[CONTENTS]

COMMITTEE ON WORSHIP
[Revised by General Synod 2005]

Membership:

At Large: Twelve voting members should include four clergy/theologians, four musicians, and four members-at large, one of whom shall be nominated from ARP Women's Ministries.
Advisory: Moderator of Synod, Moderator-Elect of Synod, Coordinator. Director(s) of Bonclarken Music Conference and a Bonclarken Staff member are advisory to the Music Conference Sub-Committee.

Terms of Service:

Four years.
Advisory: as determined by the term of office which elected or appointed.

Stated meetings:

Twice annually. The Music Conference Sub-Committee may elect to meet during the Bonclarken Music Conference

Organization:

Officers: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary.
Sub Committee: Music Conference

Mandate/Authority:

Understanding that God is to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted, and served, with all the heart, soul, and might, General Synod's Committee on Worship is called to focus on worship and worship elements within the ARPC.

Understanding the preceding, the Committee on Worship purposes to:
1. Educate on issues encompassing Biblical worship and its implications for life and Godliness
2. Uphold the Word and Sacraments as central to corporate worship
3. Keep before the congregations and church courts the requirements of the Book of Worship
4. Encourage the highest standards of Christian worship
5. Promote personal and corporate prayer
6. Encourage family worship and personal devotions
7. Encourage Christian service as an appropriate response to worship
8. Provide resources that enhance worship

In the exercise of its authority, the Committee shall comply with the Standards of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and its policies and programs shall be consistent with the purpose of the General Synod.

Duties:

1. a. Study trends, issues, and materials available on the topic(s) of worship (music, prayer, devotionals, structure, form, etc.) and discuss as appropriate to provide guidance, ideas, and dialogue with and between congregations, throughout the denomination. [All purposes]
b. Explore and study ways in which congregations throughout the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church are demonstrating the love of Christ through service ministries in local communities (not associated with international evangelism/outreach). Study models and examples of service provided by various Christian congregations / denominations, and consider opportunities of partnership as a method of demonstrating ecumenical cooperation in the local community. [P 1,7,9]
2. a. Provide guidance on Book of Worship topics and issues as appropriate. [P 2,3,4 ]
b. Educate clergy and congregations on various methods of worship planning / organization / structure and style, not only within the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, but also in other reformed / evangelical denominations. [P 3,4 ]
c. Educate clergy and congregations on the elements, needs, vitality, purpose, and benefits of personal and corporate prayer and worship, especially targeted at increasing active prayer life (individual and corporate). [P 5,9]
d. Provide opportunities for music instruction to church pianists, organists, choirs, and directors, including, but not limited to, leadership and guidance to the Music Conference (including financial oversight, conference leadership, music direction, etc.). [P 4,8,9]

[This guidance and instruction can be accomplished through publication or distribution of articles and papers via the webpage, magazine, or a newsletter and through workshops at all levels of the denomination.]

3. The Chairman of the Committee on Worship shall appoint a Music Conference Sub-Committee. This sub-committee is accountable to Synod's Committee on Worship for financial oversight, conference leadership, musical direction, and other issues pertaining to the worship of the church.
4. Prepare, keep current, and make available information on Biblical and practical resources for clergy, congregations, and individuals, to include

a. Books, articles, and papers on matters of worship. [All ]
b. Speakers and the topics they cover. [All ]
c. Devotional guides and helps for family and personal worship. [ P 5,6]
d. New and familiar music suitable for variety of events and occasions. [P8]
e. Approved hymnals for congregational use. [P8] [These can be kept on file and made available on request and also through an occasional newsletter (perhaps via e-mail) to church worship committees.]

5. Prepare an annual report, including an annual operating budget, for submission to the General Synod.

Revised 2006