Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I think that this is what Christians should be talking about rather than endless speculation about the end times, this is what is most relevant to people in this messed up world. Fellowship and relationship in Christ in a homely environment where we can practice one anotherness!
Much of what is taught in church these days is just a diversion. "Look squirrel!" But the problem is, we expect "preachers" to put on a show for us at least 52 times a year. And preachers just don't know enough to be able to do that. And on top of that each Sunday, they must do so for at least 40 minutes. So what we get is basically 30 minutes of them telling us the latest story about their new puppy and 5-10 minutes of actual gospel message. It is both a "preacher" problem and a "congregational" problem. And the result is some strange religion that nobody understands and becomes a huge stumbling block to the sinner. (not because of the gospel but because it is the strangest thing in the world.)
@@kevinerose Yes, it is like they have all come off the conveyor belt from the how to do church factory and there is no resemblance in my opinion to what I see in the early church, I use the word "church" but I hate the word "church", it does not describe who we are or who we should be along with many other misleading words that deliberately misdirect the believer.
We have been doing Home Gatherings for over a year now. We worship, pray , Bible study, discuss and have meals and communion each time. We also meet corporately once a month with other Home Gatherings. We have outreach gatherings where we invite unsaved people, with testimony given, meals shared. We have evangelistic Bible Studies for those who want to know more about Christ. We have discipleship studies for new Christians. Everyone is growing spiritually and loving relationships are built. It's the way Jesus intended. No more spectators, everyone participates and ministers to one another.
@@AudreyZIB There’s nothing wrong with worshiping God in an assembly. But calling it a “Worship service” is what he was getting at. Also, I do believe the speaker is unintentionally using one or two verses (1 Cor. 14) to create a false dichotomy of the early church only being horizontally focused. Being vertically focused is not mutually exclusive to being horizontally focused. I would even argue that Scripture portrays both being achieved simultaneously.
@@jesusisrisen1202 no one is saying there's anything wrong with 'worshipping' God in an assembly - according to our modern day concept of worship. But you will be aware that the words translated as 'worship' in Scripture actually mean prostrating oneself or offering an animal sacrifice, etc.. which I doubt is what you are referring to.
I highly appreciate this series. I am a Southern Baptist Pastor who has come to the reality of these things , when this happens you choose one of two things . Suppress the information and roll on, or do your part to become more biblical, I choose to do the 2nd.Option. Tom this is a large scale machine your shaking , takes courage to do so . Thanks and I look forward to getting your book. I do believe there were those hidden in history that followed some of these teachings, Waldensians, Huguenots etc. Thanks Again
I believe you, right? It's coming against the big machine. This is what i do know. In the home group, we all grow in the Lord. Going to the big building we go and sing a few songs and hear the preacher preach a sermon, and before we get out the door, most can not tell anyone what was preached. Really, most people have not grown in Christ. I really don't mean anything bad here. Look, my wife, do not go to any church. But we spend many hours a day studying the bible. 7 days a week. We do a home church study. Please don't take this in a negative way.
@@lenmaselli3589it’s all there. The religious system called Christianity has been given over by God long ago. I too am writing a book . Gods calling how’s listening
Agreed. In small (house-sized) groups, a lot of the problems and issues outlined here would not exist. In the UK in the 1980's a lot of house churches sprang up, including one I was part of. However it was not long before they started to group together and before long buildings were purchased and even new "denominations" formed. How did they resist that temptation in the first three centuries? Maybe persecution helped? Also the fact they everyone had to walk everywhere must have been a factor.
Thank you so very much for these videos. This is what I've been yearning for, for many years. The warmth, the connection and the discussion of scripture in a home setting. This series of presentations has blown me away. Just fantastic!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I’ve always thought “something is wrong here” with the local church and often vacillated to think something must be wrong with me and my lackluster walk with the Lord. This series was eye opening, especially the part about consumer vs. producer Christianity. We all can be contributors and producers if only the right internal structures were in place and leadership emphasized love, service, and mutual edification. Thank you for these lectures. I’d like to hear more of your insights. 👍🏻
After 28 years of negotiating "church," this series has really been good for my sanity and clarity of thinking about what I should be doing as a disciple of Christ.
Picture the Pastor-run gathering: a well-oiled production, where you show up, sit quietly, and listen to one man talk for an hour while you nod along. It's like a performance-everyone's in their seats, the lights are dimmed just right, and the stage is set. You get some music, maybe a few prayers, but all the action happens up front. No spontaneity, no participation, just passive consumption. The Holy Spirit? Put on standby until next week's show. Want to speak or share? Not unless you're invited. It's a one-man show dressed up as "church," where the crowd is there to watch "worship, not "live" it. It's less about building community and edifying one another and more about clocking in for your weekly religious duty. Pastor runs the show, the people follow, and we call it "church" - but where's the life, the body, the Spirit-led gathering of the New Testament?
