In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by two of Watermark’s worship leaders, Jon Abel and Davy Flowers, to discuss the importance of corporate worship, what it is, why we do it, and answering some of the most commonly asked questions.

Part I: 00:00-02:27

Introduction

Part II: 02:28-04:00

What is worship in the context of the church and where do we see it in scripture? 

1. Ed. D.A. Carson, Worship by the Book
2. Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
3. Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace: How the Church’s Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel

Scripture Mentioned:  Exodus 15, Revelation 15

Part III: 04:00-06:02

Has congregational singing always been present in the church?

1. David Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship

Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Revelation 19

Part IV: 06:02-07:36

What makes corporate worship in the local church different from singing Christian music in your home or car?

1. Matt Merker, Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God’s People

Part V: 07:36-11:32

What are some misconceptions about corporate worship?  

1. “Our hearts are like idol factories, seeking things to worship” - John Calvin.
2. “True Christian worship addresses God not just merely as creator and preserver, or as the great Lord of the universe, but as one who is very near kin to us, our Father, beloved of our souls. It is the worship of a child towards a Father, feeling within himself a kinship with the Divine. It is a worship wrought in us by God the Holy Ghost because the Father has sought us out and taught us how to worship Him. It is a worship which is not outward but of the inner man, and occupies not hand, eye, and foot, but heart and soul and spirit. And it is a worship which is not professional and formal, but real, hearty, earnest, and so acceptable before God ” – Charles Spurgeon.

Scripture Mentioned: Romans 12:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Mark 12:30, Romans 1:21-23.

Part VI: 11:32-13:05

When we sing in church, why and to whom are we singing?

Part VII: 13:05-20:02

How do you think about the role of a worship leader?  

Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10.

Part VIII: 20:02-25:10

How do you choose the songs we sing on a Sunday? Why would you choose to not sing a song?  

Part IX: 25:10-26:58

Why has Watermark started to produce its own music? 

Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10

Part X: 26:58-30:40

How have your own perspectives on leading worship changed over the years?   

Part XI: 30:40-36:39

Quick Hits

1. Watermark Music, “As Loud as He Is Worthy (Psalm 47).”
2. The Worship Initiative, “All Sufficient Merit.”
3. Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 4 Volume Set.

Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 47