Worship at ZRC

Worship at Zeltenreich Reformed Church

Gospel-Centered Liturgy

At Zeltenreich, our worship is structured around the gospel. Each Lord’s Day, we follow a biblical pattern of worship that mirrors the gospel story:

  1. God Calls Us – Worship begins with God’s initiative, calling His people to gather in His presence (Psalm 95:6).

  2. We Confess Our Sin – Recognizing our unworthiness, we repent before Him (1 John 1:9).

  3. God Assures Us of Grace – Through His Word, we are reminded of Christ’s atonement (Romans 8:1).

  4. God Speaks Through His Word – The preaching of Scripture is central, feeding and shaping our faith (2 Timothy 3:16).

  5. God Feeds Us at His Table – In the Lord’s Supper, we partake in Christ’s body and blood, spiritually nourished by His grace (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

  6. We Respond in Gratitude – Through prayer, singing, and giving, we offer ourselves to Him (Colossians 3:16).

  7. God Sends Us Out – Blessed and strengthened, we go into the world to live as His redeemed people (Matthew 28:19-20).

This liturgical pattern ensures that worship is not about our emotions or preferences, but about God’s work of redemption in Christ.

Rooted in Scripture, Not Human Invention

Unlike much of modern evangelical worship, which has largely been shaped by Charles Finney’s revivalism, Reformed worship follows the regulative principle, meaning we worship as God commands in His Word (John 4:23-24). Scripture warns against man-centered worship, showing how serious it is to approach God in a way He has not prescribed:

  • Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) – These priests offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord, and He consumed them in judgment. Their worship was based on human innovation rather than God's commands.

  • The Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1-6) – The Israelites sought to worship the Lord but did so through an idol of their own making, leading to God's severe punishment.

These examples remind us that worship must be God-centered, not shaped by human creativity or emotions. The Three Forms of Unity help us maintain this focus:

  • Belgic Confession – Emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture and the importance of worshiping God as He commands.

  • Heidelberg Catechism – Teaches why worship is vital to the Christian life, especially in Lord’s Day 38.

  • Canons of Dort – Reminds us that salvation is wholly the work of God’s sovereign grace, shaping how we approach worship.

What to Expect When You Visit

When you enter, you will receive a printed bulletin with our full liturgy, allowing you to easily follow along throughout the service. We want you to feel comfortable participating as we walk through this historic and gospel-centered order of worship together.

If you are visiting and not yet a member of a true church, we ask you to prayerfully consider the yellow card in the pew in front of you. This card explains why we fence the Lord’s Table, ensuring that those who partake do so in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Because the Lord’s Supper is not to be taken flippantly, we encourage you to speak with an elder if you have any questions about participation.

Including Our Children in Worship

We believe that children are members of God’s covenant and should be present in worship. Just as in Deuteronomy 31:12-13, where men, women, and children gathered to hear the law, we include them so they can learn to love and respond to the gospel. Even when they don’t understand everything, they are shaped by hearing the Word, singing Psalms, and witnessing the sacraments.

A Worship That Transforms

Reformed worship is not designed to entertain—it’s designed to form disciples. Each week, our liturgy immerses us in the gospel story, grounding us in Christ’s finished work. Over time, this pattern shapes our faith, teaching us to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and to live as those redeemed by grace.

We invite you to come and join us in Christ-centered, gospel-shaped worship at Zeltenreich Reformed Church.