What are you going to do? Find a house church or just stop going? Because if you just stop going to any gathering of Christians then this video was bad for you.
Your messages in this video series have reshaped my view in this way: before, I thought that some selfish wrongness (sin) in me was preventing me from enjoying and participating in church services in the way that has been expected. Busy-ness during the week (I'm rich in God but not financially), and exhaustion on Sundays, were obviously poor excuses if church was a biblical injunction. I have been told that I'm not going there for myself, I'm there to serve others (but while I cheerfully helped to stack chairs, I have NEVER been able to cook meals for people, and dread the 'bring a plate'... I drooled at the mentions of some of your wife's food here, especially the cappuccino thingies. Yum!). I've been told not to give up assembling together; the words a rebuke for not coming regularly enough. Frankly, it is HARD to have such burden added on to the mere struggle to survive each day. (Especially when others arrive, maybe with several children, in well-kept cars, dressed nicely, with good food. I haven't been able to afford to have children with my husband yet, and this kind of hurts. I avoid thinking these thoughts usually.) I (prayerfully) dropped the guilt-attendance of 'church' during covid and continued in a womens bible study group, where I experienced the fellowship and shared learning and edification that you've spoken about. When that group was recently dissolved, I sought out (and found) similar fellowship online. When I run into a churchgoing acquaintance, they ask the concerned and probing questions about where I'm attending, that it doesn't have to be their church, but I must be going somewhere, I must get back to it - I think it's because then the responsibility isn't on them to make sure I don't fall away? I'm not really sure what they're worried about. Maybe that I'm sinning by disobeying Hebrews. Maybe that my theology is at risk if I'm not going to a reputable church. Maybe that I'm selfishly hoarding my service away from church. The responsibility never was on them. God has kept me. My theology is less at risk than some because it's coming from the source and I'm motivated to keep learning. the last point, though, is heaviest - the lack of serving others. I do want to go back to church eventually, to be able to encourage the beloved members of the body, and be encouraged myself. I'm generally a quiet person though and my 'service' is also quiet, and this can bring a sense of shame when others do more visible work. I KNOW that's not biblical, but it's a bit of a thing. So, before seeing these videos I have kept asking God to correct me if I'm wrong (lazy or rebellious) for not attending right now, or if I'm being sinfully critical of the way church happens, or relying on my own wisdom. I have felt more freedom and forgiveness lately than ever, but want to be careful not to rely on feeling. These videos are another step in my journey, and incredibly comforting - and INSPIRING and motivating. God bless the Church. God bless all the members of the body as we try, so hard, to love one another in the best ways. God guide us and teach us and build our fellowship on solid ground. I will be altering my use of words like 'sermon', 'worship', and 'service' in reference to church assembly. Language has power, small rocks can start landslides, and small seeds can move mountains.
You'd be surprised at how many people have heard these (video) messages but still don't understand. But it's clear to me that you understand. Kudos to you. As an option to posting these public messages, feel free to send me an email, and we can continue the discussion.
@@tomwadsworthasking about which state or church background. I’m in iowa. I grew up lutheran with a liturgical “service”, never thinking until today that it was a works righteousness type of inference! Martin Luther would protest that word! Thank you for that! I love Martin Luther for his love of Galatians and his word alone faith alone grace alone theme! I am currently protesting on his behalf. If he were alive he would not like that the Vatican chooses the Bible verses for the year, which Lutherans also use. Imagine that! The pericope has 33 1/3 verses chosen from the old covenant which forces the “spectators” to give equal “worship” to the old covenant. I’m 71 and have experienced a living room church. The opening prayer was always to ask the holy spiritual to guide the gathering. Lutherans tend to be guided by Rome these days so I am protesting the incongruity and Idiocracy of that! Also at my brothers funeral in the Methodist church not one prayer was in the name of Jesus. I called their state headquarters and protested that as well. Uffda as we say. Also 1Thessalonians was written first then Galatians ( the Galatians and Ephesians are in Türkiye) and so I am promoting those two books as guideposts of importance to guide us through these crazy days. If they were written first, I think their messages are top priority! 1Thessalonians says edify one another too! Thanks for thinking!! I love it!!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
41:00 and 1:00:00 amen. Here in 🇯🇵 it works likewise. My friend’s church’s pastor suddenly retired and instead of hiring a new pastor, because they lacked money, they did a house church+meal+multiple people giving 5 minute testimonies. Some people complained at first but they’ve never been more edifying and close together as they are now.
