our Worship Philosophy

At Lighthouse Community Church, we believe worship exists to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 16:11). Worship is not about personal preferences or entertainment but about exalting the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Our worship gathers God’s people to declare His greatness, hear His Word, and respond in faithful obedience.

Our philosophy of worship is rooted in the principle of the regulative principle of worship, which teaches that only what God commands in His Word should be included in corporate worship (Lev. 10:1-3; Deut. 12:32). The centrality of Scripture in worship ensures that our practices are pleasing to God, not driven by human innovation or cultural trends (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The corporate worship of Lighthouse Community Church includes these essential biblical elements:

 •  Prayer: Offered in adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (1 Tim. 2:1-2; Phil. 4:6).

 •  Reading and Preaching of Scripture: God speaks to His people through the reading and faithful exposition of His Word (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2).

 •  Singing: A blend of Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, sung with reverence and joy to glorify God and encourage one another (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19).

 •  Sacraments: Observing the Lord’s Supper and baptism as visible signs and seals of the covenant of grace (Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

 •  Confession of Faith: Affirming historic creeds and confessions to unite us in the truths of our faith (1 Tim. 6:12).

 •  Giving: Offering our resources as an act of gratitude and stewardship (2 Cor. 9:7).

Worship at Lighthouse Community Church is God-centered, meaning it prioritizes the glory and attributes of God above all else. It seeks to direct hearts and minds away from self toward the majesty of God’s holiness, love, and sovereignty (Isa. 6:1-5).

We believe that all worship should exalt Jesus Christ, who is the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5). The gospel of Christ is at the heart of every sermon, song, and sacrament, reminding us of His finished work on the cross and His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Worship must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, who illuminates God’s Word, convicts of sin, and draws us to Christ (John 16:13-14). The Spirit unites believers in worship and enables us to worship with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28).

At Lighthouse, worship is a corporate activity where the gathered church participates actively. Whether through singing, listening to the Word, or partaking of the sacraments, every believer contributes to the communal worship of God (1 Cor. 14:26; Ps. 95:1-7).

We strive for a balance of reverence and joy in worship, recognizing the greatness of God while delighting in His grace. Worship should evoke awe for God’s majesty and gratitude for His redeeming love (Ps. 2:11; Ps. 100:1-5).

Our worship avoids unnecessary embellishments, focusing on the Word and sacraments. Simplicity reflects a reliance on God’s power rather than human creativity to draw people to Him (1 Cor. 2:1-5).

Worship at Lighthouse Community Church seeks to include all generations and reflects our local community in Stephenville, Texas. While our forms are traditional and rooted in Reformed heritage, we aim to engage people from various backgrounds, fostering unity in the gospel (Ps. 78:4; Rev. 7:9-10).

We believe worship propels us into mission. As we glorify God and are edified by His Word, we are sent out to proclaim His gospel to the world (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21). Worship fuels and informs our witness, ensuring that Christ is exalted in our lives and community.

Above all, the goal of worship at Lighthouse Community Church is the glory of God alone (Soli Deo Gloria). Every element of worship is offered as a sacrifice of praise to God, who is worthy of all honor, praise, and adoration (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 5:13).

This philosophy serves as a guide to ensure that worship at Lighthouse Community Church remains faithful to Scripture, Reformed in its theology, and Christ-centered in its purpose.