Why We Worship
Sunday Morning Celebration
The primary celebration for Hope in the City is the Sunday morning service. Participants worship through singing, praying, offering of tithes and gifts, hearing God's Word applied to daily living and responding in ministry time. Worship is dynamic in that people come expecting to experience God - giving Him honor and praise and receiving His instruction, healing and gifts from His Word. Other aspects of worship include the celebration of communion and baptism as well as the dedication of our children to the Lord.
The Posture of Worship
Visitors to Hope in the City will note that people worship the Lord in a variety of expressions. The Bible is full of examples (especially in Psalms) of individuals expressing worship to God through the raising of hands (Ps. 63:2-4), dancing (Ps. 149:3), shouting (Ps. 100:1), singing (Ps. 98:1), kneeling/lying prostrate before the Lord (2 Chr. 7:3), etc. At Hope in the City, people are encouraged to freely express their love to the Lord in the manner they see fit; no one need feel compelled to worship according to a certain style. The posture of worship has more to do with the positioning of the heart than the hands.
Bible Teaching for Application
Teaching on Sunday mornings aims to help Hope in the City members become not only hearers of the Word but doers as well (James 1:22). Speakers teach Scripture in its context and then apply it to the context of daily life. Members then walk out teachings together in the community of their Hope Group. One may expect to receive not only better understanding of Scripture but practical ways to live out Christ's commands. Response Whenever the Truth of God confronts individuals, a response is appropriate. Ministry time follows teaching to provide participants an opportunity to respond to the things God initiates in their lives. This time might involve prayers for healing, confession, repentance, salvation, sustaining, etc.