Mr. Wadsworth, you are right on target! I ran across your series after for the last seven months getting together with what is left of my family after organized "Religion" blew us apart and we agreed to meeting once a month with the rules "We will love each other no matter what" and "We will not gossip, slander nor rumor monger". Because I am a Christian, I asked if we could read from the scriptures a little. They loved me and agreed. I chose the "Living" Bible, bought everybody a copy. The first time we read aloud (even the non believers) the first eighteen chapters of Acts. I couldn't get them to stop. Every time we meet it is wonderful and now to watch your series I understand WHY?
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I just saw your reply. I live in Mississippi. I am Presbyterian because they stress study of the scriptures and questioning. I am trying to get over my fear of assembling in what I call a box. My pastor came to visit the other day and sort of got tickled with me. I told him, "Can you imagine how stupid these men were trying to "micromanage" a God?" Along with how much damage they did?" He responded, "Yea, it's like they were saying the Holy Spirit was falling down on the job? That is what blows me away!"
I have binged watched and shared the whole series over the course of a couple of days. I found this so refreshing and explains so much of the divisions in the modern church and the differences in all the denominations.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Appreciate your presentations which really echos my thoughts for the last several years. I'm now retired from full time ministry and hospice chaplaincy. Even though I was a full time pulpit minister for almost 25 years, I had an epiphany about ten years ago that totally revamped my thoughts on the assembled. It began with 1 Corinthians 14:26. Then I thought of Paul's instruction to Titus to "appoint elders in every town as I directed you" (Titus 1:5). It wasn't every meeting place of the assembled, but in "every town." The early assembled in some of the large towns was composed of several home assemblies. And in 1 Corinthians 14:26, I think he was telling each believer to come with the intent of sharing something, whether it be a hymn, a teaching or even a spiritual reflection. And in this setting, what is commonly labeled, "The Lord's Supper," is much easier to achieve in a home setting. This even adds the advantage of directed offerings to the needy saints in that fellowship or missionary activity. The offerings in the New Testament were, for the most part, benevolent in nature, aside from supporting the apostles or traveling missionaries from time to time. Whereas, in most churches today, only about 2 percent of offerings are to aid the needy saints. In New Testament times, the majority of most offerings were to help the needy saints. There is something so special when you know the person that is being helped. Just like in 1 Corinthians 16 where Paul tells the church to "lay aside," or "save" each week for the needy saints in Jerusalem. It would prove to be a one time offering. Sometimes people fear home fellowships thinking that great error can be propagated in such settings, but one needs to remember that the greatest false teachings have come from large churches and fellowships throughout time. Error can come in all sorts of ways. I felt that you were holding back from time to time, being careful not to rock the boat too much for those who are more traditionally bound in present-day meeting practices. I certainly understand and appreciate that sensitivity. It's difficult to break away from traditions that have been established for so many centuries.
I appreciate all your thoughts ... especially on 1 Cor 14:26 and 1 Cor 16. Concerning "in every town" (κατὰ πόλιν πρεσβυτέρους) in Tit 1:5, note that Paul established elders "in every church" (κατʼ ἐκκλησίαν πρεσβυτέρους) in Acts 14:23. And you're right. I was "holding back from time to time." My audience contained people from many different church cultures from Catholic to Protestant to Pentecostal. My goal was to identify first-century practices. It's up to the hearer to take it from there.
@@tomwadsworth thanks so much. At one time I preached full time for the church of Christ. Since that time, I’ve been studying the Bible afresh. It’s been exciting and scary at the same time.
@@martin9410 Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you so much, I learned a whole lot and frankly have been feeling what you have been sharing, for a long time now. As a single person ( and later single mom ) the church was a VERY lonely place for me. I so wish we could truly emulate the 1st Century model. Although we have small groups, it's still the same, one leader, a set teaching (recommended by the Pastorate) and small group members will cancel a meeting at the drop of a hat ( bad weather, difficult night, tiring day, committment to children (which I understand) and so committment is not really a priority and therefore love not authentic or honest. I ache in my heart, because I long for true fellowship and family connections; but instead we emulate the world. Churches are run like well organised businesses and people don't meet in family homes any more, (perhaps out of secrity fears, exclusiveness, inconvenience etc ) and especially since the Pandemic, there is decreasing connection and indifference.
I feel your pain in so many ways. I had to leave the lonely “church” to save my faith. My heart truly goes out to those dying on the inside but continuing on with a sense of duty. We have spiritually obese pastors and spiritually starving sheep.
