Forsaking The Assembly OUTSIDE Of Church

Clears throat, ahem. I AM NOT AGAINST GOING TO CHURCH! I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH CHURCH ITSELF! Post | Why I Have Posts Warning Against Church

*sips water

It doesn’t matter how many times I say this, there often is a defense in the comments why going to church is good. It is! Absolutely! Sometimes people assume I’m against church, and again, I’m not.

But I refuse to tip-toe around the fact that there are issues in the church body, and naturally, this will occur within a church building (and outside of it). Thus my series on church posts continues.

The topic of the assembling of ourselves has been heavy on my heart for the past few days. I actually have covered this topic in February of this year. Are We Fellowshipping Outside The Church Doors? I shared how God led me to a very intimate group with fellow sisters in Christ and what it means to gather together.

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 a week for an hour or two in a building for some worship, a sermon, and maybe discussion is what this scripture is 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. As some fellow bloggers have written about in the past, sometimes ministry or the church becomes an idol. I, too, also talked about this.

Post | Church Has Become An Idol 

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.

Meeting in a church building can only do so much, but a lot of the Western church body tries to pack everything into one place. I think one reason many congregations, who are receiving holy doctrines, are not growing is because they are not growing outside of the church walls. 

Or rather, people become so accustomed to ONE HABIT of church routine, they don’t know how to GROW OUTSIDE THE CHURCH WALLS!

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.

Post | Church Does Not Mean We Walk With Christ 

But 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, but does that mean it’s the most right, and the most Christlike thing to do? 

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 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. That always spoke to my heart. 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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