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The modern church typically gathers in a formal, large group setting. When asked why, the most common response from leadership is simply, “We have always done it this way before.”
Gathering the church in a formal large group for a “service” was not inspired by the apostolic teaching and tradition of the New Testament. Instead, it evolved from the marriage between church and Roman state that occurred in the fourth century AD. After the church reached favorable status in the Roman Empire, interested romans were invited to meet in large, physical congregations in buildings. In the beginning, they utilized the preexisting civic meeting halls (basilicas). Within a few years, buildings were constructed specifically to accommodate religious church meetings. Forcing the church into a large physical congregation in a building was a secular idea. It was an organizational strategy that was logical and convenient for instructing roman citizens about their religious obligation to the Christian God. Nevertheless, it was contradictory to the apostolic teaching and tradition of the New Testament. Through the powerful influence of the religious, the roman style church meeting has survived for the last 1700 years. Much to their surprise, the New Testament does actually reveal how the early church gathered. However, discernment requires that it must be viewed prayerfully apart from the bias of religious history. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, provided significant detail regarding the order of practice for the New Testament church. While his first letter to the Corinthians was mostly corrective, it inadvertently unveiled the simple manner in which the early New Testament church gathered. |
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Simplicity
The New Testament church was created in eternity to be a “dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:21-22) Accommodative of God on earth, it permitted Him to enjoy shared life fellowship with redeemed mankind. Therefore, the early New Testament church and its gatherings were organic and simple. In contrast, the religious church was developed in time according to civic, religious, and historic precedent. Its large group meetings were intended to accommodate human life (psuche) and inspire religious activity for God. Therefore, the inorganic meetings of the religious church were characterized by legalistic complexity. Spiritual Intimacy The organic, simple gatherings of the New Testament church were characterized by spiritual intimacy. Initially, it was established by spiritual baptism. Paul stated, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13) As a result, the members of the New Testament church were intimately united with Christ and one another in one spiritual body. The intimacy established by the baptism of the Spirit was intended to be nurtured by the New Testament church. Jesus Christ, the head of the church, forever nurtures the spiritual intimacy of eternal life (zoe) in the body of His ecclesia. It is the desire of His heart. The nurture of spiritual intimacy is a lifestyle satisfied by the intentional emphasis of shared life community. It is nurtured by the willingness of the collective church body to walk together daily in the fullness and fellowship of the Spirit. The spiritual intimacy of shared life community must be valued in all of the events and activities of life. Therefore, regardless of how seemingly insignificant an event or activity might appear, it is important for the church to adopt the attitude, “doing something together is always better than doing something apart.” Apart from union of life (zoe) with the living (zoe) Christ, true spiritual intimacy is nonexistent and unattainable. To assuage the emptiness of life (psuche) without spiritual intimacy, the modern, religious church typically attempts to prop up its practice by the impersonal rule of law through dead, religious programs. Sadly, it is ignorant of the fact that law cannot produce life (zoe). Protect and Preserve It is critical to understand that spiritual intimacy is of immense value to the New Testament church. Therefore, it must be protected and preserved. Spiritual intimacy is first protected and preserved in the New Testament church by allowing only the redeemed to attend its gatherings. If the fallen are allowed to attend the intimate gatherings of the New Testament church they will demand special attention. Giving them the attention they need serves to detract from nurturing spiritual intimacy within the living (zoe) members of the church body. Rather than allowed to attend the family gatherings of the New Testament church, the fallen are lovingly evangelized at other times outside of the church gatherings. Spiritual intimacy is further protected and preserved in the New Testament church by limiting the number church family members in each gathering. Therefore, it is prudent for the gatherings of the church to be limited to no more than 15 adults (no limit to the number of children). When small group community moves beyond about 15 adults spiritual intimacy decreases and it is time to multiply another small group community. Order of Gathering According to Paul, the order of gathering for the early New Testament church was initiated with prayer and prophesying. (1 Corinthians 11:2-16) It was followed by the Spirit-filled celebration of the Lord’s Supper as a full meal. (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) The meal was inclusive of most of the other practices of the ecclesia. For example, the gathered would joyfully worship in song, pray, and dialogue interactively about apostolic teaching and tradition. (1 Corinthians 11:1-14:40; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 5:18-21; Philippians 2:1; Colossians 3:16) Before the conclusion of the meal, they engaged in interactive, loving, spiritually gifted ministry to one another. (1 Corinthians 12-14) The simple practice revealed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11-14 constituted the apostolic priority for the gatherings of the early New Testament church. Guidelines The following guidelines do not in any manner constitute a complex, predetermined agenda or pattern to follow. Instead, concordant with New Testament revelation, they merely serve as a simple starting point for those unfamiliar with the practice of the New Testament church. As indicated, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper as a full meal is the primary activity of New Testament church gatherings. Practically speaking, the cost and responsibility for preparing the meal are never left to one family. However, it can be convenient for the hosting family to prepare the main course and allow the other families to supply the remaining courses and the elements of the Lord’s Supper. The simple New Testament church gathering moves from house to house each week. It typically begins in the comfort of the living room with greetings, catching up on personal events, idle chit-chat, etc. The gathering soon transitions from fellowship in the living room, social or spiritual, to everyone seated around the dining room table (adults and children). If needed, a portable table or two can be situated next to the regular dining room table to accommodate more significant numbers. It is important to remember that close proximity to one another around the table encourages intimate, shared life fellowship and ministry. Once seated around the table, the celebratory gathering begins. Thus, the participants lovingly and joyfully commence the good fight of faith to set aside their worldly cares and concerns and submit to the immediate headship of Christ. The New Testament emphasizes a number of practices associated with the faithful enjoyment of Christ during the full meal celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Some of them include: |
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By the Spirit, the gathered pursue collective submission to the headship of Christ and one another through prayer, song, the Word, spiritually gifted ministry, etc. In the fullness of the Spirit of Christ and with joyous expectation, participants are encouraged to leave the cares and concerns of the world outside.
