Church Of God, Cleveland, Tennessee

During most of its first century of existence, the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, has concentrated on a free and enthusiastic personal response to the Lord in worship. Other concerns, such as education, social ministry, pastoral care, and gender inclusiveness, have not been related to the worship service as such. In recent decades, however, this pattern has begun to change. Worship from the heart, evidenced by enthusiastic and often emotional response, is the heritage of the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee. Such worship results from an emphasis on two dimensions. First, God is worthy of the congregation's praise. The Bible declares God's glory and holiness, and further, directs the children of God to worship God. Therefore, as obedient and loving children of God, believers offer heartfelt, extroverted worship as their normal action when they gather in the sanctuary. Second, worship is a vital means by which we as believers commune with God and express our adoration, praise,…