Sunday Evening Services

[Gingerale]

I was not offended. No need for apologies...but yours is appreciated...

  you each are entitled to your own opinion. It just seemed like everyone was ganging up on me about every post I made. Anyone who calls themself a Christian should not show negativity towards someone who chooses to go to church more, rather than less. I threw no stones at anyone, I just left my response and my opinion on the subject, and the darts started flying in my direction.

[Heather]

I was not offended. No need for apologies...but yours is appreciated...

  you each are entitled to your own opinion. It just seemed like everyone was ganging up on me about every post I made. Anyone who calls themself a Christian should not show negativity towards someone who chooses to go to church more, rather than less. I threw no stones at anyone, I just left my response and my opinion on the subject, and the darts started flying in my direction.

and likewise someone who has night service should not look down on those who only have 1 sunday service.

[RandyWayne]

and likewise someone who has night service should not look down on those who only have 1 sunday service.

Amen and amen. 

Quite frankly, I am shocked that such a large % of churches still have the traditional Sunday morning/Evening/Wed night services along with youth/prayer/mens groups/ladies groups etc, to fill out the rest of the week.  Nothing wrong with any of the above but it seems like tradition which has turned into doctrine. 

[NessasMama]

I think how much church a person needs should be based on an individual. Some people need the extra services. Some people can go from Sunday afternoon to the next Sunday afternoon. I don't think it has anything to do with how spiritual a person is. I personally like having a Sunday night service and a midweek service and Prayer meeting on Saturday nights. If an opportunity arises to spend time with my family while there is church going on I will prolly choose spending time with my family, unless of course I've made a committment to be in that particular service. I think it's great when a person says that they need to be in church everytime the doors are open. That to me says they recognize their own personal need. If someone misses a service to go do something else and they can keep up their walk with God and it not be hindered, then great!!!!!!

[Gingerale]

I was never looking down on anyone... Never did I say I was. I just said I didn't understand the concept... and being a preacher's kid, I probably never will. I don't look down on Anyone for at least going to church once on Sunday. I am just not understanding why pastors in previous years have always stressed more services, and long services... and then when I get back in church, I hear there's less and less. I am not shunning anyone. I just can't comprehend their theory.

  I know family needs to be together. but we're not in this for us. we're in it for souls. And the more church there is, the more of a chance in someone coming in off the street, etc... and coming to church. All too many times (some... not all) churches focus on me me me... and not the lost... and I have witnessed that. So I can speak from experience. I hope I haven't seemed to have come across as looking down on anyone... because never once did I state that. I just wanted reasons. And nobody has been able to give me a valid reason, without attacking me for my beliefs... Except for M/Y.

Which by the way...  Edith and I were talking about you, M/Y and how wise, yet harmless you are... and I respect that 100%. You never throw snide remarks... etc.. in any discussion that you respond to. And whether I agree with your POV or not, just know I respect you for being wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove... :]

I guess I am just lucky to be in an Independant Apostolic church who has services Tuesday, Thursday and twice on Sunday. We get our church on... lol...  Because like Edith said... She attends a church where she wished they WOULD have Services twice on Sunday. I lucked out. :]

[titushome]

I know family needs to be together. but we're not in this for us. we're in it for souls.

My own soul and the souls of my family are my first concern.  So, we are "in this for us."  I don't want, after having preached or witnessed to others, to myself become a castaway.  Or my wife or children to become castaways.

I know what you mean about people who so emphasize "family time" that the Church is no longer a priority, or is a very low priority, in their lives.  But it's possible to go the other way too, and be so committed to the Church that our families are neglected.  There needs to be a balance.

[SippinTea]

I know what you mean about people who so emphasize "family time" that the Church is no longer a priority, or is a very low priority, in their lives.  But it's possible to go the other way too, and be so committed to the Church that our families are neglected.  There needs to be a balance.

Amen and amen! I'm realizing more and more that the Christian walk is all about balance. Anything we do can be taken to an unhealthy extreme.

[nicolejoy]

I know family needs to be together. but we're not in this for us. we're in it for souls.

My own soul and the souls of my family are my first concern.  So, we are "in this for us."  I don't want, after having preached or witnessed to others, to myself become a castaway.  Or my wife or children to become castaways.

I know what you mean about people who so emphasize "family time" that the Church is no longer a priority, or is a very low priority, in their lives.  But it's possible to go the other way too, and be so committed to the Church that our families are neglected.  There needs to be a balance.

You took the words right out of my mouth!!

Balance, balance, balance... with ALL things!!

[Dew-Ax-238]

We only have Sunday Afternoon. Which starts at 2 and is not over until  about 4 or so... when ever the Lord says so.. LOL. we do NOT rush things at all...

The reason for just one service is that for

1) we run about 30 people
2) most are  50+ Leaning more towards the ++ end...
3) we have saints who drive atleast an hour or so to get to church...
4) we can have some pretty nasty winters. and with all the hills and turns saint who drive from here in Ohio and West Va it was just good idea to have one service on Sunday.

It works out wonderful, then you are free if you want to "visit" another ALJC or UPC  church for the evening..

