I've got a question that I've never really asked or heard answered.
Biblically speaking, what is the purpose of the "
church gathering" or what we might call a "
church service"?
If it's purpose is properly defined, then form will follow function. For example, if people feel the purpose is mass praise and worship, the church service will revolve around the music. (Not that music and praise is a bad thing, just giving an example.) If we properly define the purpose for having church the proper form will be obvious. Here's something Paul wrote about first century church gatherings:
I Corinthians 14:26-29 (NIV)
26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
First we see that all were allowed to bring a song, word of instruction, revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. However, all these things were to be done for the edification of the church. First, if one delivered a message in tongues it was to be by two or at most three, and one should interpret. If there wasn't one present with the gift of interpretation the individual was to remain silent and pray. Paul states that two or three prophets (anointed men of God) should speak and lead the teaching. The rest should weigh carefully what these men teach. If a revelation comes to one of the church members, the one one teaching should find a place to stop and allow that second brother to share his revelation. This was to allow all to prophesy in turn under the guidance of two or at most three prophets (anointed men of God). This allows all to prophesy and all to be instructed and encouraged. All who prophesied were subject to the two to three elders leading the meeting. No man's gift was squandered on a pew while one man did all the talking. However, there was to be order to the meeting and turns were to be taken and people respected.
What form of "church" would accommodate the instructions of Paul?
Linear Mode
