Thought on the Church

---

What is the purpose of the gathering of believers on Sunday morning?

Wait, no really. What is it?

The "seeker sensitive" movement (and the many other churches who are consciously or unconsciously following their lead) would have you believe that the main purpose is to get people in the door so they can hear the "gospel" (which is usually not the gospel but rather the four spiritual laws) so they can be "saved".

No. A million times no.

We gather on Sunday morning to worship and bring glory to God. One has to be a believer already to do that. Sunday morning is not for the unbeliever but rather the believer. If there are unbelievers in the congregation (and I assume there nearly always are) then good, let them see how we love and adore the sovereign God of the universe and let them feel the weight of being outside that community until they humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. However, we should not cater the service to them. They are not worshipers and they have no central place in the service. Evangelism is a work that must primarily take place outside the church.

The pastor (and the other "paid" church folks) are NOT there to do the work of the church (including evangelism!). YOU are. The pastor and elders are there to train and equip YOU to do the work of the church. When you stand before God at His throne and He demands to know why you didn't do the work of the church, do you think you will say "Well, you see, I paid some 'professionals' to do the work for me."? No, you are charged with being an active witness in this world and it is to your everlasting shame if you are not. People should convert in God's sovereignty under YOUR witness. Then, bring them with you on Sunday morning so they can worship God with you.

But enough of this diluting the bold proclamation of the love and wrath of God to accommodate the unbeliever in the pew who just wants to feel good about himself or herself. Also, enough of us relying on so-called professionals to do the work God has called all of us to.

Enough.

---

Comments

[anonymous]

Amen!
Yes, we are the church, "the body of Christ" as St Paul describes it. (Am I good advertisement?) "Go ye into all the world . . ." ~eric. "HatCat" at TravelBlog ps: I also just left a comment for you "back in Nicaragua."