Churching Together:
In the tenth chapter of Hebrews, we read in The Contemporary English Version – “We should keep on encouraging each other – to be thoughtful and to do helpful things.
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that.
We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.”
Now listen, I love meeting with God’s people, whether on a Sunday in celebration and praise, or mid-week in a home group setting or something similar.
And what I mean by something similar, is meeting up with Christian friends for coffee – at somewhere like Starbucks.
It’s for this reason, that whenever, and wherever Christians meet, I refer to it as “churching together.”
Some may prefer to call it, “fellowship” – being and doing together.
Whatever, through-out my pastoral experience, I’ve come across many people, who, for one reason or another, have often found it difficult to attend Church on Sunday – or even in the mid-week.
And amazingly, due to the busyness of things, they’ve also been unable to meet up at their favourite coffee place!
The explanations may have been different, ranging from working shift patterns, to family commitments and so on.
And yes, there’s also another million and one examples or excuses, including apathy, but we’ll leave that for another day!
But wait a minute!
On the other hand, consider this: Many people who are unable to meet up on a regular basis, could be those living with an illness or disability, dealing with debilitating conditions.
As a consequence, many could be home-bound!
Now, that’s a challenge, and one that needs careful consideration! !
In light of this, it’s my personal belief that home groups provide a safe-place, having or fostering a warm & friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality.
It’s in such settings that people can often become fully aware of others needs and act in a practical & sensitive way to help resolve things.
If it’s realistically possible, it’s wonderful when Christian friends are able to gather at the homes of individuals.
What’s more, through Bible study, worship & prayer, this can be the context and environment where Christian friends can get to know, practice, train & teach their talents & abilities.
After-all, we use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another!
This is an essential part of churching together!
Therefore, whether it be on a Sunday in a larger congregation, or at another time and place – perhaps at Starbucks, or in a mid-week home group setting, we must always remember that we need each other.
We cannot complete the journey on our own!
Indeed, God expects us to meet together frequently; to inspire each other with confidence, to build-up – and encourage each other along the way, and to engage in the everyday lives of each other.
It’s as we work together – we accomplish God’s purpose in our lives.
So, as Eugene H. Peterson puts it, “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
And come on friends, no matter how full your life may seem at times – surely there’s always room for coffee with friends!
God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play!
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