Non-Denominational Church to Stop Church Services

[Singinbeauty]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love. This has perplexed my mind but I am really liking this idea. Christ is calling us to make disciples of men. How can we do this if we harbor ourselves in a sanctuary listening to one person talk about Christ’s love? We already know that Christ loves us. We are called to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others as ourselves. The Church, as in protestants and catholics alike, seems to have tried to shut itself in our buildings and just hope that someone stumbles into our services or mass’s and hear the Word of God. Instead of a ‘service’ my church is going to be working in the community and meeting in small groups (as the early church did) to bring those who are needing His love and help. We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s. I don’t have all the details but I am so intrigued. It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting. It was amoung the people who needed to hear it.

 

[asquared]

since you are undoubtedly a bible-based congregation, might I suggest a bible study on the various narratives of the Last Supper. Note that the synoptic gospels describe the worship, and John emphasizes the service. Note especially in each gospel how Jesus and the apostles leave the upper room, and what happens next. Without the worship and the breaking of the bread neither the sacrifice which follows nor the service which the worship calls us to do have their full meaning.

The worship is empty if we are not dismissed to serve–which by the way is the derivation of the English word Mass which describes Catholic worship, dismissal with the command to serve and spread the gospel. Service is empty if it does not spring from the love of God which demands the duty of worship.

 

[runandsew]

I know that Jesus read from the scriptures from the synagogue, and that he was a devout Jew, so he would have worshipped in the way the Jews did at that time. I am not too sure about all the different ways they did except for the temple sacrifices. But my guess is that Jesus went to “Church” (whatever form it was at the time) and then went out to do his ministry work.

 

[jmcrae]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love.

1. Why can’t you do* both*? You could worship on Sundays, and serve God through our fellow human beings from Monday to Saturday.
2. How are seekers going to be able to find you, if you’re in a different place every Sunday, with no “home base” as such?

It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting.

Actually, He often taught in synagogues, during the time that they had set aside to hear the Word of God, as a community. And His preaching times outdoors were probably also organized in advance, and well-advertised. People always knew where to find Him.

But yes, He also went out into the community and sought out the lost - and we also need to be doing that. At my parish, we have several ministries to the poor, where we go to their homes and bring them not only groceries but also a kind word and an invitation to come and join us, and we have a lunch bus that goes to the homeless and gives them a hot lunch and an encouraging word, as well as practical help on how to find jobs and where to go to get help with housing, etc.

 

[Singinbeauty]

1. Why can’t you do* both*? You could worship on Sundays, and serve God through our fellow human beings from Monday to Saturday.
2. How are seekers going to be able to find you, if you’re in a different place every Sunday, with no “home base” as such?

#1: Both will happen. In small groups and in meeting on Sundays for “prayer - music - testimonies”. I don’t know if you missed this in my original post but it will happen. But the ‘traditional’ service is not going to be like before. We are becoming more ‘community’ based.

#2: We will still have the church where it stands. It’s a good size and right off the highway. But when they get there it will be different from other churches in the area. They will just find a different format, that’s all.

Actually, He often taught in synagogues, during the time that they had set aside to hear the Word of God, as a community. And His preaching times outdoors were probably also organized in advance, and well-advertised. People always knew where to find Him.

But yes, He also went out into the community and sought out the lost - and we also need to be doing that. At my parish, we have several ministries to the poor, where we go to their homes and bring them not only groceries but also a kind word and an invitation to come and join us, and we have a lunch bus that goes to the homeless and gives them a hot lunch and an encouraging word, as well as practical help on how to find jobs and where to go to get help with housing, etc.

One question I have… and I am not trying to single you out but I often hear people talk about how they do ministry for the ‘lost’ by going out and serving in our poor communities. That is great! BUT why is it that we always put the ‘poor’ and the ‘lost’ hand in hand? It’s not just the poor that are lost. Yes, we can impact our own lives by seeing those who are more unfortunate in certain areas but that doesn’t mean that someone of middle to higher class stature needs to hear of Christ’s love any less. I think that the Church as a whole, catholics and protestants alike, forgets about those who aren’t part of some group that screams for help, i.e. domestic abuse - the elderly - orphans - or the ‘poor’ - etc…

That’s what I love about this program and what I have heard so far. We will have projects both in our poor and our not so poor communities. We are to share our faith by action. This is what I love! Too many of the ‘lost’ think that christians are nothing but hypocrits who lock themselves in a church and only come out to the community when they need to look good by helping the poor.

AND I think that many of those who are seeking Christ but afraid or intimidated by the formal church will find it easier to seek Him while helping in these projects. They will learn of His purpose for us, to share the Good News and His Love, in an environment that is a little more comfortable for those who think the roof will cave in on them if they shadow the doorway of a church. I dunno. But I am interested in seeing how this will take place and how God will use it to further His ultimate plan…

 

[Malachi4U]

When did Jesus stop going to “worship service?” When did Jesus tell us to stop “worship service?” Hum???

This sounds like a reformation. What Jesus gave us isn’t good enough anymore so lets “reform” it to something that never was or never was meant to be, we can make it better than what Jesus gave us?

