Learning to worship together
We should worship God. Very few followers of Jesus would disagree with that statement. The question is: How do we worship God when we gather together? Those who are God’s children should worship him with their whole life – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Again, very few followers of Jesus would disagree with that statement. However, the question remains: How do we worship God when we gather together? Actions may or may not demonstrate our worship of God, depending upon our heart and our motives. Again, few believers would disagree with that statement. But, once again, this question has not been answered: How do we worship God when we gather together?
A few years ago, when I decided the enter the PhD program, this was the question that was on my mind. When I started this blog a couple of years ago, this was the main question that I wanted to tackle. As I’ve studied this question, I’ve learned that it can be answered in many ways, and, the way someone answers this question usually depends on what they think about the church – that is, the nature and essence of the church. Of course, someone’s understanding of the church also demonstrates their understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – especially the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These beliefs and a person’s response to these beliefs are interconnected.
Today, people argue and fight about “worship”. The church argues about the style of music that should be played when the church meets together – but Scripture says nothing about style of music. The church argues about the style of “preaching” that should occur when the church meets together – but Scripture says nothing about style of preaching. The church argues about whether or not an “invitation” should be extended when the church meets together – but Scripture says nothing about “invitations”.
We spend time and money and resources on worship conferences, and leadership seminars, and revival meetings, and guest speakers, and special music, and prayer conferences, and sound system specialists, and aesthetics, and producers… and even if we scour Scripture we will not find these mentioned.
When we finally do turn to Scripture, we start with our practices, and we defend those practices from Scripture through inference. Meanwhile, what we do and what we say and how we act and why we do it and who does it… these things look so much different than what we read about in Scripture. Of course, we chalk it all up to culture, until we want to defend something that we do.
When it comes to salvation, we take what Scripture says very literally: Repent! ok. Confess that Jesus is Lord! ok. Be baptized! ok.
When it comes to our relationships with one another, we take what Scripture says literally: Love one another! sure. Forgive one another! yes. Serve one another! right away.
But, when it comes to gathering together with other believers, that’s a different story: Do everything for edification! well… Admonish one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs! don’t we sing to God? Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works! that’s only for a small church; we’re too big for that… Exhort one another daily! that’s not my responsibility.
I think the church needs to learn to worship together. We need to learn what Scripture says – that’s right, start with Scripture – about the meeting of the church. We need to adjust our meetings to what we see in Scripture.
We need to come together to build up one another toward maturity – with everyone prepared to take part. We need to think about how God would use us to encourage others towards love and good works. We need to help one another use our gifts to serve each other, thereby bringing glory to God – yes, even the newest believers. The more mature believers (leaders) need to lead by example, not by doing and saying everything – sometimes leading by example means getting out of the way. We need to stop making excuses for why we are not following the teachings of Scripture.
But I have perfect attendance
Just over a year ago, I wrote a post called “But I have perfect attendance“. It remains one of my favorite posts, and it demonstrates why I am planning to write my PhD dissertation on the topic of the purpose of the church meeting.
I believe there are many people who feel that they are worshiping God because they are attending a church meeting (“worship service”), they are singing songs, they are giving money, and they are listening to a sermon. I believe these activities can be beneficial, but the activities themselves have a purpose behind them. Do we know why we do these things? In many cases, from talking to people and reading books, I would say, “No, for the most part, we don’t know why we do these things.”
Anyway, here is my post called “But I have perfect attendance“.
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I’ve read several blog posts lately that have stated that believers are commanded to assemble with one another. Usually, these posts reference Hebrews 10:25 as proof that Scripture commands believers to assemble with one another:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
I’ve discussed this passage in detail previously (see the post “Not forsaking, but encouraging…“); however, I thought it would be beneficial to look into this again. Specifically, what are believers required to do according to this verse?
The command in this passage (actually, an imperatival use of the subjunctive) is “let us consider”. The purpose of “considering one another” is to stir up love and good works. Thus, the author of Hebrews expects believers who have the freedom to enter the presence of God (Heb 10:19) and who have Jesus as their high priest (Heb 10:21) to demonstrate that by thinking of ways to exhort others toward love and good works in their lives. This is the command, not “assembling”.
So, what part does “assembling” play in this passage. It plays a secondary role. The author of Hebrews recognizes that we cannot exhort one another towards love and good works if we never meet with one another. Similarly, we cannot stir up one another towards love and good works if we do not encourage one another. The two participles (“not forsaking” and “encouraging”) play an important, but secondary, role in the requirement of considering one another in order to provoke love and good works in each other’s lives.
