Hi Danny,
Interesting to read the posts regarding meeting together. For many, many years I too believed that people who attended "worldly churches" simply attended once a week, sat in their pew, listened to the message (unless they fell asleep), then returned home. Other than that, the only involvement a "worldly Christian" might have with a church would be through a church bazaar, bingo, or some other social function. That was what I was taught growing up in a professing home. While that may be true for some, it certainly isn't a true generalization.
I was deeply ashamed of my false condemnation of "worldly Christians" once I realized just how wrong I was, and just how mistaken
many f&w's are.
In comparison, a f&w's "Gospel meeting" is identical to the Sunday morning church experience of other Christians. In both, there are prayers offered by these pastors or workers, there is congregational singing of hymns or songs chosen by the
workers or the
pastor of music, and a message is delivered by the pastors or workers. Same idea, same format.
These "meetings" or "services" are valuable for both Christians and those seeking Christ.
The f&w's also hold 2 weekly small gatherings or
small groups as they're referred to by "worldly churches". With the f&w's there is one on Sunday a.m. where each attendee is encouraged to pray and give a testimony on a topic of their choice. The other is a Bible study meeting where a testimony on a pre-chosen chapter or topic is given.
I have been involved with 3 different "worldly churches" since becoming a follower of Christ in 2000.
All three
strongly encouraged becoming a regular member of a small group ..... for spiritual encouragement for myself, and for mutual encouragement of others. However, if a person isn't interested in attending a small group, there is no condemnation of that person and each individual is
permitted the freedom of choosing how & when to worship.
A couple of differences are notable between these "small groups" and the fellowship/Bible study meetings of the f&w's.
Firstly I'm given the choice of where & with whom I want to meet. Some small groups are formed based upon practical similarities (such as seniors; women only; couples with small children; singles etc.). Or the choice may be based on what evening a person finds easiest to attend. That type of thing.
Secondly all the groups I attend meet for longer than 1 hour. The average would probably be 2 - 2 1/2 hours.
Beverages & snacks are offered, and isn't as "formal" of a setting. Some nights perhaps we sit around a table if there aren't many able to attend. Or ... in the winter we might sit around a fireplace in the family room. It's flexible. Always there are shared prayers & testimonies.
Each group individually decides whether to study specifically from the Bible, read through a Christian book together, or even go 'off topic' should current events/personal happenings warrant it for a particular night. I
love the way living a Christian life becomes so relevant because of the focus on
today's challenges in our lives.
As well, most "worldly churches" offer courses & seminars, etc. one night per week. This is a great way to meet new people and to receive ongoing Christian support in our daily lives. For example, the church I attend now has gatherings for new Moms one morning per week, they offer once per week Alpha courses, they have Senior's coffee times, and also have groups that meet with the purpose of helping the community in practical ways. I've never officially "joined" a church -- yet I'm always welcomed to whatever group I've chosen to attend.
To my way of thinking, a Christ focused church should encourage not only spiritual meetings between believers, but also be able to provide ways to collectively bring the Gospel to their area.
Any church that is content only with finding warm bodies to fill pews on Sunday mornings is
missing Christ's message to the world.
Didn't mean to get so long winded here this morning, but I always find it so ....... self-indulgent ........ when the f&w's present themselves as being the only "group" who is following the NT example of meeting together, and therefore the only "right" way. That is simply
false.