I am taking my church through a new study on Sunday evenings. I am utilizing these three books in developing this study. So far, the first two messages have been well received. Many in attendance have remarked that these messages should be preached in the Sunday morning service. I agree. Last Sunday evening, I spoke on the importance of meaningful church membership and sought to answer the questions: Is church membership biblical? Why join a church? I also gave discussed what should be the minimum expectations of any member, old or new, in our church: Gathering, Giving, Praying and Serving.
This past Sunday evening I spoke on the importance of attending, or the Gathering expectation. Is Church attendance mandatory, essential, or unnecessary. No doubt many will say it’s important. Some will say it’s not, but the Scriptural teaching on attendance is pretty clear. Attendance is the only way to experience the preaching/teaching ministry of the Elder(s). His primary task is to equip the saints, instruct them in sound doctrine, call them to believe the Gospel, and shepherd them. Without consistent attendance, this is rendered an impossibility.
I am excited about this study and will document my research as I continue. After my research is concluded, I will begin to consolidate the material into a sermon series on The Spiritual Disciplines of a Healthy Church. (Borrowing from the titles of these important books.)