So what? We’re still supposed to assemble together, right? Yes, in fact, according to Scripture, believers will want to meet together with other believers. Assembling together is not required in Scripture, but it is expected. However, attendance alone does not meet any scriptural requirements. It is possible to meet together with other believers and never fulfill the purpose of thinking about how to spur one another on towards love and good works, and then exhorting them towards that goal. A “perfect attendance” award means nothing to a believer.
If we meet together in a way that precludes us from encouraging one another toward love and good works, then we are not meeting in a way that Scripture prescribes or describes. Similarly, if we require attendance, but do not allow believers opportunities to exhort one another toward maturity, then we are not helping people to follow the teachings of Scripture.
Instead of someone saying, “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here in the last few weeks”, what if they said, “I noticed that you haven’t encouraged anyone around here in the last few weeks”.
Yes, I know. It is much easier to count noses. It makes us feel better to have a “full house”. But, attendance means nothing if people are not exhorting one another toward maturity in Christ.
Yes, I know. In our mega-gatherings we cannot possibly know whether or not people are encouraging or being encouraged. But, is the answer to the situation to change the scriptural responsibilities of believers?
Yes, I know. Some will suggest that we have “small groups” in order to encourage one another. The only problem with this answer is that Scripture only gives one reason for believers to gather together, whether there are a large number of people or a small number of people: edification.
So let’s continue meeting together – whether in large or small scheduled weekly meetings or in large or small spontaneous meetings. But, let’s come together for the right reason: not to count noses and record attendance, but to consider one another in order to stir up one another towards love and good works.
My sister spoke during the church meeting
Each Sunday, for our church meeting, someone is scheduled to teach from a certain passage of Scripture. Last Sunday was no exception, as I taught from Matthew 8:1-17. After the scheduled teaching, we encourage others to teach from what they had studied during the week, or to share what God has been doing in their lives. Why? Because we want to give all present the opportunity to build up one another toward maturity in Christ as a way of glorifying God.
Last Sunday, after I taught, my sister in Christ spoke during the church meeting. She had made comments before, but I think this is the first time she has spoken in this manner. She told us about her neighbor. She has been building a relationship with this neighbor. She told us that she is concerned because her neighbor is not a follower of Jesus.
My sister has been demonstrating the life changing message of the Good News of Jesus Christ to her neighbor, both in word and in deed. She said that she is concerned about her neighbor because we never know when the end will come, and her neighbor doesn’t know Christ.
This sister in Christ challenged us with her testimony of evangelism and care for someone who is not a believer. This sister encouraged us with her request for prayer for her neighbor, trusting God to transform her neighbor and to reconcile her to himself.
My sister in Christ – the one who spoke in the church meeting Sunday morning – the one who is so concerned about her neighbor – the one who wanted to share this with us in order to build us up toward maturity in Christ – the one who asked for prayer that God would save her neighbor – my sister in Christ is ten years old.
Some would say she’s not qualified or trained enough to speak during the meeting of the church. I thank God that we gave her the opportunity to speak, and that He chose to teach us so much through her obedience.
A weak church or a strong church?
I have read recently that those who hold to a more structured and organized understanding of the church have a “strong ecclesiology”, while those who hold to a less structured and organized understanding of the church have a “weak ecclesiology”. I am one of those who believe that the church is not defined by either structure or organization. I believe that less organization and structure is better. I also believe that organization and structure often hamper the church. Is this a “weak ecclesiology”?
In my ecclesiology, all believers are “ministers” – servants. All believers respond to God by serving others – both other believers and nonbelievers. Leaders (pastors/elders or deacons) are not more responsible that others. All believers teach, care for, and watch out for other believers. Leaders are not more responsible for teaching, shepherding, or overseeing. Believers do not serve because they hold a certain position, but because they are all gifted to serve.
In my ecclesiology, all believers are “missionaries” – sent out into the world. All believers respond to God by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. All believers live in a way that demonstrates the love of God to “the least” of society. All believers speak in a way that proclaims the truth of God, including his grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Leaders (missionaries or evangelists) are not more responsible for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Since all believers have been reconciled to God, all believers are ambassadors, representing God in his ministry of reconciliation.
In my ecclesiology, all believers speak and serve one another during the meeting of the church. All believers are gifted by the Holy Spirit; and, when the church comes together, he alone decides who speaks and who serves in a way that best edifies all believers present. Even those who aren’t prophets can prophesy when enabled by the Spirit. Even those who aren’t teachers can teach when enabled by the Spirit. Leaders (teachers or preachers) are not more responsible for speaking during the meeting of the church. Since all believers are gifted by the Spirit, and since love and edification – not training or education – are the requirements for speaking during the meeting of the church, all believers share that responsibility.
