| Worship at Riverton United Methodist Church | Baptism | Holy Communion |
| United Methodists: Are We Liberal or Conservative or Something Else? |
Why Do We Emphasize Worship and Praising the Lord?
Because Scripture says we were created to do so. “This people I have formed for myself, they shall show forth my praise" (Isaiah 43:21). "Praise ye the Lord," is a command, not a request (Psalm 50:1). There is real power in praise... " and when they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes…” (2 Chronicles 20:22). Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people!
What is Freedom to Worship?
It’s the freedom to express yourself to God in ways most meaningful to you, as prompted by the Holy Spirit. It’s the freedom to raise your hands or not to raise your hands, to kneel or not to kneel, to sing or to listen allowing the singing of others to minister to all. We recognize that the Holy Spirit prompts biblical expressions of worship differently in each worshiper. In worship, we desire unity, not uniformity.
Why Do We Lift Our Hands?
The Psalmist said: “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord” (Ps. 134:2); “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” (Ps. 63:4). The lifting of hands is simply one way to express to God that we are open and receptive to His Spirit. It can express agreement with a truth in word or song. It can also express total surrender to God, or our heart’s desire to reach up to Him as our “Abba, Father.”
Why Do We Clap Our Hands? Is Applause Acceptable?
“Clap your hands all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” (Ps. 47:1). Clapping hands is a natural expression of appreciation or joy and brings delight to the heart of the Lord as we enjoy His presence. You may hear an “Amen!” or “Praise the Lord!” as well! A clap offering may become applause when the children sing or a testimony is given. We pray that all is done with a heart full of gratitude for what the Holy Spirit is doing in the worship service.
Anything Else?
We believe worship is much more than what happens next in the worship bulletin. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we can expect that the Lord will manifest Himself in praise, through the Scriptures and in the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12-14) as it pleases Him. We expect people to experience the awakening and the grace that leads to repentance, conversion, and salvation. We expect lives to be transformed and healings of the mind, body, soul, and relationships. We believe the Holy Spirit wants to give wisdom and insight to His children. God is still in the business of making all things!
We also expect Jesus to impart gifts of ministry and service (Ephesians 4 & Romans 12) and the Holy Spirit to send people into there spheres of influence equipped to make a difference in their world.
