Our Philosophy of Worship

Click HERE to read about our philosophy of gospel-centered worship.

Our Purpose
  • to bring glory and pleasure to God through music
  • to help worshippers see more fully the beauty of Jesus Christ through a variety of musical styles and meaningful lyrics
  • to provide musicians the opportunity to use and develop their God-given abilities in a team setting which promotes unity, encouragement, and accountability
Our Music
  • Trinity Hymnal and RUF Hymnbook
  • Keith Getty and Stuart Townend hymns
  • Sovereign Grace songs
  • Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin songs
Our Team

On a typical Sunday morning, our team is comprised of two vocalists, a lead instrument (keys or guitar), bass and drums.

We are currently in need of bass players and drummers.  Instrumentalists do not have to be members of Cornerstone in order to be on the worship team.  If you're interested in joining the team please call Kamala King at 215-453-8151 to discuss auditioning and level of involvement.  Compensation will be provided for musicians who are not regular attenders or members of Cornerstone.

Worship Matters, by Bob Kauflin

7/21/08.  I just began reading this book, and I've already concluded it's THE best book on worship and worship leading I've ever read.  That being said, I plan to share insights and quote from it regularly on our web page.

First, what's the greatest challenge you face as a worship leader or as a member of the worship team?  YOUR HEART.  Each of us has a battle raging within us over what we love most - God or something else.  God wants us to love him more than our instruments and music.  More than our possessions, food, and ministry.  More than our wife and children.  More than our own lives.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't love anything else.  But we can't love anything in the right way unless we love God more.  How do I know what I love the most?  By looking at my life outside of Sunday morning.  What do I enjoy?  What do I spend most of my time doing?  What am I passionate about?  Where do I spend money?  What makes me angry when I don't get it?  What do I fear losing the most?

That's why our primary concern cannot be song preparation, creative arrangements, or cool gear.  Our primary concern MUST be the state of our hearts.  It is a matter of infinite importance.  Is it to you?  Unquestionably, it is to God.  (taken from ch. 2)

7/28/08.  Skill is the ability to do something well.  We can tend to undervalue it or idolize it, but rightly understood and pursued, it marks the difference between ineffectiveness and fruitfulness.  While God can work through us in spite of mistakes, incompetence, and lack of preparation, he commends skill and uses it for his glory.  See Ex. 36:1, 1 Chron. 15:22, Ps. 33:3, Ps. 78:72.  Valuing skill is not enough.  We need a theologically informed udnerstanding of skill so we pursue it in a way that pleases God.  Here are five principles concerning skill.

1.  Skill is a gift from God, for his glory.  No one can claim credit for their abilities.

2.  Skill must be developed.  Excellence comes not only from being gifted but from practicing harder, longer and more comprehensively than others.  If you want to grow in your craft, you must develop your skill.

3.  Skill doesn't make worship more acceptable before God.  We still need the atoning work of Jesus to perfect our offerings of worship (1 Pet. 2:5).  We'll never impress God with our musical expertise.  What impresses God is a broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17).

4.  Skill should be evaluated by others.  Feedback is invaluable.  Did the arrangement work?  Did we repeat the chorus too often?  Did our harmonies work?

5.  Skill is not an end in itself.  We know if we're valuing skill too highly if we over-rehearse and get impatient when others make mistakes; or when we miminize spiritual preparation; or we evaluate failure or success solely on tempos, in-tune vocals, and well-executed plans.

What skills help us do.

1.  Skill helps us focus on God.  The more comfortable we are with our instruments/voices, the more we can think about God.  When our skills are second nature, we'll be less distracted, confused, and potentially irritated.

2.  Skill helps us serve the church.  How?  By leading clearly so people aren't confused; by using fresh arrangements that aren't distracting; and by possessing a calm and joyful countenance that expresses the hope in the God we're singing about (Ps. 34:5).

3.  Skill multiplies serving opportunities.  When you broaden your skill set, you can serve in more areas.  (taken from ch. 4)