In my ecclesiology, all believers make disciples. All believers work to see one another grow in maturity in both the knowledge and unity of Jesus Christ, with him being our only measure and goal. All believers consider how best to stir up one another toward love and good deeds. Leaders are not more responsible for discipleship than other believers. All believers help one another bear their burdens, correct one another in gentleness, and exhort one another daily to grow in character and obedience toward Jesus Christ.
In the traditional “strong” ecclesiology, a few leaders in the church are responsible for serving, evangelizing, speaking, and discipling. In my “weak” ecclesiology, the entire church – every believer – responds to God’s amazing work in their lives by serving, evangelizing, speaking, and discipling.
What’s the difference? In the traditional “strong” ecclesiology, leaders are given and take responsibility for things for which they (alone) are not responsible. Other believers, in turn, allow or expect leaders to carry these added responsibilities. Then, when things are not “accomplished”, the leaders are found to be at fault. This may be a “strong” ecclesiology, but I believe it creates a weak church.
Conversations at "Black and Reformed Ministries"
In spite of my recent confession that I am not black, I have received a warm welcome by the contributors and commenters over at “Black and Reformed Ministries“. Some of you may have noticed that one of the contributors, Lionel, has been commenting on my blog as well.
I’ve particularly enjoyed Lionel’s last two posts: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it” and “Prophecy, Prayer, Women, and Teaching“. In these two posts, Lionel deals with issues concerning the meeting of the church – one of my interests, as most of my readers know.
I especially appreciate how Lionel is trying to consider all of the passages dealing with speaking during the church meeting. I’ve noticed that in most systematic theologies – and in most practices – some passages of Scripture are emphasized while others are de-emphasized or completely ignored. This seems dangerous and self-serving to me.
I think you will enjoy the conversation over at “Black and Reformed Ministries” – even if you aren’t black… or reformed.
As long as
This is from Dave Black:
As long as there is a strong emphasis on church membership rather than on Christian witness and sacrifice…
As long as the book of Acts is ignored in favor of books on church growth and mission strategy…
As long as worship is something we attend rather than something we do…
As long as the focus is on “missionaries†rather than on the whole people of God…
As long as the gathered church refuses to be the scattered church…
As long as Christians believe that church is a place of solace rather than a place of work…
As long as planning and decision-making is entrusted solely to the leadership…
As long as interest in humanity and the world is replaced by self-interest…
As long as we identify “minister†with clergy status…
As long as the pastor remains “the answer manâ€â€¦
As long as we refuse to acknowledge that the Old Testament distinction between priest and people has come to an end…
As long as we love our churches and our organizations more than we love Jesus…
As long as we go to church in the mood of a spectator and not a participant…
…the church will never be a freed and freeing Body, equipping all believers to be agents of the kingdom of God.
Life in the meeting
Almost three weeks ago, Jeff from “Until All Have Heard” published a blog post called “More Than a Meeting“. The post is very good, but one line in particular continues to bounce around in my brain. Why? Because in just a few words Jeff has managed to capture what I have been trying to say in this blog. Here’s the line:
To have life within the meeting, you must have life outside the meeting.
That’s it. It is very simple, yet very profound. If you catch what Jeff is talking about, you’ll understand why my interest in the meeting of the church has led me to study many other aspects of living as a follower of Christ, including discipleship, community, unity, fellowship, elders, etc.
You can replace the two instances of the word “life” in Jeff’s statement with many aspects of the Christian’s life and it would still be true and life-changing. Try these terms: teaching, fellowship, discipleship, relationship, faith, worship, leadership, servanthood… There are so many.
The church meeting is not everything. Instead, the life of the church within the meeting is a reflection of the life (or lack of life) of the church outside the meeting. I’ll end with Jeff’s statement one more time:
To have life within the meeting, you must have life outside the meeting.
Consider one another
As I’ve mentioned previously and as is probably obvious from the title bar of my blog, one of my favorite passages of Scripture concerning the assembling of the church is Hebrews 10:24-25:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
I’ve talked about this passage previously in a few different posts (for example, see “But I have perfect attendance“, “Not forsaking, but encouraging“, and “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together“). However, in this post I’d like to consider the verb “consider”.
