I don’t remember the first time I met Chadwick and got to sit down and talk to him, but I do remember what he told me. He had been coming to LifePoint with Jeff for some time. He sat on the second or third row in the same seat every week immediately to my right. I could not help but notice him when I preached. As we talked it was obvious some amazing changes were occurring in him not only from his testimony, but also from the excitement and joy that he demonstrated in relating the changes to me. When he mentioned baptism, I began talking to him about salvation. It seemed obvious to me that he was saved, but that is too great an assumption to ever make. As I talked to him he continually reaffirmed that he understood what I was saying and finally toward the end he said, “Oh, yes, Pastor. I’ve repented of my sin and prayed to receive Jesus.” When I inquired as to when he did this, he simply said, “I was sitting right there in a service.” Even when you pray and ask God, wanting more than anything for people to be saved, it just never loses its impact to hear it. When the church gathers in worship, it matters. Every time.
In this post I want to explain the importance of growing the gathered body and the role that congregational worship plays in overall mission.
Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people gathered in worship, and when the New Testament begins we see them continue this practice. As Jesus began his ministry, he went to the gathering of God’s people to introduce his ministry, and the Apostles began their ministry by doing the same. When Paul went out into the cities of the world, he often went into the synagogues to begin preaching. If there was none in that city, he preached in the marketplace. Once there were Christians, they gathered; in homes, upper rooms, and ultimately even in the catacombs (tombs) for protection from persecution. When you go into the present-day countries of the world where heavy persecution continues, Christians are still gathering. Gathering is not the only thing the church is to do, but it is an essential rhythm that the church should be deeply committed to growing.
The purpose of the body gathered is to display the glory of God in the world. When God is the focus of a body of people gathered to worship him, the testimony resonates among the city. One problem we often confront today is that the gathering has lost its focus. Gathered worship has been redefined as an evangelistic event, driving its purpose heavier toward production for people to get saved instead of gathering the body for participation in worship. It fits well with a culture that is saturated with entertainment, but it kills the real growth of the body. Can people get saved in worship? Absolutely, that’s why I started this post with the story I used. Is that the sole purpose of our gathering? No. When evangelism is the primary purpose a worship service, the gospel gets reduced to a simplistic formula for salvation. The gospel is the power of salvation — all of it. Every person needs the gospel every day, for justification and sanctification alike. Or you might say to get and live saved. We demonstrate God’s glory by worship through tithes and offerings, ordinances celebrated, building fellowship, participation in many forms, and responding to God by faith. These are actions of worship to God that distinguish Christians in the world. Displaying God’s glory in this way reminds the church that who we are is not first and foremost for any individual but for God.
The purpose of the body gathered is to display the unity of God among the world. Considering the arguments churches divide over today, is it any wonder why the church has lost its influence in the city? Worship demonstrates that what unites us is of greater priority and power than what separates us. Everything is secondary to Jesus. The church gathers to demonstrate the power of the gospel as it transcends every other influence, power and force in this world as God’s people humble themselves, surrender and serve to see Jesus lifted high.
The purpose of the body gathered is to exercise the ministry of the Word and to the ministry of God’s people among the body. Gathered worship is not the only place for the ministry of the Word and the people, but it is the principle place. Worship and serving are critical for disciple making. Our gatherings serve as a guide and resource wherever the ministry of the Word is active, from the congregation to individual accountability. LifePoint is committed to a strong worship experience every week. We are committed to gospel-centered, -shaped and -proclaiming worship that exalts Jesus, engages people, and energizes the celebration of the move of God. We want our gatherings to be places of active redemption in the city.
For the glory of his great name and to further his fame…we lift high the name of Jesus!