We recently attended a “Mega Church” service. We were greeted by very friendly and helpful people. We were offered a cup of custom brewed coffee and a selection of pastries, before being escorted to a seating area. The crowd was large, the auditorium even larger. The service began with several popular religious songs sung by a magnificent choir. The words of the songs were projected from strategic placed big-screens. A man stepped forward, the Senior Pastor. Following a brief prayer, he gave a polished and professional sermon about being honest while important points were emphasized on the big screens. The choir reappeared, sang two more popular songs and the service was dismissed.
Underneath the pomp and polish were other more subtle signs.
Even in our brief encounters, there were no words of faith or witness spoken. Most participants remain seated before the service started, perhaps talking to someone in an adjoining seat, but not mixing. During the songs, most people stood or sat motionless while listening. Only a very few actually sang. During the final two hymns and during the benediction, many began leaving early. When we left there was no mention of fellowship or small group worship, just a large-print “Daily Bread” to take home. No effort made to encourage our return.
Small churches fare little better, the same service but with required conformity, ingrained power structures, inherited seats and hidden nepotism.
In Jesus time, corporate worship took place in the home, or sometimes in a tiny nearby home-church (synagogue). Home-church assemblies were frequently “Agape Feasts” and centered around shared meals. There was reading Torah, instruction, singing, dancing and praising God. The Bible indicates anyone was allowed to speak, even lowly sons of carpenters. Sometimes, instruction was given by a participant who had actually heard Christ, or perhaps knew one of the original apostles. There was no seminary trained or paid clergy. They held everything in common, voluntarily selling possessions to give to those in need. (No, this is not Socialism)! They also met daily in the temple courts, not just one hour a week.
So, tell me again how Christians view corporate worship as, “…. the single most important thing we do. It plays an indispensable role in rekindling our spiritual fire, and keeping it burning. Corporate worship brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life.”
I love the people sitting in the pews doing their best to be Christ-like. But when will the church wake up? This doesn’t need to be.
Underneath the pomp and polish were other more subtle signs.
Even in our brief encounters, there were no words of faith or witness spoken. Most participants remain seated before the service started, perhaps talking to someone in an adjoining seat, but not mixing. During the songs, most people stood or sat motionless while listening. Only a very few actually sang. During the final two hymns and during the benediction, many began leaving early. When we left there was no mention of fellowship or small group worship, just a large-print “Daily Bread” to take home. No effort made to encourage our return.
Small churches fare little better, the same service but with required conformity, ingrained power structures, inherited seats and hidden nepotism.
In Jesus time, corporate worship took place in the home, or sometimes in a tiny nearby home-church (synagogue). Home-church assemblies were frequently “Agape Feasts” and centered around shared meals. There was reading Torah, instruction, singing, dancing and praising God. The Bible indicates anyone was allowed to speak, even lowly sons of carpenters. Sometimes, instruction was given by a participant who had actually heard Christ, or perhaps knew one of the original apostles. There was no seminary trained or paid clergy. They held everything in common, voluntarily selling possessions to give to those in need. (No, this is not Socialism)! They also met daily in the temple courts, not just one hour a week.
So, tell me again how Christians view corporate worship as, “…. the single most important thing we do. It plays an indispensable role in rekindling our spiritual fire, and keeping it burning. Corporate worship brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life.”
I love the people sitting in the pews doing their best to be Christ-like. But when will the church wake up? This doesn’t need to be.
