Keystone Christian Church - Keystone Christian Church A New Testament Congregation in Export, PA

We are distressed that corporate worship has become a divisive issue in the church today, so we drafted this document to help avoid confusion and controversy in the future.

We believe all the songs we sing must be consistent with the Bible. Songs are written to share information. We must be sure the message we sing is in step with the message we speak.

We believe our worship services should be appropriate for all participants. We will not market a worship style to any particular demographic. The conflict that has started in our current age between different generations is a trick from the devil meant to spread enmity among comrades and weaken the church. Singing old songs connects us with a heritage of Christian work and teaching. Learning new songs adds to our repertoire from which we can praise God.

We believe that worship should touch both the heart and mind of the participants (Matt. 22:37 ). Even a Biblically accurate song can be so repetitious as to have a mind-numbing effect which distracts the worshipper and leaves him susceptible to any influence. This kind of motivation is not a healthy foundation for growing a church or individual. Each song should touch both the heart and mind of the worshipper because of the truth of its message. Worship should promote awe of God, awareness of our sins, joy because of grace, and a desire to serve (Psalm 29:1-2 ; 100).

We believe evangelism is achieved by the teaching of the Word, so we will not rely on music to attract or retain converts. Music can draw someone closer to Christ, and prepare them to hear the Word, but faith comes by hearing the Word (Rom. 10:17 ).

We will not conduct our worship services in a manner associated with secular music styles. This applies to the attitude, dress, appearance, and mannerisms of musicians and song leaders (Rom. 12:2 ). Certain styles are so strongly associated with cultural rebellion, generational division, and immoral lifestyles that they cannot be permitted in the church. In general, the tone of worship should be reverent and in good taste.

Worship Guidelines

• In order for the message of any song to be understood, it must be heard. Therefore, we don’t want the volume of the music to overwhelm the voices of the singers.
• Worship preparation cannot take place during any of the services.
• Non-Christian songs will not be played during the services, regardless of the wholesome content.
• The centerpiece of every service is the Lord’s Supper. Meditations should be short—about 5 minutes. They must have a scriptural theme. Please no jokes, cute stories, or personal illustrations.
• If we have music during the Lord’s Supper, it should be very low so as not to distract our prayers.
• Musicians and song leaders should be tasteful in dress and humbly bring glory to God—not self. Don’t wear flashy or revealing clothing to look like performers.

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