I agree, your non-denominational denomination sect needs some real bible study. You have what was refered to during the cold war as a “bible-study gap.” The Bible (no matter which version you use) is not thousands of verses meant to be taken separate as the reformationists do it. The Bible is one word meant to be taken as one, a whole, not separate, Catholic you might say.

 

[Singinbeauty]

When did Jesus stop going to “worship service?” When did Jesus tell us to stop “worship service?” Hum???

This sounds like a reformation. What Jesus gave us isn’t good enough anymore so lets “reform” it to something that never was or never was meant to be, we can make it better than what Jesus gave us?

I agree, your non-denominational denomination sect needs some real bible study. You have what was refered to during the cold war as a “bible-study gap.” The Bible (no matter which version you use) is not thousands of verses meant to be taken separate as the reformationists do it. The Bible is one word meant to be taken as one, a whole, not separate, Catholic you might say.

Who said anything about the worship stopping? We are still going to meet and pray - sing - and give testimonies it’s just not going to happen in the same format as before. DO I NEED TO SAY ALL OF THIS IN CAPS? I think that because this is a different approach you have to jump on it instead of actually READING what I am saying. Sheesh… I do believe that this is what Jesus planned. He went out into the community and taught there amongst the people. Yes, He went to the Temple and worshipped and we will not stop doing this. We are just changing our format in which we do things… Goodness…

 

[runandsew]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love. This has perplexed my mind but I am really liking this idea. Christ is calling us to make disciples of men. How can we do this if we harbor ourselves in a sanctuary listening to one person talk about Christ’s love? We already know that Christ loves us. We are called to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others as ourselves. The Church, as in protestants and catholics alike, seems to have tried to shut itself in our buildings and just hope that someone stumbles into our services or mass’s and hear the Word of God. Instead of a ‘service’ my church is going to be working in the community and meeting in small groups (as the early church did) to bring those who are needing His love and help. We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s. I don’t have all the details but I am so intrigued. It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting. It was amoung the people who needed to hear it.

Luke 4:16
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luke 6:6
And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

John 6:59
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

John 18:20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

 

[StMarkEofE]

Luke 4:16
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luke 6:6
And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

John 6:59
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

John 18:20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

If Jesus found it necessary to be at synagogue can we be any less inclined?

 

[Katholikos]

Interesting. Protestant churches are always reinventing themselves. They usually do it by splitting or starting a new church. It’s often an attempt to ‘get back to the New Testament church.’ It’s an admirable goal, but the only way to practice authentic, New Testament Christianity is to become Catholic.

Jay
former Southern Baptist, agnostic, atheist

 

[Sabda]

Singing Beauty,
I, like others, “heard” that you would not have services when I first read your post. You stated you would not have traditional services, correct? What do you think Jesus had? He had formal services.
We are called by God to keep the sabbath. God set guidelines for how He wants to be worshipped. Who are we to mess with that or even question it for that matter? As Catholics, we gather together as a community to worship God on Sundays (as well as other days of the week), and we then go out into the entire community to show the love of Christ to others. Keep in mind Jesus came to fulfill, he did not abolish. That included the way we worship God. I don’t understand why your leaders do not feel that you can not do both. What’s so difficult about doing both?

We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s.

Is that what your services consist of now? How, exactly, are your services going to be changing?

It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting. It was amoung the people who needed to hear it.

But Jesus DID teach in formal settings. He taught in the synagogue, as is posted above. How are you following Jesus example if your leaders are not teaching in a formal setting? People invite people to Mass all the time. No one says guest are not allowed.

 

[stbruno]

Just a quick question, was your church one of the churches that was closed on Christmas day, deciding it was a day to be spent with family instead??

 

[Tonks40]

This is kinda sad, really. The first commandment states: I am the Lord your God…you shall not have other gods before Me. The third commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath. Your church appears to have traded-in the commandments for the whims of your pastor. I’m not saying it’s not good to go out into the community to help those in need and to bring The Word to others who don’t know Christ, but I can’t understand how you can do that when you’ll only be meeting in small groups for “updates.” You need to have that strong-hold, that base, that worshiping as an entire faith community can provide - as a whole. Not in parts.

This is intriguing - but I think it departs drastically from what the New Testament believers were doing.

 

[asquared]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love.

excuse us for misreading your statement. we interpreted it just as it reads, that your church is replacing whatever worship you have done in the past for service projects. this is the internet, what we see is what we get, and that is what we respond to. thanks for the clarification.

 

[happygal]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love. This has perplexed my mind but I am really liking this idea. Christ is calling us to make disciples of men. How can we do this if we harbor ourselves in a sanctuary listening to one person talk about Christ’s love? We already know that Christ loves us. We are called to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others as ourselves. The Church, as in protestants and catholics alike, seems to have tried to shut itself in our buildings and just hope that someone stumbles into our services or mass’s and hear the Word of God. Instead of a ‘service’ my church is going to be working in the community and meeting in small groups (as the early church did) to bring those who are needing His love and help. We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s. I don’t have all the details but I am so intrigued. It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting. It was amoung the people who needed to hear it.