@@margret-annchinn7807 I definitely share the feeling as a kid who grew up abused and in the foster care system but managed to stay in the same church .. going to church was one of the loneliest, isolating places to be. And I was at most youth events as a teen.. even more so as a young adult. I still feel a ton of pain thinking about it. Why didn’t the teachers notice or do anything? Why did their children who were in my class all my life never try to say hi or be my friend? I went to be close to God but was never discipled at home.. maybe at church I participated and listened but no fellowship. Sunday school wasn’t enough. I had no relationships.
@@PlagueNurseOpalI'm sorry to hear of the lonely experience you had in the church as a kid. This has to change in how we do church. Praying that God will minister Christ's love to you through meaningful connections.
I, too, felt lonely in the church. Being unequally yoked made me "different " and sadly institutional church doesn't handle different well. Of my three children, one is a mainline Christian, one agnostic, and one attends a Catholic church because of a promise to his late wife. I wonder how much the institution affected them.
Edification and everyone sharing their gifts and insights requires us to be in small communities so we can listen interact, ask questions, and share our thoughts or songs.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Spot on for multiple speakers and shorter messages. I've listened to sermons over 50 years, and most were totally forgettable, and few very helpful. I had one pastor that had a long track record of terrible sermons. After about 71 of them, I was so glad to finally leave. The other Elders (unpaid) gave better messages. My Friday night prayer group gets clips of the best messages and testimonies to uplift us. They are 5 to 15 minutes long, sometimes 45 minutes. There is NO one person or resource that dominates ALL meetings, although some resources are more represented than others. We also criticize and occasionally lambast if someone brings to the table something that another finds objectionable! This was the best "assembly" I've been a part of. Now I understand why, it was the way God taught us in the New Testament model!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Love this part around 41:35...let them start...it may 1st start with a prayer or some other form of serving before they get to being able speak or share but let's encourage us all to partake in the Word
A pastor-led gathering often centers around a single leader directing the service, with sermons and structured activities, leaving little room for spontaneous movement of the Holy Spirit or contributions from others. This hierarchical model can reflect and support a broader system of control, including government-endorsed political violence, as it mirrors a top-down authority structure. In contrast, a Spirit-led gathering emphasizes openness, participation, and communal edification, where the Holy Spirit guides the direction of the meeting. This approach encourages freedom, peace, and mutual support, aligning less with institutional control or violence, and more with the values of the early Church-focused on love, encouragement, and non-violence, avoiding alignment with systems that endorse force or coercion.Thank you so much for this excellent teaching.
I totally agree been going on and off to our family church sitting quietly in the church pew listening to repeated monologues. I learnt more about my faith online and RUclips than at church for goodness sake
I have a hard time paying attention to the sermons anymore. I learn so much more on my own study, and with youtube pastors. The only benefit to the physical church is fellowship, and there isnt't any there. I have made a couple of acquaintances over the last 3 years but no real friends. The only benefit to my church is when I'm dying someone will pray for me.
It was a blessing watching this entire series and the summary video. Much of what you've said resonated with me because some of these same thoughts have been in my heart. I do believe the Lord Jesus idls leading people back to basics....the Scripture.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
This series is great food for thought. Many of these things resonate with what's been on my mind since I have become truly submitted to God. I have been attending what I call church, it's actually a weekly Bible study which incorporates some music as well as prayer. We sit around tables arranged in a rectangle. One person leads the study but everyone can and has participated. Lots of discussion about Bible passages, from kids as young as 8 or 9, up to adults as old as 70+. I haven't really noticed it being difficult to get people to speak.
I thank you immensely. I binge watched all the seven episodes. We have a prayer meeting this Friday. I have already organized to have 3 speakers 😊. Thank you. Hebrews chap 12 & 13 speak of this clearly
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Fascinating! This series is so enlightening and answers some of my questions about, " why do we do this in church", and "why does it feel wrong at times". My wife and I are talking about what we can do to make a change in our community. Thanks!!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Good work. If Christians simply knew the same origins of the word, “church”, and many other Bible words, including, “worship”, they would be free to exit the holding pen Satan so elegantly used them to build for him over the past 1700 years. Now there isn’t time to do anything but get back in homes where we’ve always belonged…but with a heart like those first believers which grows in all the ways the Lord outlined for us…so we can prepare to meet Him faithfully in the planned chaos, confusion & deconstruction of the Great Reset.
What all of this is really pointing to is to simply go back to the house church format. Answer to question? at 36:00 - Keep groups smaller, 12-20 people (# that would fit into a living room). We've been doing house church for 4 years now and can attest that everything Tom suggests here is doable and wonderful in the house church setting. The one point he doesn't stress is that a main point needs to be multiplication from the beginning. New house churches need to be constantly spun off. This is how growth happens and the lost are reached. If not the intimate small group will grow, stifle and plateau when you end up squeezing uncomfortably into the biggest living room in your group.
