Church Assembly Factors
The earliest assemblies of followers of “The Way” (the early Christians), met in private homes (Domus Ecclesia), synagogues and other public locations such as secular schools, marketplaces, amphitheaters and elsewhere. Subsequent to that period other locations were adopted specifically for Christian worship gatherings. For example the Megiddo church (AD 230) and the Dura-Europos (240 AD) church in Syria. Early, dedicated, Church buildings have been discovered in Egypt, Armenia and Ethiopia.
The “order of service”, outlined in the Didache (60 AD), was in widespread practice by a large group of Church assemblies (congregations) throughout Asia, Africa, Greece, southern Gaul and the Italian peninsula. All by the end of the first century AD. The order of service prescribed was; teaching, fellowship, confession, breaking of bread (communion, Lord’s Supper, Eucharist), and prayer. Reconciliation among the gathering and the importance of believers’ community were also emphasized.
Leadership roles (titles) were established in the 1st Century also. Elders (overseers, teachers, pastors etc) and Deacons (servants, ministers) (1 Timothy 3, 1-13) These positions, in the beginning, were primarily elected although those of the Apostles had often appointed them. Individual congregations (assemblies) were very frequently part of a larger grouping in a particular city overseen by a “Bishop” Such examples as Linus and Clement (Rome), Polycarp (Smyrna) and Ignatius (Antioch) are heavily documented. Again 1st century and early 2nd century figures. This illustrates that the Church of Christ was “institutionalizing” itself well before it was decriminalized in 313 AD (by Constantine I and Licinius Edict of Milan)
What is most important in today’s Church? Jesus’ Church, (It is universal and He is the Head) are that we do as He commanded. The Body (His Church) is a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5–9). If your congregation (assembly) has servant leadership as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 (also see Paul on the five offices of the Church) then it is constituted biblically. To operate in accordance with the Word it mus teach the bible and preach the gospel. The assembly should worships and pray biblically. It is also critical to disciple its membership actively. Fianally, your church must actively evangelizes the lost and ministers to the widows, orphans, prisoners and the destitute among them. These are the indicators of an effective, biblical church congregation.
The fact that first-century Christians did something does not establish it as a pattern for all generations to follow, unless there is also a clear command to do so. There is no biblical obligation to attend a home church, small or large church. There is nothing unbiblical about Christians gathering regularly in houses or large buildings or any other venue. The Bible does not give any guidelines as to the proper size or location of a church meeting. So long as biblical teaching (orthodoxy) and practice (orthopraxy) are foremost in the assembly, the format and location really do not matter.
A good church should be holding the axiom of “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity” (various attributions). Congregate in a fellowship that helps you best to study and learn The Word, that actively promotes sharing the Gospel, provides active and effective discipleship and ministers to the assembly (church) and to your community as outlined in Scripture. That’s the essentials. But, locations, practices not mentioned in the Bible nor proscribed by the Bible, e.g size of gathering(s) are not essentials, therefore liberty should be allowed. Of note, denigration of other types of gatherings of the Body of Christ based on non-essential locations, methods or practices (not proscribed in The Word) is not biblical. Differences in this vein should be treated with charity. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
What’s the best kind of church?
Church Assembly Factors
The “order of service”, outlined in the Didache (60 AD), was in widespread practice by a large group of Church assemblies (congregations) throughout Asia, Africa, Greece, southern Gaul and the Italian peninsula. All by the end of the first century AD. The order of service prescribed was; teaching, fellowship, confession, breaking of bread (communion, Lord’s Supper, Eucharist), and prayer. Reconciliation among the gathering and the importance of believers’ community were also emphasized.
Leadership roles (titles) were established in the 1st Century also. Elders (overseers, teachers, pastors etc) and Deacons (servants, ministers) (1 Timothy 3, 1-13) These positions, in the beginning, were primarily elected although those of the Apostles had often appointed them. Individual congregations (assemblies) were very frequently part of a larger grouping in a particular city overseen by a “Bishop” Such examples as Linus and Clement (Rome), Polycarp (Smyrna) and Ignatius (Antioch) are heavily documented. Again 1st century and early 2nd century figures. This illustrates that the Church of Christ was “institutionalizing” itself well before it was decriminalized in 313 AD (by Constantine I and Licinius Edict of Milan)
What is most important in today’s Church? Jesus’ Church, (It is universal and He is the Head) are that we do as He commanded. The Body (His Church) is a priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5–9). If your congregation (assembly) has servant leadership as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 (also see Paul on the five offices of the Church) then it is constituted biblically. To operate in accordance with the Word it mus teach the bible and preach the gospel. The assembly should worships and pray biblically. It is also critical to disciple its membership actively. Fianally, your church must actively evangelizes the lost and ministers to the widows, orphans, prisoners and the destitute among them. These are the indicators of an effective, biblical church congregation.
The fact that first-century Christians did something does not establish it as a pattern for all generations to follow, unless there is also a clear command to do so. There is no biblical obligation to attend a home church, small or large church. There is nothing unbiblical about Christians gathering regularly in houses or large buildings or any other venue. The Bible does not give any guidelines as to the proper size or location of a church meeting. So long as biblical teaching (orthodoxy) and practice (orthopraxy) are foremost in the assembly, the format and location really do not matter.
A good church should be holding the axiom of “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity” (various attributions). Congregate in a fellowship that helps you best to study and learn The Word, that actively promotes sharing the Gospel, provides active and effective discipleship and ministers to the assembly (church) and to your community as outlined in Scripture. That’s the essentials. But, locations, practices not mentioned in the Bible nor proscribed by the Bible, e.g size of gathering(s) are not essentials, therefore liberty should be allowed. Of note, denigration of other types of gatherings of the Body of Christ based on non-essential locations, methods or practices (not proscribed in The Word) is not biblical. Differences in this vein should be treated with charity. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Published in Bible, Church History, Commentary, Resources and Teaching