Biblical Teachings on Worship

An ordained pastor with the United Methodist Church (UMC) since 2005, Darren Cowdrey works with his wife ministering at a retreat center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Before joining the retreat center, Darren Cowdrey served as pastor at Good Shepherd UMC and Palisades UMC, preaching weekly and leading worship sessions.

Worship involves many activities including singing, praising, listening to a sermon, and sharing communion. It is acknowledging God as the superior and giving Him glory and praise.
The Scripture urges Christians to worship God for He is Lord and creator. In 1 Chronicle 16:29, it reads, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name… worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” In Psalms 95:6, Christians are told, “Come, let us bow down in worship. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

The Scripture further encourages Christians to surrender themselves to God, honoring Him and celebrating Him. In Romans 12:1, the Scripture reads, “…Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship.” In Hebrews 13:15, it reads, “…let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” Furthermore, Jesus Christ teaches Christians to worship God and serve only Him. Ultimately, though, in Romans 14:11, the Scripture reveals that in the end, all will bow before God and every tongue will acknowledge Him.