Worship at West Hills Presbyterian Church

On Sunday mornings, members of WHPC gather together for corporate worship. The Senior Pastor and Director of Music pray together and plan each service. The service reflects the great themes of the Protestant Reformation: Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, and the glory of God alone. The Cambridge Declaration of Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals lamented the drive of churches away from God-centered worship and stated "We must focus on God in our worship, rather than the satisfaction of our personal desires and wishes. God is sovereign in worship; we are not. Our concern must be for God's kingdom, not our own empires, popularity or success." There are several elements of worship to ensure that it is God-centered. These are mentioned below.

Every element included in the worship service is directed to God. This does not include items such as announcements, greetings, and welcoming of guests. These are done at the beginning of the service so that they will not disrupt focus on the Lord. Elements included in the worship service such as singing, praying, and preaching the Word are based on Biblical commands.

The hearts of believers should always be focused on God, and this is especially true in worship. Hebrews 12:28 says "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear." Christ said that we should worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Therefore, believers should have a serious-minded pursuit of God in the worship service. Although humor will be used occasionally for illustration purposes, flippancy and superficiality are to be avoided.

Prayer is an important part of each service. After Christ died on the cross as atonement for our sins, believers have direct access to the throne of God (Matt. 27:51-53). Public reading of scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments is always included in the worship service (1 Tim. 4:13). Expository sermons are usually preached in Sunday morning worship services. They are centered on scripture with illustrative comments to enhance understanding of the scripture.

Worship at West Hills Presbyterian Church includes congregational singing with musical accompaniment and not music with congregational accompaniment. This singing usually consists of a blend of traditional hymns and the best of contemporary music as we raise our voices in praise to God.

We observe communion on the second Sunday of each month in remembrance of Jesus Christ whose body was broken for us and whose blood was spilled for all sinners who come to Him. (Matt. 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; John 1:12-13). There are occasions when communion is observed at other times as determined by the Session.

If you are interested in serving at West Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, there are several opportunities to help.