On Wed nights we start at 6 and that is when we have Sunday School/ Bible Study for the Adults,  right now there are NO kids that attend on Wed... This works out great to have SS on Wed nights. this way we are NOT rushed to get through the lesson and into the next service.. the Lord has really moved in Sunday school... we are usually out at 7:30

[Gingerale]

I totally agree with having balance... that's why there's not church Monday through friday, save midweek service. What's wrong with witnessing to them and being around them on Saturday? Why does it HAVE to be on a Sunday that a pastor dismisses church for you to spend family time with family? when there are 6 other days out of the week to do so?

[Melody]

I don't know about you all but my hubby works a lot of Saturdays and when he doesn't we might actually have some time with him and my kids but not necessarily for other church folks too.

[myhaloisintheshop]

my husband works 6 days a week right now.  he doesn't get home until almost 8 most nights.

Sunday is our only time together.  To even see our family out of town we have to just take a Sunday for ourselves.  Our pastor has told us that he understands--We have to have healthy family relationships to the best of our ability.  We do have to have balance in all things though.

[titushome]

I totally agree with having balance... that's why there's not church Monday through friday, save midweek service. What's wrong with witnessing to them and being around them on Saturday? Why does it HAVE to be on a Sunday that a pastor dismisses church for you to spend family time with family? when there are 6 other days out of the week to do so?

MY and Halo have addressed the concerns you stated above - from their own personal experience, no less.

Also, in calling for balance I was in part addressing the attitude of some that says, "If the church doors are open, I need to be there!"  Some churches - larger churches especially - might have two Sunday services, one or two midweek services/Bible studies, youth night, outreach on Saturdays, and a host of peripheral events on the other days.  To try to commit to them all is, in my opinion, over-reaching.

I should also note that I am not addressing your or any other individual's desire to be in church as much or as little as possible; I am addressing the general need for balance in our lives.  The exact balance will be different for each person and family.

[nicolejoy]

Right Titus... And some people could have a good balance and attend church every day. Other people have a poor balance and only attend twice a week. It's not about "this is ideal, THIS arrangement is balance" because the actual "proper balance" will differ from person to person...

That's why it's important for churches to be "flexible" and not condemn people for missing a couple of weekends or whatever - because THAT attitude could potentially rob people of THEIR "proper balance"...

[SippinTea]

Aaaaaand, she's off and running! No wonder she's been poster of the year. 

Nice post, Nic.

[Gingerale]

I totally agree with having balance... that's why there's not church Monday through friday, save midweek service. What's wrong with witnessing to them and being around them on Saturday? Why does it HAVE to be on a Sunday that a pastor dismisses church for you to spend family time with family? when there are 6 other days out of the week to do so?

MY and Halo have addressed the concerns you stated above - from their own personal experience, no less.

  To try to commit to them all is, in my opinion, over-reaching.

Wow. This is one statement I truly disagree with. the Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together... which everyone I know interprets that to be church. And what is too great a sacrifice to attend a service to worship the One who gave his life for us?


again. (including myself) we are getting way off subject again. This is not about whether we go to church when there are services... It's about NOT having services as opposed to having them. Lol. I keep getting off subject. *shrugs*

Well... My husband is NEVER home. I mean. Yeah. 3-6 days a month. But I still have time to witness to him on Non church nights that he ~is~ home. and... even when he's out on the road... in fact... he and I talked church this week on the phone. He told me he respects my pastor etc. blah blah blah... and he told me he might end up coming to church. And to think. I didn't even have to stay home to get Nicholas to that point. :]

  I agree... Some things work for some churches. I've been a witness of that. But from experience... It can also NOT work, as it did in my former church. we lost quite a few folks when my former pastor dropped sunday night services... and the new converts (4 out of 6 of them) quit coming because they had to work sunday mornings, and with no sunday night services, they were left high and dry.

  And witnessing that... I gain my reasonings for the disagreement in the matter.


   as for proper balance... back in the older days of Pentecost... (even up until I got into church in '97) Balance was going to church when the doors were open, and being there for your family when they weren't open. But all too often people spend more time shopping, etc etc... instead of spending time with family. Now if God is the same... and always has been... why should routines change? Other than to fit the accomodations that the fast paced world has brought upon us?

  I guess I am still old fashioned when it comes to being in God's house. I am strengthened when I am with God's people. I have plenty of time for my family outside of church/work/shopping/taking care of the ranch.

[Melody]

the Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together... which everyone I know interprets that to be church....

.....I am strengthened when I am with God's people.

And this is the difference.  Myself and many I know do not interpret that scripture to mean church services because that is not what the Bible specified it to mean.  It's simply the assembling of ourselves.  You nailed it.  We are strengthened when we are with God's people.  And some of us add to that sentence and say, whether it's in church services or other settings.

[SippinTea]

I'm kinda thinking that when I meet a Christian friend or two at a coffee shop we're assembling together. Not that I would exchange that for church, but it's a nice add-on. And honestly, I often get more encouragement and feel strengthened more by that type of setting than I do at church. When you're in a ministry family you're 'making' church happen. You can't just be there.

