Articles
Criteria for Assembling for Worship
In the midst of busy lives flooded with time-consuming obligations, Christians are expected to carve out time to assemble to fulfill in group activities. Upon closer examination it might surprise us to learn how little overt instruction is found in scripture on the particulars of how this is to be done.
Time-Specific References
There are only two of these I am aware of:
1. 1 Corinthians 16:2 – This concerns Paul’s gathering of funds for the saints in Jerusalem: “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.” This is in the form of a command and is bound upon the Corinthians even as it was upon the churches of Galatia previously (16:1).
2. Acts 20:7 – Chronologically, this event takes place after the above collection from Corinth and on Paul’s journey to Jerusalem: “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” The eating that takes place in 20:11 seems to only refer to Paul as he prepares for the day’s travel. This instruction is in the form of example where it is shown what early Christians did, in this case with an apostle present who had been thoroughly instructed by the Lord in the matter of observing the Lord’s supper (1 Cor 11:23-26).
General References
There are other examples and instruction of what should/should not characterize assemblies for worship:
1. Sing hymns – Eph 5:18-19; Col 3:16.
2. Pray – 1 Tim 2:1-2, 8; 4:23-31.
3. Teach – Acts 13:1; 19:9-10; 1 Tim 4:11-13; Heb 5:12. Avoid fables, speculation and other non-biblical discussion that hinders spiritual growth.
4. Promote spiritual edification – 1 Cor 14. Avoid things that interfere with an ordered learning environment (14:23, 33, 40).
5. Encourage faithfulness and avoid forsaking assembling – Heb 10:24-25.
The NT tells of ad hoc meetings of Christians (for prayer – Ac 12:12; to discuss controversial issues – Ac 15:4, 6ff; to hear of evangelistic work – Ac 14:27); gathering to read epistles received (Col 4:16; 1 Th 5:27); associations for both worship and socialization (Ac 2:42, 46); choosing specially-appointed servants (Ac 6:3-6); etc. It is obvious from such accounts that there was a high level of activity in the early church to achieve its collective goals. But still missing is the “divine schedule,” the official blueprint for worship assemblies: times, places, mandatory minimums to maintain membership in the local church, etc.
I suggest that this information is missing, not because it is unimportant, but because God expects them to be engaged in by the believer on a free-will basis. A rigid daily, weekly, monthly and annual schedule under Mosaic Law wasn’t very effective in generating true spirituality in Israel. They seemed to regularly violate the Sabbath, neglect feast days, corrupt the sacrifices, etc. As a practical matter, the lack of rigid structure allows flexibility, for what might be expedient in an agricultural setting might clash with an industrial society.
Unfortunately, that very lack of rigidity can be taken advantage of by the individual believer and the church. Over the past 37 years of preaching and observing how various Christians approach attending worship, I have noticed some patterns that are fairly consistent and predictable:
*Some argue only one attendance on the first day of the week is mandated. Scripture says nothing about Sunday night, Wednesday night, gospel meetings, singings, etc. These declare that their involvement is satisfied by doing the absolute minimum.
*Others casually attend when the urge strikes them or when something else doesn’t interfere. Based on observation, their presence cannot be expected on a consistent basis.
*Still others consider themselves to be active yet if family comes to visit, homework is due, the big game is on or a concert is in town, they are absent. They are unwilling to sacrifice for or plan their lives around worship.
There is a strong correlation between those who are lax in attending worship and other areas of their spiritual life. Whatever the distraction, excuse or lack of motivation, the end result is a life that is not fully engaged in the broad spectrum of service God expects out of us.
Are there other motivations to assemble that some might be overlooking? Here are a few suggestions:
1. I love God and I am eager to worship Him whenever I can.
2. I have deep affection for God’s people and I want to be an active part of God’s family. I want to encourage others by my presence and concern.
3. I have a thirst for knowledge of God’s word that drives me to share in study and discussion with others.
4. I need to build strong relationships with my spiritual family so they can help strengthen, guide, advise and support me when the trials of life come.
5. No matter how bad or tired I feel, I always feel uplifted when I have prayed, sung and studied with others.
6. I want to set an example of consistency for my children and expose them to as much godly influence as possible, because the world is constantly trying to corrupt them.
7. I don’t want to be a discouragement to others, and I know I will be when I choose to be absent from worship.
8. I may fool others, but God knows when I am just not interested.