Amen to all the 7 sessions. I have listened to all of them. I've been disillusioned by the structured churches for decades. Been on my own for a few years now, doing house church with my immediate family and doing online Bible discussions with friends. Anyone who knows of people willing to do house church in Bangkok, Thailand, please connect me. Many thanks.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Very good series, thank you for this. It occurs to me that once you see it, you can't unsee it and have to do something about it. The institution likes the current format because it is easier to control. They will fight against anything different and we need to be ready to accept that form of persecution, even from those we love. Perhaps this model is preparation for that time when the church will have to go underground again? Early adopters could pay a heavy, but merely earthly, price. Thanks again for the clear vision from scripture.
When I was a child my parents were church jumping until they stopped completely going to church and we did Sunday service as a family at home. At a certain age me and my siblings were sent to the local protestant church for the confirmation classes. I rarely attended Sunday service there. Instead I attended their bible class/small group for youths. Until the end of corona where that dissolved. Ever since then I tried to find a church and never really got access to any one of them. What I also did was attending various Christian gatherings where some of them are pretty similar to your the house church model you propose. To me that meeting new Christians and the conversation style meetings are much more natural and helpful than Sunday service. In my experience the biggest disadvantage is that in a larger church where you attend regularly you can more easily build up a solid social network. Of course as a young adult who is still in his education, my church experience and social circle are automatically more turbulent compared to the one of someone who is having a family. And it doesn't really help that I don't really know yet what I want from the church I attend. But I still notice that other people who go to a Sunday service regularly have a more easy time meeting certain people regularly while for me it is a constant effort where I cannot maintain many of my social connections. I don't intend to say that my problems are common for house churches. But I could imagine that house church networks are more likely to have that problem than if you attend a traditional church where your role as a part of the community is already given.
A really good Bible teacher knows how to motivate people to get involved in the conversation. Everybody wants to share regardless of how intimidated they might initially be- asking questions is a great way to start.
This episode was a very interesting presentation of true cell church operation. I hope this catches on soon. I have a feeling we will need it. The only thing you didn't cover is how to keep the groups from becoming overwhelmingly large--which may have been a contributing factor in the reversion to temple worship. It does work very well in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and other places. But, (personal opinion here) the American/Western Christians have no reference for it, and are therefore scared of it. They don't want to leave their comfort zone. So, as you noted, they leave the church instead. Not sure if you still check your comment section. This popped up in my YT feed the other day. Loved it all. So, thank you for all of this.
I home churched in Germany in 1973. We had the closest thing to 1 cor.14:26 we could have. The Lord would give short songs by His spirit. We prayed for the Berlin wall to fall for the 9 or 10 months I lived there. I have longed for this type service for 50 years!
Good idea allowing others to share and built up. Only one problem we have to make sure they are root in the word and teaching according to scriptures. But at the same time must give them time to exercise the gift or talent to develop there skill if thats the direction the Lord is leading them and have a desire to teach. In the book of Act were Paul says, select faithful Men for the ministry so we can continue to reach and teach others the word. Its a big responsibility and accountability to bring forth the Grace of God to believers and the unsafe. GOD Bless enjoy your teaching!
I said this same thing for the last 25 years!! ... the chances, tho, of changing an existing assembly is practically nil ... maybe the best way is to begin a new work with no building, no salaries, no programs, no 501c3, no offerings other than for "orphans and widows" ie actual needs, no "business meetings", I could go on and on, but it's really about what the church in Acts did after Pentecost.... just living life together united by Christ.... it's probably a dream to think that. I hold out hope that there are other people who want that, maybe someday....😢
I can agree with every statement you made! I would add a caution that it's not necessary to outright condemn buildings, salaries, programs, etc. You didn't condemn them, but many have resorted to outright condemnation of those man-made, traditional aspects of the modern church.
@tomwadsworth I'm about a half step away from condemning those things, ha .... first, they are all earthly things, God's Kingdom is spiritual, ie love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, etc. Second, the church is not a business! But, this is the way they are run... senior pastors, executive pastors, associate to the executive pastor pastor... organizational charts, quotas, budgets, marketing plans, advertising, fundraising, etc. All that is nonsense!! I just dont see any of that in the Bible... third, the appearance of evil. Many non Christians think the church is just after your money. I've heard this with my own ears from non Christians many times. Fourth, I believe most pastors, and especially with larger churches, are just out of touch with their congregations. They don't have a clue who has walked in their door or what serious problems people are going thru. As long as the "presentation" goes as planned, they are happy.... that may sound judgemental but I know this first hand, it is fact. Get one group in, do your stuff, get em out and bring the next group in! Assembly line preaching! Sheeesh... There are many other reasons to condemn what's going on in our churches today but I'll end with this.... attendance in churches are in decline. Why? Just because of what you said.... the "one anothers!" That's gold!! I tried to explain this concept to some other elders at a church I was at about 28 years ago.... I kid you not, I was chastised for bringing this concept up. ... (and that's when my eyes began to open) ... that's why people are leaving the church.... they are not getting the one another's that they so desperately need!! People will go to church today to be entertained but at some point they will get tired of that, too....because they still aren't getting the one another's and they will leave the church and never come back. Just like what happened in England. What's going on in churches today is very very dangerous and it needs to stop, asap, that's why I'm a half step away.... I am glad, tho, that there may be others out there, such as yourself, who are starting to realize change is needed.... I only hope it's not too late. ... thanks for the series! I listened to all 7.... I hope whatever you are doing these days that God blesses you richly!!
