Why Do We Gather?

Believers in Jesus gather to worship, learn, grow, and share. The Scriptures emphasize corporate gathering as an essential aspect of the Christian lifestyle. Community unifies the body of Christ through worshiping together.

Believers are expected to establish biblical community, as Acts 42-47 distinctly promotes:

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Gathering in the New Testament consisted of prayer, fellowship, teaching, and miracles among the apostles and fellow believers. This group selflessly contributed to the needs of others, while devoting their lives to God by daily thanking and praising him. People gravitated toward this work of God and many were saved by his grace. After being renewed by the Holy Spirit, these Christians thought it best to join these communities with likeminded people.

I have had the privilege to attend Highview Baptist Church and have learned that they encourage their members to join community groups. I am inspired by their statements about community and corporate worship, found on their website.

“Based on Acts 2:42-47 community groups are committed to: Growth: Together, we discuss scripture at a deeper level, and commit to prayer for our lives, our city, and our world. Relationships: Together, we strive to fully know others, and be fully known by others. Love: Together, we commit to meet needs, share burdens, and celebrate victories. Mission: Together, we engage our city and the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ” (highview.org).

We come together aiming to grow in knowledge, prayer, relationships, love, and in mission for God. Studying God’s Word and communicating to him is vital, and it is our duty to obey him wholeheartedly. After Jesus gave up his life for our sins, it is the least that we should do.

We must pray for our community, so that they can be healed from their shortcomings. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16).

Confession to God and to each other prevents secret sins and allows for genuine accountability within the church. When we go into God’s presence with a pure heart, he is able to mold and grow us without any reservation. Worship occurs when we glorify God with everything in our being.

When a community of surrendered Christians unite in obedience to the Word of the Lord, Jesus is undoubtedly pleased. We have the privilege to preach about him, sing to him, and pray to him with others in church. Highview Baptist Church’s website also explains corporate worship as a means of response to the revelations of God.

“Corporate worship is typically the first place to connect with our church family. In worship we gather to hear who Jesus is, what He has done, and how to have an ongoing relationship with Him through Bible preaching and song. As this revelation is given to us, we respond passionately through praises, giving of our resources, also observing baptisms and communion” (highview.org).

In song, we tend to begin by acknowledging God’s character and actions, and then we respond with praise to his wondrous deeds. I am reminded of a song that we recently sang in church that tells about what Jesus did, and we respond in appreciation of his grace.

Who is like the Lord our God? Strong to save, faithful in love My debt is paid and the vict'ry won The Lord is my salvation Glory be to God the Father Glory be to God the Son Glory be to God the Spirit The Lord is our salvation

The Lord is our salvation and we gather for him.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10: 24-25, ESV).