That's my 

[RandyWayne]

And this is the difference.  Myself and many I know do not interpret that scripture to mean church services because that is not what the Bible specified it to mean.  It's simply the assembling of ourselves.  You nailed it.  We are strengthened when we are with God's people.  And some of us add to that sentence and say, whether it's in church services or other settings.

Thats a crucial point in that I have always gotten far far more out of smaller, more intimate meetings and groups.  And yes, even one on one.

Part of it is physiological on my part since we entered the church just as I was turning 13 and beginning the 7th grade.  It was literally the very worst year of my life as school was horrible and on top of that, we had 'revival' services three out of four weeks!  Meaning that on top of the "clearly biblical and required" Sunday morning/evening/Wed night/Friday youth service, there was ALSO services on Thursday and Sat night!  And "when the doors were open, you were expected to be there!"  All I wanted to do was lock myself in my room after school, but instead was being dragged off to service after service after service.  Yes it did scar me just a tiny bit.

I look at this time and see how God got me through it DESPITE all the services, not because of them. 

Now, I see the church SERVICE as almost a business meeting because the church IS us.

[titushome]

And this is the difference.  Myself and many I know do not interpret that scripture to mean church services because that is not what the Bible specified it to mean.  It's simply the assembling of ourselves.  You nailed it.  We are strengthened when we are with God's people.  And some of us add to that sentence and say, whether it's in church services or other settings.

RIGHT!

"Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together."  Assembling = getting together in the same place.  Yourselves = you and at least one other Christian.  That's it - nothing about it being a larger meeting, at a specific time on a specific day, for a specific duration, occurring at a specific frequency, in a specific building, and always including specific activities.  Those details are not stipulated because they cannot be mandated.  Different people at different times in their lives have different needs, and will require varying amounts of fellowship, instruction, etc.

Getting together with a brother or sister for coffee is just as much "church" as the 10:00 Sunday morning meeting at the local house of worship.  When we do that, we're still obeying the basic principle in this verse: that we should not neglect our need, or our brothers' and sisters' needs, to spend time together - encouraging one another, stimulating one another to love and good deeds, instructing one another, praising the Lord and praying together, etc.

Hebrews 10:23-25:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
25 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.

[nicolejoy]

And "forsaking not" also means "Don't NEVER do it". So technically, someone who goes to church once a month is still "forsaking not". Not that that is good, by any means!! But that scripture is one of the MOST taken out of context scriptures I know!!

And everything else I was going to say has already been said by other people You can "assemble together" ANYWHERE - not just in church service...

Pretty much what that scripture is saying, if I may paraphrase, is more along the lines of "Do not isolate yourself from other believers" - NOT "You have a biblical mandate to attend every church service that your pastor sets".

[RandyWayne]

And "forsaking not" also means "Don't NEVER do it". So technically, someone who goes to church once a month is still "forsaking not". Not that that is good, by any means!! But that scripture is one of the MOST taken out of context scriptures I know!!

Actually, the way it is worded, if you 'assembled' ONCE in your whole life you would be obeying scripture, at least on a purely semantic scale (but would obviously be denying the spirit it was written in).  But you are 100% right.  There is NOTHING proclaiming the frequency and length of services and any attempt to read into scripture, any such command, is flat out wrong.
How many other things in life also fall into the whole area of taking scripture out of context in order to say "this is how it is going to be!"?

 

[titushome]

Pretty much what that scripture is saying, if I may paraphrase, is more along the lines of "Do not isolate yourself from other believers" - NOT "You have a biblical mandate to attend every church service that your pastor sets".

Amen - good stuff!

[Heather]

like i have said previously....we have 1 service at 2 for a few reasons. the biggest being that ALOT of our saints including our Pastor works night shift. also it's easier to get someone to visit your church in the afternoon in my opinion. some of our youth especially do kind of a 'church swap'. i'll visit your church with you sunday morning if you'll visit my church with me in the afternoon. and it works...in our area and for the people in our area. now go 30 minutes down the road and maybe their needs are different from ours. also being in a kinda 'rural' area...we have some people who drive quite a bit.

and as far as assembling with other believers...it applies to both church and out of the santuary. WE, the people are the church, not the building. if we get together and fellowship with other believers during the week, then yes we can have 'church' per say. just this week on 2 different nights matt and i had dinner with 2 different couples from church.

to take a praise break: i have been keeping up with this topic because it intrigues me. while no you haven't come out and said 'i think you all are wrong for only one service' you've pretty well just tippy-toed around saying it. what works for you can greatly vary to what works for the person 2 blocks down the street. with that said i'm gonna have to leave this topic alone. i don't think anyone is right or wrong for having 1 or 2 services on sunday.

[Dew-Ax-238]

another reason why we only have ONE service on Sundays is because my Pastor is 75 and his wife is 73.  When you have a church full of "older" saints" you have to take them in to consideration, plus with the ones who drive and HOUR plus it just makes more since for us to have 1 service on Sundays.. It works out wonderful... you are NOT rushed to get out.. because you are "worried about the "roast" burning or which church is going to get to Bob Evan's or where ever faster..