Common elements of CPBC worship and the biblical rationale of their practice

Abstract

This descriptive study was conducted to identify the common elements of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) worship, their meaning and function or use. Analysis of the primary worship references such as the <em>Minister's Manual</em> and the Visayan hymn book, <em>Mga Kalantahon sa Pagtuo</em> used by churches under the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. (CPBC), liturgies of city churches every Sunday and other relevant references were largely used in this study. Biblical hermeneutics was also employed. Results of the study revealed that the common elements of Baptist worship are music (especially congregational singing), prayer, reading of the Scripture, proclamation of the Word or preaching, and giving of tithes and offering. All five elements of worship have their roots in the Bible, however, with some modification in their practice today. Music in worship is largely found in congregational singing and prayer is always corporate as an expression of the unity and fellowship of the believers being the body of Christ. Reading of the Scripture during worship has been given little time, but the Proclamation of the Word or preaching usually consumes the largest amount of time because it is considered the climax or focal point of the whole worship service. Giving of tithes and offering is not mandatory but rather voluntary because Christians are exhorted to give cheerfully, sincerely and according to one's capacity and heart's desire. All five elements are interwoven with and supplement each other in order to establish a unity in worship.