Why we worship as we do

When you visit a Divergent Church gathering—whether in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Port Macquarie or elsewhere—you might wonder about our worship practices.

You’ll see music, raised hands, clapping, dancing, moments of high energy, and times of profound silence.

We aim to explain the reasons that shape how we worship.

At Divergent Church, worship stems from our biblically founded Pentecostal convictions and focuses on sincerity and genuine divine connection rather than spectacle.

Why We Worship Together

Worship as a communal experience is powerful and biblical. Worshipping in community reminds us that Christ has a bride, his Church, his people as a community. Yes, we can worship individually, but biblical principles show that worship is so powerful when done together.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Gathering helps us remember God’s nature and deepen our faith through mutual encouragement.

Why Do We Have Music?

Scripture contains numerous references to music as a central part of worship. The Psalms frequently mention singing and the use of instruments.

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” – Psalm 96:1 (NIV)

“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre... Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:3,6 (NIV)

Music is more than background—it enables people to express joy, grief, praise, surrender, and more.

Why We Use a Modern Worship Style

Our choice of modern worship style helps create genuine and relatable worship experiences. It is about reflecting the truth of God and his word in the language we actually speak. It’s not about following trends—it’s about prioritising authenticity and accessibility.

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)

Our goal is to help people connect deeply with God without feeling like they’ve stepped into a museum or another time. It’s not about entertainment—it’s about meaningful engagement.

Why We Raise Our Hands

Raising hands represents surrender, worship, and reaching toward God.

“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” – Psalm 63:4 (NIV) “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” – Psalm 134:2 (NIV)

It reflects our inner posture, like a child reaching for their parent.

Why We Bow

Bowing expresses humility and reverence.

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6 (NIV)

Our bodies follow our hearts when we acknowledge God’s greatness.

Why We Clap

Clapping is a joyful and unified expression of praise.

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” – Psalm 47:1 (NIV)

It’s a simple, shared way to celebrate what God is doing among us.

Why We Dance

Some may find dancing unusual, but Scripture shows it as a passionate response to God’s goodness.

“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.” – Psalm 149:3 (NIV)

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might.” – 2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV)

Dance in worship is about freedom, not formality.

Why We’re Sometimes Excited and Loud

God’s goodness is worth celebrating loudly.

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” – Psalm 98:4 (NIV)

This isn’t emotionalism—it’s a biblical expression of joyful praise.

Why We’re Sometimes Quiet and Reflective

God also meets us in the stillness.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” – Habakkuk 2:20 (NIV)

Silence allows us to listen, reflect, and simply rest in God’s presence.

Why Speak in Other Tongues

As a Pentecostal church, we believe the gift of tongues continues for personal and corporate use.

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NIV) “Do not forbid speaking in tongues.” – 1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV)

Tongues edify the believer personally, and when interpreted, build up the church. You can find a wider blog on The empower of the Holy Spirit and Tongues here

Why We Use the Gifts of the Spirit in Community

Spiritual gifts are for the benefit of the whole church.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” – 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV)

Prophecy, healing, wisdom, and knowledge are used in humility and love to strengthen others.

Why Do We Take Communion?

Communion keeps the gospel central in our community.

“Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19 (NIV) “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

At Divergent Church, we regularly take communion as a shared act of remembrance and proclamation.

Why Do We Preach?

Preaching is how God forms and transforms us through His Word.

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17 (NIV)

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

We believe Scripture is active and speaks powerfully into our lives today.

Why Do We Respond?

You’ll often see people come forward during worship—not from pressure, but invitation.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8 (NIV)

When God speaks, we want to respond from a place of desire, not duty.

In the End—It’s All About Jesus

Whether we dance or kneel, clap or sit silently, speak in tongues or rest in stillness, worship is about relationship, not ritual.

Our worship at Divergent Church—whether in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Port Macquarie, or elsewhere—flows from love for Jesus and a desire to honour Him with our entire being: heart, mind, body, and soul.

We’d love for you to worship with us—whether it’s your first time or your hundredth.

Worship is a whole-self experience, and it’s for everyone.

Learn more about our communities and gatherings at Divergent Church.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6 (NIV)