In context, these two verses comprise the third of three exhortations that help us learn how to respond to Jesus Christ – who both opened a new way for us into the very throne room of God and who is also our high priest. Because of these, we should respond by 1) drawing near to God (Heb. 10:22), 2) holding fast to our hope (Heb. 10:23), and 3) considering one another (Heb. 10:24). Thus, “considering how to stir up one another to love and good works” is a response to work of Jesus Christ – both his death and resurrection, and his continued work as our ever-present and sympathetic high priest. So, according to the author of Hebrews, “considering” is just as much a proper response and an important response to the gospel as is “drawing near” and “holding fast”
But, what does it mean to “consider one another”? The verb “consider” is related to the verb “perceive” or “understand”. An interesting use of this verb “consider” is found earlier in Hebrews:
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. (Hebrews 3:1-2 ESV)
Just as the brothers and sisters were to “consider” Jesus and think seriously about his faithfulness, they were also to “consider” one another and think seriously about how to stir up one another to love and good works. This type of “consideration” calls for careful and intentional thought toward a certain goal. In the case of Hebrews 10:24, the “consideration” should lead toward action which would spur on others to demonstrate love and good works.
This last point is very important. I often find myself thinking about others in order to find fault or mistakes or points of disagreement. Since it is easier to see another’s speck of a problem while overlooking our own massive beam of a problem, we will also be able to find fault in other persons. But, this is not the type of “consideration” in this passage. When we respond properly to work of Jesus Christ, we find ourselves thinking about how to help others grow in maturity and how to help other demonstrate that maturity toward others – that is, through loving acts that demonstrate the love and goodness of God.
This type of “consideration” also assumes that we know enough about one another to know how to spur one another on to love and good works. We are sharing life with one another. We know one another’s strengths and weaknesses. We recognize where God is working in one another’s lives. We are concerned for one another. This seems to go beyond meeting for an hour or so each week. This seems to indicate a much more consistent and intentional relationship. It indicates that we are interrupting our own lives in order to include others.
It seems that “considering” Jesus (super)naturally leads us to “considering” others. Of course, this means that we have to stop “considering” ourselves. When we “consider” Jesus, we also “consider” others. John said that if we do not love others, then we are not loving God (i.e. 1 John 4:20-21). Could it be that if we are not finding ourselves thinking seriously about how to help one another grow in grace and maturity in Jesus Christ, then we are not actually “considering” Jesus?
Are you “considering” others? Now that you’re “considering” others, are you ready to take the next step and help them toward love and good works?
Paul’s Spiritual Gift
Over the last week, two different people have mentioned Romans 1:11-12 to me. The first person told me about discussing that passage in a Bible study. The second mentioned the passage Sunday morning as he was sharing how God had used it in his life. Here is the passage:
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Romans 1:11-12 ESV)
Most people believe that Romans was a sort of introduction letter for Paul. He obviously knew some of the believers in Rome (see Romans 16), but he had never been to Rome. In spite of this, he “longed” to see the believers in Rome.
Paul recognized that he had something to offer to the believers in Rome. Or… to be more precise… Paul recognized that God could use him to build up the believers in Rome. Paul knew that the Spirit of God desired to work through him – through the gifts that the Spirit imparts – to help these brothers and sisters, many of whom he had never met.
Furthermore, Paul recognized that the believers in Rome had something to offer him. Just as he knew that God would work through him to strengthen the church in Rome, he also knew that God would work through the believers in Rome to strengthen him. Paul did not simply desire to encourage his brothers and sisters, he was anticipating “mutual encouragement”.
This is a great attitude for us to take into any meeting with other believers – whether it is a small group of believers or a large group – whether we are meeting with people that we know or with brothers and sisters that we have never met. We should desire both to encourage them, and we should welcome and expect encouragement from others. This type of encouragement is not just a pat on the back and a “you’re okay, I’m okay” kind of thing. Instead, “encouragement” includes teaching, comfort, rebuke, exhortation, listening, whatever is necessary to help someone grow in maturity toward Jesus Christ.
Usually, when believers get together, the general attitude is that leaders do the encouraging while everyone else receives the encouragement. But, this one-way “encouragement” is not scriptural. Even an apostle – like Paul – recognized his need of mutual encouragement. Even an apostle – like Paul – recognized that other believers could help him in his walk with Jesus Christ in this world.
Yes, the Holy Spirit had gifted Paul in order that Paul could impact the lives of other people and to help them grow in grace and maturity in Jesus Christ. At the same time, the Holy Spirit had gifted all of the believers in Rome (and all believers today) for the same purpose. Its time to stop hindering the work of the Spirit and, instead, to allow him to work through all of his children as he desires.
Church from another point of view
I often talk about the people that God has brought into my life. I thought that you might like to read about these people from another person’s point of view. Mark and Meagan (and their precious daughter Karis) are part of the church with us. Last Sunday, since we could not meet together, they also met with another church. Meagan wrote about her experience in a post called “We missed our church family yesterday“. After reading her post, I was encouraged to see that others are beginning to see “church” as a family instead of as a place, or an organization, or an event.