by Elizabeth K
The Protestants believe they reformed the church gathering from its traditional roots enough to provide a more closely related biblical church. But this protesting continues to branch off into further reforms throughout history. Currently, there is a growing movement of house churches in Europe and America, that seeks to abandon many church traditions entirely, and some people are even going so far as to claim they are salvaging their faith by not attending church at all.
Is there one right way for the body of Christ to gather together?
If so, which one and why?
Should church divisions or groups of Believers be exclusive in their gatherings?
If not, how might they be more inclusive?
Could there be one unique right way to gather together for every individual?
How important is the gathering together?
What does the Bible say or exemplify?
Is there a purpose for church divisions or it is a sign of something that has gone amiss?
What might be some other questions concerning the decision of which church to attend, if at all?
Excellent questions…that most churches don’t want to explore.
Is there one right way for the body of Christ to gather together?
If so, which one and why? No. I don’t think there is only one way. Just gather.
Should church divisions or groups of Believers be exclusive in their gatherings?
If not, how might they be more inclusive? No, anyone should be able to come. Invite people, but don’t pressure them.
Could there be one unique right way to gather together for every individual? That’s like asking is there only one way to show love for others. Everyone is different.
How important is the gathering together? Very!
What does the Bible say or exemplify? “So much the more as you see the day approaching…”
Is there a purpose for church divisions or it is a sign of something that has gone amiss? I think it’s both. One could write an entire article on this one topic.
What might be some other questions concerning the decision of which church to attend, if at all? I believe we are wandering in the wilderness as told in Revelation and Psalm 107. HE is feeding us. And we need to ask ourselves, What is church after all?
I like your comment Lisa! Personally, I think that institutional churches have a tendency to kill our passion for gathering together. I also think this has something to do with the fact that church gatherings are mistaken for the church, while there is an eternal difference between the two.
I agree. Most churches and their pastors have no idea how to follow Matthew 18. I believe that if they applied it properly you’d have more people treating each other fairly, lovingly, and less division. A lot of hurts are because leaders lack the knowledge or willingness to do this. I wrote an e-book about it and it’s free here: http://www.agministries.org/2009/11/matthew-18-heart-of-reconciliation.html