As the Spirit guides, the beloved of the ecclesia transition from the initial seeking of the Lord to more intimate fellowship with Him through the full meal of the Lord’s Supper or the Love Feast. Last second meal preparation is unnecessary as each course has been lovingly prepared beforehand. The bread (whole loaf, symbolic of the unity of the body of Christ) and the cup (one pitcher, symbolic of the unity of the body of Christ) have already been placed in the center of the table. Central to the celebration, they are joyfully displayed where all can see. While eating together, the Spirit-directed pursuit of the Lord continues in celebratory fashion through prayer, song, and the Word. “When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) Generally, the meal of the Lord’s Supper is accompanied by prayer, submission to one another in the fellowship of the Spirit, Spirit-filled song, thanksgiving, and the teaching of the word of God by the Spirit. His teaching occurs predominantly by mutual dialogue and discussion through the Spirit-filled members of the church body. Because the group is actively engaged in seeking God, silence is very appropriate at times. Rather than being feared, it allows for prayer; personal or collective. When the leading of the Spirit is discerned, the group follows His direction. Scripturally, the fullness of the Spirit is not characterized by emotional excess, but prayer, worship in song, the reading of Scripture, spiritually gifted ministry, and the fellowship of the Spirit. Congruent with the ministry of the Spirit and the overflow of His indwelling life (zoe), collective fellowship with Christ in prayer, song, and the Word frequently leads to loving, spiritually gifted ministry. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11) The Spirit of Christ often uses the group members, acting as His voice, hands, and feet, to minister to one or more group members. The outcome is the progressive sanctification of the church body and the cultivation of church growth. The end of the feast is not determined by the fulfillment of a predetermined, liturgical order or even the clock. Instead, the Spirit of Christ makes clear when He has satisfied His ministry to His body. Clean-up does not distract from the purpose and ministry of the gathering. On the contrary, relative to disposable plates, cups, and utensils, it is quick and easy. Some choose to leave right after the gathering. With sensitivity to the Spirit of God and the host family, others might stay after and continue in fellowship and ministry to one another. |
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Equality
It is important to remember that the Spirit-filled brothers and sisters who comprise the gathered ecclesia are equal in status before the Lord. Thus, all are encouraged to contribute to the ministry of the church. The contribution of everyone should serve to draw the gathering closer to Christ, edify the collective body, nurture spiritual intimacy, and cultivate shared life community. |
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Sensitivity to the Spirit
The small group communities of the New Testament church allow spiritual family the intimate environment in which to collectively enjoy the fullness of the Spirit of Christ. As a result, Jesus remains the primary emphasis of each gathering. With Christ central, small group community is conducive for the ministry of spiritual life (zoe). It is evidenced by the overflowing manifestation and fruit of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:7-13; Galatians 5:22-23) Among other things, the manifestation of the Spirit of Christ is recognized through spiritually gifted ministry, spiritual fellowship, participatory worship in song, abundant thanksgiving, and mutual submission. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 5:19-21; cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1) The resultant fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) It is important to clarify that modern churchgoers are often experientially unfamiliar with the fullness and fellowship of the Spirit. Therefore, personal discipleship outside of the gathering is warranted. Each brother and sister have an integral, God-given role to fulfill in New Testament church gatherings. As a result, it is incumbent on every member to gather in the fullness of the Spirit and, as confirmed by counsel of Scripture, faithfully choose to be responsive to His leading. Congruent with His immediate headship, the indwelling Spirit of Christ directs the gatherings of the New Testament church in accordance with the will of the Father. Human responsiveness to the specific guidance of the Spirit requires the cultivation of spiritual sensitivity. It occurs through dependent faith, knowledge of the word of God, learning to walk consistently by the fullness of the Spirit, and willingness to interact with others in response. If the Spirit gives someone a prayer, they minister to Christ and the group through prayer. If prompted by the Spirit, the others may join in the activity. If the Spirit gives someone a song, they minister to Christ and the group by singing. If prompted, the others may join in the activity. If the Spirit directs someone to read a specific passage from the Bible, they minister to Christ and the group by reading. If prompted by the Spirit, the others may join through reading a related passage or dialoguing about the passage read. If the Spirit gives someone a more general word, they minister to Christ and the group by speaking. By continually gathering in the fullness of the Spirit, the group increasingly becomes more sensitive to His gentle promptings and guidance. As a result, it progressively learns to discern whether the prayer, song, word, or dialogue were from the Spirit and consequently, in agreement with the written word of God. |
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Community
