Not Neglecting to Meet Together: Gathering and Community
“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
At Arcade Church, we believe every morsel of this verse is to be savored. For the Elder Board, the yearning to meet in person has been ever present for more than 11 months. We have prayed continually for wisdom in how we can and should meet. We have examined scripture for guidance and aimed to align our thoughts and discussions to be in accordance with Christ. We have considered each other’s point of view to aid in making sound decisions.
We believe now is the time for Arcadians to gather as a local church.
Given the online options, watching service from home, communicating by email, posting on social media, and an established pattern of not being physically with people, it easy to wonder: why gather?
There are many reasons but here are five:
To be joyful together. “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 1:12). The Apostle John knew the importance of physical presence communicating directly without distance or barriers. At John’s urging, believers are to take joy in being together.
To be humble together. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus is speaking in this passage to his “little children” and “those who are weary and burdened.” He is urging his people to learn to have a heart like Jesus, free from pride and arrogance in the presence of others.
To be generous together. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). Paul urges Christ followers to give up personal desires in order to help someone else. One could argue this is possible from afar but together Christians can exhibit the fullness of Christlike generosity for each other and for unbelievers to see.
To be devoted together. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:10-11). This verse paints a vivid picture of the steadfast attachment the early Christians felt for one another. We are to live together like brothers and sisters exhibiting loyalty and sense of belonging that surpasses normal friendships.
To be the Church together. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Jesus describes his church as a light-giving lamp. When Christians are not in each other’s presence we are but a twinkle in a dim world. Together we are a radiant lamp illuminating God to the world.
We understand there are real circumstances related to COVID infections that prohibit some Arcadians from gathering in person. Individuals from vulnerable populations who refrain from gathering are wisely demonstrating personal discretion. If you cannot meet for those reasons, you are not sinning. We still encourage you to engage – make phone calls, email, take part in online worship and pray like crazy!
Believers are called to live together according to God’s ways, cleansed of sin and in fellowship (1 John 1:7). That is why one of our goals for the next five years is to engage 90% of Arcade membership in small groups alongside adult ministry with a focus on developing leaders. Community will be an essential ingredient in the culture of Arcade Church. We will honor God by assembling, praising, remembering, and testifying in Christ alone.
In these acts of worship, we are foreshadowing an eternity that is to come. Someday believers in Christ will gather without restrictions, without distancing, without masks. We will join in the presence of our Holy Father in heaven for eternity (Revelation 7:9).
Today, our prayer is for total alignment with the life and mind of Christ. Savoring God’s word when we are alone or face to face. Together, we will be God’s family, His body, His bride, and His temple “on earth as it is in heaven.”
