6 minute read
Reimagining Why We Gather
by Kathy Foor, Director of Women's Ministries
Hebrews 10:24-25
When we look around and still see so many empty seats in our church services and events, it is easy to realize that it is indeed time to reimagine why we gather. Getting together doesn’t seem to be as much a priority as it once was for some, and while it is easy to be critical of those who have wandered away from the flock, those who are still uncomfortable going out and being with people, and those who just find it safer to watch church from the live stream than to be physically present with the body of Christ, that is not going to bring people back.
The truth is, it is more convenient to watch our events from home. It is also safer to watch from home. And, while I am grateful myself for the times when I have had to quarantine that I could still attend services or conferences online from home, is it really the same? Is it really what the writer of Hebrews intended when he penned the verses above?
Hebrews tells us that our gathering is important so that we can spur one another on and so that we can encourage one another. While we can get some great teaching online, or listen to some great worship music, this format makes it very easy for us to feel like we are gathering when that is not really what is going on at all. It is easy to watch online without really participating, but Kingdom life was never meant to be a spectator sport.
We were created for community. From beginning to end the Bible is about relationships, and whether we agree or not, whether we like it or not, God’s Kingdom is not a kingdom of isolated souls, but a family that needs one another. Perhaps that is why in this last season the enemy fought so hard to prevent us from gathering. He understands that we are stronger together. We function better together. Like you cannot have a symphony without every instrument represented, the kingdom of God doesn’t work well if people are missing.
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” Romans 12:4-5.
We belong to one another. We need one another. We are incomplete without everyone participating. A body that is missing parts can function and adapt to some degree, but a healthy body with all its members can accomplish much more, and more effectively, than one that is not complete. All of our gifts are needed in order to win the lost to Jesus.
John records Jesus’ words, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” John 17:22-23.
We must be together to be in unity, and our unity is vital for the salvation of others.
I find it interesting to note the final phrase in the Hebrews passage above, “and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Whatever you believe about the end times, most Christians I speak with are convinced that we are indeed living in the last days.
That means our gathering takes on greater significance than ever before. If we believe what Jesus told us about His return, then we will be certain those we love—or those we don’t even know—get a chance to know our Redeemer personally. If it really is the last days, what should we be doing differently? What matters more in light of eternity?
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” Acts 2:46-47.
God can do things among us when we are together that will fill us with awe and wonder, and people’s lives can be changed for all eternity.
I invite and challenge you to take advantage of opportunities to gather with other believers. Ask God to guide those decisions, so that you will be in the right place at the right time. You may need to hear someone else’s story, or they might need to hear yours. You may need to hear a word of comfort or encouragement, or someone might need to hear your words of encouragement. You might need to be refreshed, or you might be an instrument to refresh another. Your gift might be the very thing needed to bring someone to Jesus. Don’t hold back. Don’t let the enemy keep you apart from the body. We are still better together!
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The Flourish Conference 2022 was a great opportunity to gather and encourage one another. Dr. Karen McGibbon, our keynote speaker, inspired us with hope from the Word of God and stories of the Lord’s faithfulness in difficult seasons. Our breakout speakers blessed us with their testimonies and life lessons that have helped them through difficult times. Emmaus Road led us in Christ-centered worship that filled us to the brim with the presence of the Lord. We enjoyed great food, fellowship, and fun together! As we plan Flourish 2023, we hope you will join us, and look forward to seeing you there!