Frequent interaction between the members of the church body throughout the week enhances the quality of New Testament church gatherings. It allows the gathering to maintain its priority of seeking Christ and the fellowship of His Spirit. Conversely, infrequent community interaction throughout the week provides the temptation for the gathering to turn its attention away from Christ to discuss the comparatively mundane events of life on earth that have transpired since the previous gathering. In the proper context, sharing the less meaningful details of life can be an important aspect of cultivating community. However, in the wrong context, it has the distinct possibility of distracting from the immediate headship of Christ and the movement of His indwelling Spirit. Meeting together frequently for personal fellowship outside of church gatherings provides time to cultivate community. It allows for sharing the less significant details of earthly life and often leads to the much more significant sharing of eternal life (zoe). Consequently, when the New Testament church gathers it can maintain its priority of fellowship with Christ without the distraction of irrelevant chatter. The personal agenda is an enemy of community. It serves to shift the focus of the gathering from Christ, His immediate headship, the fullness and fellowship of His Spirit, the ordered equality of individual members, and the selfless interaction of the group. The result is church practice that is not Christ-centered and, therefore, without the capacity for spiritual edification. |
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Time
The cultivation of spiritual community requires time. Generally, there is no set amount of time for the gatherings of the New Testament church. Instead, the Lord predetermines the length of each gathering. God is intimately familiar with how long it will take to accomplish His purpose. Therefore, it is important to wait on the Lord patiently. As previously stated, periods of silence are not to be feared. They are often necessary. Patiently waiting on the Lord is a fundamental part of New Testament church gatherings. It can take time to escape from the controlling manipulation of fleshly desires and turn the focus of the gathering from the cares and concerns of the world to Christ. Further, it requires time to discern the guidance of His Spirit for the direction of each specific gathering. Once discerned, the actual celebration begins. If members of the church body are unwilling to spend the time or do not have the time to gather, it would be wise to stay home. Otherwise, they become a disruptive factor in the lives of their brothers and sisters gathered to spend privileged time in the presence of Christ. |
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Personal Preparation
Concordant with divine grace, individual preparation for the gatherings of the church contributes to their simple profundity. The excitement of New Testament church gatherings is palpable when its members faithfully prepare in the presence of the Savior and arrive filled with His Spirit. There is no greater privilege than to spend time with Christ before each church gathering, selflessly interceding for the beloved members of His body. Conversely, choosing not to spend time with Christ in preparation for a church gathering is selfish. It reveals a lack of care and concern for the brothers and sisters of the ecclesia. Each brother and sister in the body is dependent on the loving preparation, faithful intercession, and gifted ministry of the collective body. Prayer moves the life (zoe) of the New Testament church. |
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Children
During the full meal celebration of the Lord’s Supper, children are strategically seated at the table between adults. If possible, no two children are seated next to each other. Submitted to the headship of Christ according to the fullness and guidance of His indwelling Spirit, there is no need for human leadership in the traditional sense. However, those who are spiritually mature will sometimes find it necessary to lovingly call not only the children to refocus on the Lord but also the entire gathering. Of course, parents will also sometimes find it necessary to redirect their kids. It takes time to train those unfamiliar with New Testament church gatherings, children and adults alike. When the younger children reach a point where they struggle to sit still, they can move nearby to quietly partake of age-appropriate activities. Although less desirable, if necessary, they can move to a different room under the supervision of an adult or older child. |
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Religiosity
Formulaic religiosity is unwelcome in the gatherings of the New Testament church. Therefore, church members must constantly and carefully guard against it. The ecclesia of God has been graciously provided with the means to guard against formulaic religiosity. First, the immediate, living (zoe) presence of Jesus Christ serves to deter the gathered from subjection to the boredom of mundane religiosity. Faith in His immediate headship, manifested by the fullness and fellowship of His indwelling Spirit, assures that His gathered body will not wander onto the path of religious futility. Further, God designed the spiritual intimacy of the collective body to provide mutual discernment and resistance against any movement toward religiosity. It is achieved through submission to one another by the Spirit. When a participant is tempted to introduce a religious opinion, principle, precept, or activity, the indwelling Spirit of Christ will provide corrective discernment and guidance to the others in the gathering. God intended New Testament church gatherings to be simple and spiritual rather than complex and religious. They were designed to be Spirit-ordered, Spirit-filled, Spirit-directed, and Spirit-sensitive. As a result, the collective gatherings of the New Testament church were evidenced by much prayer, significant worship in song; the fellowship of the Spirit; a celebratory feast; and spiritually gifted overflow ministry. “…all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (1 Corinthians 14:40) |
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© 2023 James Hiatt |
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