Why We Exist

The Worship Arts Ministry at Cherry HIlls exists to magnify the name of Jesus Christ through art by the power of the Holy Spirit in response to what the Father has done for us.

1. Worship through the arts is a response to God’s reckless love for us

We are compelled by God’s reckless and extravagant love for us to respond by loving and worshipping Him. God’s love for us is always previous to our love for Him. (1John 4:19) But once the depth of His love for us grips our hearts we are compelled to love Him in return. (2 Cor 5:14)

We pray God would teach us how to do this week by week.

2. Worship through the arts is an opportunity to move from preference to praise

We all have many preferences and the area of church music is no exception. These include music style, volume level, sitting or standing while singing, particular instrument, type of song, or worship leader. (1Cor. 1:10-13)  I realize that when I start with preference I am starting with self. True worship begins with the object of it’s worship, in this case, the Lord Jesus Christ. When we sing we have the opportunity to move beyond our preferences to praise of the Lord and in so doing magnify his great name and die to self.

We are a multigenerational church that is learning to do this through multiple styles of art each week with the help of the spirit.

3. Worship through the arts is preparation for a day that is coming

Every day we set up camp one days march closer to eternity. The bible tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10) And one day every race and nationality will stand together and praise the name of the Lord in song. (Rev. 14:2-3) Every week when we gather together I like to think we are rehearsing for that day.

4. Worship through the arts is not a concert put on by artists

I often wish the singers, instrumentalists or choir could be behind the congregation rather than in front. When we gather to praise God we all do it together.  (Heb 2:12, 10:24-25, Ps. 30:4)  There is no wall that separates the congregation from the leaders. There is one body, the church, magnifying the name of Jesus Christ. I like to think of it as a giant choir rehearsal.

5. Worship through the arts is commanded in scripture

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! – Psalm 98:4-6

Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! – Psalm 66:2

I will sing and make melody to the Lord. – Psalm 27:6

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. – Colossians 3:16

Often we think singing is only for those that can sing. Leading singing is only for those that can sing. Singing praise to God is for everyone and as we move from preference to praise we can learn to do this in the spirits power simply because we are compelled by the love of God to do so.