@@stevegold7307 Great comments! I think one of the key advantages to my research is that I offer some hard biblical research that points the way to a better (and biblical) approach to the assembly.
There’s no reforming There’s only coming out from along her… Start a home church if u can’t find one There is nothing u are leaving behind when u start meeting as was intended
Tom Wadsworth, Thank you for this series. Watched the 7-in-1 video first and just finished going through the individual videos. I have been with the Lord for about 15 years now, and from the start I knew I joined a family not a country club, but I have not seen that family in the institutional church traditions that have been built over the past 1700ish years. I feel impressed upon that it has been long enough and the Church is longing to "return to the love you had at first". We have attempted for centuries to find Jesus by re-creating the temple of Jerusalem, But Jesus has been "outside of the camp" all this time. I think it's time we joined Him.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Tom, I’m loving all of this straight teaching, reminds me of a previous pastor who was always bringing Hebrew, Greek and original context etc, into his teaching ❤. I love how you can biblically go deep and explain the scriptural support for what always felt wrong about various churches, and why some things seemed so RIGHT! I wanted to share with you ways in which our church has approached living more scripturally, though I don’t know how much was thought-out in the way you have done! We’ve been involved in a ministry with Spanish-speakers (hubs is from Mexico) for many years now. We meet at the church building weekly, and are technically members of the church with a Spanish -speaking theology professor as the instructor paid by the church. We meet in some of the “Sunday School” rooms that have been designed with flexibility in mind. But our church changed the language for these groups to “Adult Communities” and there is an evolving roster of topical focus (foci?!) for them. Our current room has round tables throughout, and periodically we do a potluck here after we meet, and there are s couple of long, sturdy, built-in surfaces that are really useful. Because we have song time and teaching time, and because we tend to linger afterwards to catch up and minister to one another, I feel no need to go to the “worship service” 😂. What excites many new folks us that there is always a time of discussion (unheard of in the Catholic tradition they were familiar with). Connecting with different ones outside of Sundays is a big source of joy because it feels more like BEing the church. When we can have all 40-50 of us for a special gathering in a home - cramped to be sure! - it is so wonderful! I’m looking forward to suggesting adding the REAL bread+wine/juice to our next meal gathering. Would love your take on how church “programs” fit into the scheme of things. I see that there are serious contradictions when it comes to things like children’s ministries, youth ministries, (attracting people looking for s babysitting service or feeling like they aren’t truly responsible for teaching their kids about Jesus and the Bible), but I also see the immediate benefits of things like outreach programs like car-care ministries for single moms, or creating opportunities for seniors to gather and focus on/support one another with common issues of aging. I can see (and I hope you also see) that our Bible church home of a quarter century has some of these things “right” - as well as still doing things based on man’s traditions - I’m loving that there’s more biblical proof than I dreamed of to support the biblical model that looks more like house church 🤗. You have occasionally asked about commenters’ church background: I also love that my faith journey so much that I share here now without an official invitation 😂. It has led me through the Baptist church in Texas (pastored by Russell Dilday who baptized me) and later to a church for pastored by Ralph Neighbor who was involved in getting us into the house church model though I was too young to fully benefit, and moved to go to college), followed by very different experiences with Baptist church in KY, (short-lived), Episcopal church in KY (also short-lived), settling into an Assemby of God church with wonderful Bible teaching in classes that felt like communities, and excellent teaching at the main “service.” Life brought me back to Texas and a job at a Christian bookstore where I was encouraged to take books home to read (🎉❤) which introduced me to an incredible 3-year adventure into a wide array of ideas and denominations, and attending a charismatic Episcopal church known for “households” of believers living communally (it was winding down then), moved across town to continue college and work, married a former Catholic who wanted to stay “comfy” so our next move brought us into another liturgical church (Lutheran), and 8 glorious years of Bible Study Fellowship and extra visits to other churches to compensate for the utter lack of meaningful Bible study in this liberal ELCA version of Lutheran - until even hubs caught on that was time to move on. 😮 What an education to look back on the clues that led both the Episcopal and the ELCA churches we went to into division and decline in one instance, and full-on embrace of unbiblical beliefs and agendas of the other! And how grateful I am that God somehow protected me to see His Word+Love as the defining plumb line for everything I encountered. One church was actually trying to teach that the Bible wasn’t the Word of God, certain biblical events weren’t accurate, etc. I am enjoying this series, though I confess to skipping to the end for the summary today!
