Jesus said that true worshippers would "worship the father in spirit and in truth..." (John 4:23). In order to worship in "in truth" we must worship according to the directions in the New Testament. 

The New Testament teaches that the plans of worship laid down by Jesus Christ and the apostles was simple, easy to understand and follow. It consisted of prayer, preaching, giving, the Lord's Supper, and singing. 

CORRECT FOR CENTURIES

Lets read from Zoe Oldenbourg's book, Massacre at Montségur to show our consistency with the New Testament. 

"The very text of the Ritual as we possess it today certainly goes back to an extremely early date, [in reading it you would have] the impression that he was savouring the full flavour and vigour of primitive Christianity, rather than the theological speculations of a sect that was credited with the most highly unorthodox doctrines." pg. 43 

"In fact - and Guiraud shows this too, by a comparison of initiation ceremonies among the Cathars with the baptism of the Catechumens in the Primitive Church - the parallelism between the two traditions is so consistent that it could not be due to mere coincidence." pg. 42 

"The Cathars declared themselves the heirs of a tradition that was older than that held by the Church of Rome - and, by implication, both less contaminated and near in spirit to the Apostolic tradition. They claimed to be the only persons who had kept and cherished the Holy Spirit which Christ had bestowed upon His Church; and it looks as though this claim was at least partially justified. The Catharist Ritual (of which we possess two texts, both datable to the thirteenth century) demonstrates, as Jean Guiraud proves in his magnum opus on the Inquisition, that this Church possessed certain most ancient documents, which were directly inspired by the traditions of the Primitive Church." pg. 42 

"If we are to judge a religion by its prayers and its ritual - this is still the best approach to any estimate of its true essence - the little we know concerning the Catharist faith cannot but lead us to respect its simplicity, moderation, and high spiritual qualities. The Ritual which so miraculously escaped destruction [at the hands of the Roman Church] is of infinitely greater weight than all the sworn testimony of the Cathars' adversaries, and every word that has been spoken and written about them through the centuries." pg. 44 

In stark contrast to the pomp, ceremony and ritual of human devised religion stands the simple, yet beautiful worship of the New Testament church. This worship, inspired by GOD and taught and lived by the apostles, provides the only real model for acceptable worship today. One danger in falling away from this model lies in the fact that some unscriptural practices have been carried on for so long that they are often accepted as valid and true without the slightest hesitation or questioning about their origins. If these practices cannot be found in the New Testament they must be devised and created by human beings and therefore constitute false worship (Matthew 15:9). 

PREACHING

Preaching the Word of Jesus Christ according to his Sayings and Teachings is conducted with simplicity, directness and warmth. If members feel sincerely motivated to speak up and contribute their thoughts, they are welcomed. In an age of growing ignorance, and intolerance, good Christians encourage an informed Christian Community. 

MEETINGS

In some places today, good Christians hold meetings at one time of the week according to the ideal of silent worship based on the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit, similar to that of the Friends (Quakers). At other times they conduct meetings of worship which includes the prearranged reading of Scripture, prepared preaching, and the use of hymns and anthems which have been planned ahead of time. 

Since the good Christians do not build churches usually meeting in people's homes or the like, the meeting place for worship is not a consecrated building. People are free to greet and talk with one another as they would ordinarily as guests visiting the home of a friend. 

COLLECTIONS

The good Christians have been described as a "church without a collection plate." Generally speaking, this is true. It is the very rare case when a collection is taken at a worship service. In I Corinthians 16:1-2 the New Testament states that the voluntary contribution of money was received by the pastors and elders of the church and the good Christians maintain this practice. The ordinary practice is that the pastor or elder will visit each member or associate during the course of the week (or whenever possible) and receive any money which they have laid aside for the work of the Gospel. 

Good Christians do not tithe as a matter of fixed policy, nor do they engage in public solicitation of funds (except perhaps in a very grave emergency). You may wish to ask us for the leaflet The Good Christians and Money, by writing to the address on the back of this tract. 

SINGING & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

The New Testament clearly commands good Christians to sing vocal music and worship is conducted without musical instruments. Meetings before or after worship services offer a full range of instruments and modern music according to local practice. This is especially true among prison groups.

Our leaflet, Hymns of the New Dawn, can provide you with more information. See also Chants

THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Holy Communion, or Eucharist, is the central focus of worship. The practice of the New Testament church is very clear: "And on the first day of the week, the disciples came together to break bread..." (Acts 20:7) 

Good Christians reject the idea that Roman Catholicism teaches of Jesus Christ being present in the Eucharist any more than He would be present anywhere else. It is a communion of believers with each other (I Corinthians 10:17): they eat and drink the same symbolic elements, focusing of their common faith in Christ.