In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul takes aim at some of the divisions in the worship of the early church. There were many issues related to the conduct of the Corinthians when they gathered for worship and in their daily lives. Simply put, they were “out of step with the Gospel.” Paul, attempting to “re-sync” their ekklēsia, continually emphasizes how the church, made up of many different parts, should strive to work together for the edification of the body of Christ. Perhaps the early church had questions of who was going to lead the hymn, or if there should be piano and organ, or if maybe the guitarist should just lead. OK, well maybe those weren’t the questions, but perhaps you get the idea. Churches throughout history have continually tried to “worship better,” or return to the orthodoxy (right practice) of worship. If you’re not sure of the validity of that statement, consider that there are well over 300 Christian denominations in the US. So, I would say people are still searching for the best way to worship. For me, Paul has already given a clear answer for us in 1 Corinthians 14:26. He writes, “What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” Paul probably knew that some of these early Christians really liked the way they had done things over at the First Jewish Synagogue of Corinth, while others really preferred how things were done just down the road at the Corinth Temple of Believers (ok, I digress). So Paul made it clear: “Let all things be done for building up.” If we truly believe this statement to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, then we have a clear answer of what our worship should be. And not just at Providence Baptist Church, but in the church universal. As we seek ways to make our worship more about God, I hope you will pray for the building up of the church. After all, it has been said that, “the hunger for God is a gift from God.” May we continue to seek God together through the worship of His church. Soli Deo Gloria, Tim
Timothy Hill
About author
Rev. Timothy Paul Hill joined the Providence staff in August 2014 as Minister of Music. Tim is passionate about worship and seeks to use music in service to God and the Church. He is an exceptional musician, from vocalist to conductor to instrumentalist, and he uses his gifts to enable others to experience God at Providence.
Under his leadership, the Providence Sanctuary Choir has presented major works such as John Rutter’s “Requiem,” Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” to name a few. His musical tastes are as varied as his talents and he uses old hymns, contemporary choruses, and even blue grass when he plans worship. His musical style is all encompassing. From children’s handbells to youth choirs to ensembles to senior adult groups, Tim’s passion is contagious as he seeks to actively engage the congregation in worship.
Tim has directed the Carolina Men’s Chorus and helps coordinate “Festival by the Sea,” an ecumenical youth music festival involving youth choirs from across the Southeast. He is a decorated teacher, youth chorale conductor and actor. He has a special fondness for the people of Romania, where he developed many relationships during multiple mission trips. He never turns down a good game of kick ball with the youth and is always up for a friendly challenge, especially on the golf course.
His passions are acting and directing theatre, traveling, golfing and watching sports (Go, GAMECOCKS!). Tim and his beautiful wife Kristie have two children, Emerson and Ella Rose. Kristie is a native of Seneca, SC and is a talented and compassionate high school guidance counselor.
Education
Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) – Anderson College
Master of Worship Studies – Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
Under his leadership, the Providence Sanctuary Choir has presented major works such as John Rutter’s “Requiem,” Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” to name a few. His musical tastes are as varied as his talents and he uses old hymns, contemporary choruses, and even blue grass when he plans worship. His musical style is all encompassing. From children’s handbells to youth choirs to ensembles to senior adult groups, Tim’s passion is contagious as he seeks to actively engage the congregation in worship.
Tim has directed the Carolina Men’s Chorus and helps coordinate “Festival by the Sea,” an ecumenical youth music festival involving youth choirs from across the Southeast. He is a decorated teacher, youth chorale conductor and actor. He has a special fondness for the people of Romania, where he developed many relationships during multiple mission trips. He never turns down a good game of kick ball with the youth and is always up for a friendly challenge, especially on the golf course.
His passions are acting and directing theatre, traveling, golfing and watching sports (Go, GAMECOCKS!). Tim and his beautiful wife Kristie have two children, Emerson and Ella Rose. Kristie is a native of Seneca, SC and is a talented and compassionate high school guidance counselor.
Education
Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/Choral) – Anderson College
Master of Worship Studies – Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies
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