Why stop having Service?? We can share Gospel to others and in the same time have Service. Well since it was your church decision i have nothing to say, just find it rather strange. I don’t understand the situation in America, but in Asian, protestant are very busy to reach out to the lost (since i am living in a country well 80% are non believers, so lots of work to do) on top of that we have to make time for church service, prayer meeting, cell group, serve ministry, fellowshipping with others, volunteer for non profit charity…etc…in fact we don’t even have time for ourselve…haha

 

[Singinbeauty]

Just a quick question, was your church one of the churches that was closed on Christmas day, deciding it was a day to be spent with family instead??

No, the church was open on Christmas Day and had Services…

Tonks40:

This is kinda sad, really. The first commandment states: I am the Lord your God…you shall not have other gods before Me. The third commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath. Your church appears to have traded-in the commandments for the whims of your pastor. I’m not saying it’s not good to go out into the community to help those in need and to bring The Word to others who don’t know Christ, but I can’t understand how you can do that when you’ll only be meeting in small groups for “updates.” You need to have that strong-hold, that base, that worshiping as an entire faith community can provide - as a whole. Not in parts.

This is intriguing - but I think it departs drastically from what the New Testament believers were doing.

Wow, kinda sad that you haven’t explored this or asked questions before jumping in and ASSUMING the worst.

Who are the other gods that we have before the Almighty God? We are SERVING God by doing this. Jesus says in Matthew “The greatest commandment is this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. The second is like this: Love your neighbor as your self.” If we follow these commandments how are we having other gods before Him???

And the third commandment: Keep the Sabbath Holy - How is it not keeping the Sabbath Holy by keeping God’s greatest commandment?

And again: I am pulling this from my original post

singinbeauty:

We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s.

WE ARE STILL MEETING ON SUNDAYS FOR WORSHIP. We just aren’t going to have a traditional service where the pastor stands in front of us and speaks, there will be several speakers giving testimonies of what God has done. This will not be done in the small groups. I think this is where the disconnect is. Just because it’s not the usual ‘traditional’ worship service doesn’t mean it won’t exist!

I believe someone mentioned that my original post was misleading… WE WILL STILL HAVE A WORSHIP SERVICE. Does this make it clearer?

 

[prv]

I went to church today and heard an interesting announcement… My church is going to stop having traditional church services in favor of going out into the community and serving in projects for those who so desperately need to feel Christ’s Love. This has perplexed my mind but I am really liking this idea. Christ is calling us to make disciples of men. How can we do this if we harbor ourselves in a sanctuary listening to one person talk about Christ’s love? We already know that Christ loves us. We are called to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others as ourselves. The Church, as in protestants and catholics alike, seems to have tried to shut itself in our buildings and just hope that someone stumbles into our services or mass’s and hear the Word of God. Instead of a ‘service’ my church is going to be working in the community and meeting in small groups (as the early church did) to bring those who are needing His love and help. We will be meeting for updates and worship (prayer - music - testimonies) probably on Sunday’s. I don’t have all the details but I am so intrigued. It seems to me that this will be following Christ’s example. He never taught in a formal setting. It was amoung the people who needed to hear it.

We need worship AND service—not one without the other. As you said,
“We are called to love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds and to love others as ourselves.”

We must do one first, love God, then the second, love our neighbor. Besides, people already serve God while attending service—I don’t think this plan is going to encourage anybody to do anything other than stay home. 1-2 hours of worship doesn’t stop anybody from doing service projects. I see plenty of Christians who attend service on Sunday and who do community service also.

 

[asquared]

you might want to consider the working of your thread title, as it evidently has caused some of us to jump to wrong conclusions, since it explicitly says you are ending services

 

[Contarini]

Who said anything about the worship stopping? We are still going to meet and pray - sing - and give testimonies it’s just not going to happen in the same format as before. DO I NEED TO SAY ALL OF THIS IN CAPS?

Since it contradicts the title of the thread, yes you do. You said that your church was no longer holding church services. Now you say that you are. Apparently you mean something very specific by “church services,” but you haven’t defined what that is. If you simply meant “our church services will have a different format,” why is that such a big deal?

In what sense are “church services” no longer taking place, if you continue to meet for worship? Isn’t that what a “church service” is?

Edwin

 

[ALLFORHIM]

Hi Singingbeauty,
I totally understand where you are coming from. I also know exactly what you mean. I just dont think anyone is getting it. I hope your new format works well and I hope you reach many lost souls. Your church is doing God’s work.AMEN

Our church does mall evangelizingeek: which is really hard in the Northeast–many lost souls in this area )

We also just added on a huge new facility so we could fit for one and so we can utilize our building to bring in the community. As soon as we get the final CO there are plans for many events that reach out to the community. For starters, we are having a christian comedian come on sat. She is hysterical At the end of her routine–she gives her testimony and the gospel message. I have family and friends come with me who will hear the GOOD NEWS about Jesus.

Let me know through a pm how it goes for your church.