Our Philosophy

Here's what you can expect if and when you worship with the Living Hope Church:

• Our order of worship ("liturgy") will flow from biblical principles. So, you will not be asked to do, say, or sing something that is not biblical.
• Our liturgy will provide those gathered with an opportunity to worship the Lord with their minds, hearts, and bodies.
• Our liturgy will be filled with music. About the only time you won't hear music is during the reading of scripture and the sermon.
• Our liturgy will include variety and diversity that has a way of pushing us a little beyond our comfort zones.
• Our liturgy will be led by individuals gifted by God to preach, pray, sing, play instruments, and more.
• Our worship service welcomes your style of worship. You can stand if you want to stand, sit if you want to sit, respond audibly, or just worship in silence.
• Our monthly worship pattern provides for some schedule variety:
  • First Sunday-Lord's Supper;
  • Second Sunday-baptisms and professions of faith;
  • Third Sunday--intercessory prayer and a time for people to receive the ancient practice of being anointed with oil; 
  • Fourth Sunday-testimonies from people about what God has been doing in their lives; 
  • Fifth Sunday (when applicable) -commissioning individuals for service to Christ in the world.
• Our annual worship calendar follows the traditional church year, honoring major church holidays such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, as well as the Ascension of Christ and Pentecost.  

For more on Living Hope's worship ministry, check out Pastor Hamstra's book, Principled Worship: Biblical Guidelines for Emerging Liturgies.