The Master’s Church Appropriation of the Regulative Principle
We Affirm
That Scripture models a limited number of elements in worship. These include, but are not limited to preaching, reading Scripture, prayer, singing praises, giving, fellowship, service, the Lord’s Table and Baptism.
We Deny
That Scripture regulates what time the church should meet on the Lord’s Day, the order of service, the design of the building, the seating arrangements, technology, lighting, and the like.
We Affirm
That Scripture must be the driving force behind church methodology. Taking Scripture as the church’s guide, the methods must be consistent with a high view of God to Whom is the focus of worship.
We Deny
That methodology is neutral or does not matter to God. We deny that the use of man-made programs or technology that is patterned after the world or is man-centered is covered under the banner of preference.
We Affirm
That Scripture alone is the authority in our policies and practices. It alone governs the substance of what we do in worship. We must worship God in the way that He has revealed Himself, the way He has commanded us and the pattern set forth by the New Testament church.
We Deny
That churches are free to do whatever they want to do in church. We deny that man-made traditions, rituals or practices are neutral or blessed by God.
We Affirm
That policies, practices and methods not specifically mentioned or modeled in the New Testament should only be used with extreme caution and only if they are consistent in principle in Scripture.
We Deny
That arguments from silence are by themselves binding arguments on the church. We deny that you can build theological doctrines or support church practices out of silence.
We Affirm
That worship services are primarily to worship and glorify God and are a matter of edification, learning and spiritual growth, which are ordained by God.
We Deny
That motivational speaking, comedic drama, sensual dance, secular movie clips, gimmicks, side-show entertainment, and the like, are effective to true worship and attract people to repentance, faith or growth in Jesus Christ.
We Affirm
That biblical expository preaching is the central element of corporate worship.
We Deny
That a music service alone is corporate worship if the Bible is not preached during such service.
We Affirm
The authority of The Master’s Church under the care of the Council of Elders, led by the Headship of Christ, will regulate its worship services without any outside authorities dictating its policies and practices.
We Deny
That governmental or ecclesiastical authorities have the right to dictate to The Master’s Church whether they can meet, when they can meet or how they can conduct their worship services.