Why We Gather Together

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:23–25).

The words “do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together” reflect the heart of one who understands just how vital gathering with our brothers and sisters in Christ is to Christian growth. Because the passage notes that the habit of some is to forsake these gatherings, we must cultivate a deliberate habit of coming together. Otherwise, we will find ourselves drawn toward the many distractions the world offers to pull us away from the corporate gatherings of the local church.

One of my greatest mentors in understanding what it means to be a pastor was Eugene Peterson. Keenly grasping the message of Hebrews 10:23–25, he wrote:

“In worship the community of God’s people assemble to hear God’s Word spoken in scripture, sermon, and sacrament. The faith that is created by the proclaimed Word develops responses of praise, obedience, and commitment. At no time has there ever been a biblical faith, or any kind of continuing life in relation to God, apart from such common worship. By persisting in frequent, corporate worship in which God’s Word is central, God’s people are prevented from making up a religion of their own private ideas about God. They are also prevented from making a private individualized salvation out of what they experience, by separating themselves from brothers and sisters with whom God has made it clear His saving love is to be shared, both in receiving and giving.”

The author of Proverbs understood this as well. Proverbs 18:1 proclaims, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Both the writer of Hebrews and Eugene Peterson echo this truth: isolation fosters self-deception, while community fosters growth and accountability.

There are aspects of Christian life and character that can only be developed as we willingly submit our lives to one another in corporate worship and service—where we intentionally stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

How desperately I need the body of Christ! Its members, both corporately and individually, are the instruments God uses in the ongoing process of conforming me to the image of His Son.