I was so hungry...it took me (I think) two days to get all the 7 lectures in. But now I'm going for another round; now with in dept study. I wish I had the slides, Doc. But I can understand that's not something a prof shares. Already downloaded your articles and that's helpful. Thanks again. Be bless there friend.
I don't know how long ago these videos were made but I love them, and the concept which some of the churches I have been to do what they call small groups which are much like what is discuss here.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
@ Wonderful! My daughter lives in Frankfurt, so I got to visit her. She’ll be moving back to Paris soon. I do like the parameters for home church. That sounds wonderful. Our home group does similar things, and it is something to look forward to.
@@AZmom60 FWIW ... I'm working on a book on the topic of my videos. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
The entire series has been a breath of fresh air. I appreciate the scholarship, especially considering the volume of youtube videos by preachers who have little understanding of the principles of biblical interpretation. Way to go!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
If we would like to see what should happen in the church today, then have a look at the purpose of the Synagogue in the second Temple period. This is where Jesus would teach, read the Torah and heal the sick. They looked after the spiritual and physical needs of the people.
I've listened to all seven podcasts in the series and have been really contemplating these ideas in the context of my church. I feel like a lot of the encouragement and building up and participation and discovering and sharing of one's gifts occurs before and after our main Sunday meetings and also during small group meetings during the week, which are often thematic (e.g. - older marrieds, singles, bible studies, community service oriented, new believers, etc.). The most significant difference I see is the music portion of our meetings - in that regard, it does feel very performance oriented, which may be ironic for me to say because I recently began playing piano during our meetings. I have always felt uncomfortable with the applause after the songs, because while the song leader may say, "let's give Jesus some praise", it feels like the people are applauding our performance. I don't know people's hearts, but I'm sure it's a mixture of motivations.
Speaking from the perspective of the congregation, if the band members have practiced to stay in key and on-beat that is worth praising Jesus. It's really hard to enjoy worship when the band sounds like they haven't practiced. Not everyone is blessed with the talent to play an instrument or sing so it is a blessing to the rest of the body.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
People giving a shirt testimony is one of the ways it edifies the body. Telling what God has been doing in their lives edifies and encourages each other.
I love this. Am about to forward it to a young architect friend who works at a Christian-owned firms that primarily design and build Churches, schools and libraries.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I have watched the whole series from beginning to end, and it was great. It confirms pretty much everything I have understood for nearly 40 years, and added to my knowledge in the process. Thank you so much. This is a message for our times. One commenter said we should be talking about this instead of "endless speculation about the end times" but I disagree with this - we ARE in the End Times, and living in the age of the church of Laodicea where apostasy is rampant, and the denominational churches are in meltdown. As things become increasingly difficult for true believers in these End Times (whose signs that we can see all around us are in fulfilment of prophecies written in the Bible from 2,000+ years ago), the Remnant Church is going to be driven underground, and our only recourse will be to go back to the original New Testament model, meeting in one another's homes and edifying one another as you have described. The two aspects of End Times and what Church is all about are indivisible and equally important. I have been married to a Church of England minister for 38 years and have sat very uncomfortably on the pew since I was saved 40 years ago this September. My husband knows I have very "unorthodox views" but I have not been able to share with him my whole opinion about how the church has departed so far from the original mandate, because denying the "ordination into the priesthood" would undermine his whole life's work and what he believes defines his identity. I have also been a worship leader for several groups, and while I agree with you to a certain extent over what you have to say about worship music in the church, I do think there is a place for focusing our attention on the Lord alone at the beginning of a meeting, to direct our thoughts away from worldly busy-ness, and to celebrate our salvation and the character of God through music. Personally I do not like the most recent modern "worship songs" which I consider to be very poor musically, and often with very repetitive lyrics. When I came to faith, it was the era of the great blossoming of modern worship songs by such writers as Dave Bilborough, Stuart Townsend and especially Graham Kendrick - beautiful, singable tunes with structure to them, and Biblically based lyrics. I also love the old hymns from the Victorian era and earlier, with their majestic tunes, and the sound of the organ which can elevate us above the mundane-ness and pettiness of everyday life. I consider good worship music to be edifying to the individual and corporately as we worship together. My balloon does not deflate after partaking in this. God gave us the gift of music and I have always considered it a great privilege to give this back to Him in the form of song and well-tuned and well-played musical instruments, at a volume which is not deafening (God is not deaf, but we soon will be if we don't protect our ears from this din!), with no flashing lights and smoke machines such as the world delights in, but beauty and order, not focusing on the musicians but on the Lord. Also, nowhere in the Bible do we find drums, which the pagans use for creating altered states of consciousness, and which can affect the physiology of the body in adverse ways. We should have beauty and order to glorify the Lord.
