Letter to a Church Member: Corporate Worship (Part One)

Introduction

Dear brother, why do you neglect to worship with us on Sundays? I know you believe worship is a lifestyle; indeed, it is. But you are missing out on so much when you are not there. I am writing to remind you of Sunday’s significance, while also encouraging you to attend our corporate gatherings. I hope you read my words with an open ear, not because my words are greater than your own, but because I care about you. Moreover, I pray you will listen to the Words of our God as I comment on them, for His Word is authoritative and absolute, unlike our own.

Do Not Neglect to Gather

The Author of Hebrews writes, “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” (Heb. 10:24-25). My words to you reflect this sentiment. I am not merely writing to convince you to return; I am writing to encourage you, brother.

The Lord has set aside a time for the church to gather corporately for worship, the reading and exposition of the Word, corporate prayer, and the administration of the sacraments. The Scriptures do not implore that we meet on Sunday, but we do in custom with the early Church, for Sunday is the day our Lord rose from the dead (Mark 16:2; John 20:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). When we gather corporately, we participate in the renewal, life, and fellowship he has provided for us through the Gospel. Together, as one redeemed body of Christ, we worship our Head, Jesus, and anticipate His return when we will dwell with Him forever and ever. Amen.

I recently read a book that I highly recommend. On page 71 of On Worship: A Short Guide to Understanding, Participating in, and Leading Corporate Worship, H. B. Charles writes, “True and saving faith will foster love for that which Christ loves, the church (Eph. 5:30). Regularly attending church services is a fundamental way to demonstrate your love for the bride of Christ.” I also add that it is a way for you to demonstrate your love for Christ Himself. Do you love Him? Does your love for Him permeate its way into your love for His people? Brother, I know you love Him, and I know you love His people, so gather with us to worship Him and encourage one another.

I leave you with these questions: Where else can you sing with the saints? Where else can you hear the Word preached, declared, and expounded? Where else can you pray with other believers in a large group gathering? Where else can you receive the sacraments? Sure, some of these activities, apart from participating in the Lord’s Supper, can be done in smaller groups; we even encourage that at our church. Still, nothing rivals the corporate gathering of the fellowship of the saints on the Lord’s Day. So, join us once again.

Conclusion

Brother, once again I write not to rebuke or condemn you but to deeply encourage you and to build you up to all that Christ has redeemed you to be. He has made you a part of a family, and that family is incomplete without you. We feel your absence when you are not there. We miss you. We long to worship with you. We desire to build you up and to be built up by you. We love you, brother, just as Christ loves you and desires for you to belong within our community.

Private devotion and a lifestyle of worship are essential elements of the Christian life and experience; yet we know that you are missing out on so much life and edification apart from the local church. We believe you are aware of it, too. So join us as we worship the risen Son on His day, empowered by the Spirit for encouragement and mission. We look forward to seeing you there.