Forsaking The Assembly OUTSIDE Of Church

Updated: 08/27/2022 – Edited a bit. I don’t have a lot of the same church posts up that I used to. I think we all need a balance, of course. We all struggle. But having my own hurts in the past definitely framed some of my previous posts. A solid church will equip you, and if people aren’t reaching out to us, perhaps, we should be the first to reach out to others. 

No one is perfect. Not even in the church body. But we are called to love one another, and a great way to love one another is meeting outside of church hours.

Not forsaking the assembly is crucial, and it’s important to really dig deeper into the body. We cannot do this only at church.

When people read my church posts and disagree, I am met with scripture that often is referenced in my own posts.

(NIV) Hebrews 10:25, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Let me ask you, do you really think ONLY meeting once or twice a week for an hour or two in a building for some worship, a sermon, and maybe discussion is what this scripture is solely talking about? 

Back in the day, people gathered in homes. People gathered together in many places, not just one. Around the world, there are church bodies that still do this, including America! But it is rare. I know people are busy, that’s the world we live in. But scripture encourages us to constantly be with each other. Not just at church, when we aren’t able to fully engage with every single person.

Face it, the church (building) is limited. We only have so much time there. Those who are part of different ministries may be too busy to really engage with most of the congregation. Perhaps priorities need to be thought over. Families should not be pushed to the back burner because of ministry, for example. Family is a ministry. But what can we do to reach out to others? 

We get so fixated on what we think we “have” to do, that we miss out on what is truly important. What was meant to be refreshing becomes binding and legalistic.

Sometimes we get so consumed in church activity that church is not a place we are revitalized. It should be, but it isn’t. We compare. We get upset with people. We struggle. We struggle with our own sin and see the speck in others.

Meeting in a church building can be wonderful, but a lot of the Western church body tries to pack everything into one place. We are to grow within the church and we are to grow outside of the church, too. 

We can become so accustomed to ONE HABIT of church routine, we don’t know how to grow outside of the church walls. It’s like foreign soil to us, and that’s a problem.

Scripture specifically warns against the habit of isolating, not meeting.

I’ve talked about how we need to strengthen our walk with Christ outside the church doors. It’s crucial. It’s needed. There’s no argument about it.

We also need to strengthen our bond with the body of believers outside a building, too! Are we isolating people outside of church? Are we too busy for others outside of church? Of course, it is most convenient for us to meet others in church, and that’s a beautiful opportunity. But what other things can we do to reach people? 

Jesus taught the crowds, but He fellowshipped with the disciples outside of these teachings. They ate, prayed, and enjoyed each other’s company.

Mothers join other mothers! Children play with other children. Grandmothers be there for the younger wives and mothers. Fathers be with other fathers! Bride of Christ BE WITH THE BRIDE OF CHRIST MORE OFTEN! We are called to be with each other, to guide, and to be examples. (Titus 2:02-07)

Shine His light!

Encourage others!

Give Him glory!

If possible, in some way, try to meet more daily. Having the internet and a phone helps greatly in checking on others and encouraging each other. But when possible, MEET IN PERSON! Those who attend church already, this is doable for many people who live locally!

Eat together, either out or in homes. Do group outings, but also meet individually! Worship together. Pray together. Read the word together. Study.

So many are disappointed in not connecting outside of church. We need to make the effort. We can’t keep waiting for someone else to make an effort. They may be waiting, too!

Quit prolonging and be active.

• If you have a busy schedule, maybe involved a sister in Christ to help you out?
• Things need to be done outside, ask a brother for help.
• If we know someone is struggling in the church body, give them some food, or ask if they need some errands or housework done.
• Meet at playgrounds, coffee houses, etc.

There once was a woman in my church who wasn’t able to mow her lawn, but struggled to ask for help. Members in the church found a way to help her out secretly. We need to look out for each other! 

Get involved.

Be Christlike outside the doors.

Jesus has called us for better!

Comment Below:

How do you suggest people gather outside the doors?

Monthly Scripture – (NIV) Colossians 1:11, “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

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