Yes! Well said. I like that music can be used as a sort of transitional tool to direct people out of the worldly mindset and to draw them in to the fellowship of believers. As a musician myself, I really don't like how music is being used in churches today. It should be calming to the person so as to take their minds off the world, but also be of good Scriptural doctrine and not with intent to evoke emotions from the listener. Certainly emotional reactions will occur with music but that should not be the intent of the song writer. Today, composers and song writers are professionally trained to be able to "trigger" any emotion they want through music. That is not right. But you have responsibilities for being the worship leader and your husband as a minister so you have commitments and pressures put out product whether sermons or musical arraignments. And that's all great, but I think as a whole, we need to start drifting away from that sort of thing over time. What we are talking about is going to take years and years. So for now, I think it is good that people start understanding these things. Nobody needs to abruptly quit there jobs or anything drastic like that. We still have a long way to go. People tend to follow ministers, so ultimately it will need to be ministers and other church leaders who we need to get on board. It does sound like you are on the right track and also your husband seems to be listening to some extent so that's all good stuff.
@@kevinerose Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, and I totally agree with you. Emotions should be the guard's van, not the engine that drives the train!! My husband is now retired (although he still assists local parishes with services) and I am no longer leading worship due to health issues and other matters (I always say there are times and seasons in one's life and the Lord leads you in different directions). In the normal course of things, I think you are right; it could take many years, even if the majority were willing to accept the change, for things to change in the Church and for it to return to a more Biblically-based expression. However, things are changing very rapidly in the world as it sinks into chaos, and this is accelerating the change at least amongst the true believers; the nominal pew-sitters may bewail the declining numbers in church attendance but have little understanding of what is really going on. I also think that the house-church assemblies described in the videos are not the only form this can take. I am always saying that when I am in the company of one or more others and we are talking about the things of the Lord, or praying together, that we are "being Church." It can happen very informally and in an impromptu manner. What I have witnessed over several decades is an increasing separation between the wheat and the tares. As the harvest approaches, the difference between them is becoming ever more apparent. The harvest this side of the Rapture is woefully small in the form of the remnant Church, but during the Tribulation there will be a vast harvest of souls. During that time, the traditional churches will be state-run and full of unbelievers but the true believers, the Tribulation saints, will be forced back into their homes and into secret places for their assemblies, as in the days of the severest persecution by the Romans. My husband, who holds quite liberal views, once said to me many years ago, in a tone of complete exasperation, "The trouble is with you, you are a fundamentalist!!" I replied, "Oh, thank you dear, that's the nicest thing you've said to me all week!" and laughed! It wasn't quite the response he'd expected haha! May God bless and protect you.
The very best thing to come out of Lockdown 2020 Was “forcing” church bodies not to come to the church bldgs. I was sure home churches would have to explode!! I was so happy. Ppl will see home church is the way! Nope, the quantity of Believers is actually abysmally small, in the US anyway. No one met in homes. They just cowered in fear, actually locked down!! We didn’t, our close friends didn’t, most of our family didn’t. But wayyyyy too many of our dear friends, dear brethren in Christ for a couple decades-DID. I was in actual grief over the overt tares boldfacedly showing themselves. It’s indeed a Remnant and I shudder to think of these ppl I would have laid down my life for, being actually-well, not what was painted for me. The end times are assuredly here and home churches will soon become the ONLY meeting venues for the Church. I praise Him for this but the impetus behind it will be horrifying (persecution, pestilence and martyrdom).
So very grateful for your work in researching this topic and presenting it so well, and making it available here! I love your conclusions. So good. Points 2 to 8 have been what I've had in mind for a very long time as well, but I hadn't thought that changing the terminology might actually also be needed, and of course your last point is the most important of all. Thank you once again! I'll continue to think through these things and pray and hopefully do anything I can so that they become a reality where we live. All the best to you and your family! Looking forward to everything else that you'll be sharing here on your channel - subscribed! 😊
@@tomwadsworthHello Dr Wadsworth! I am originally from Romania, and I live in Scotland with my Scottish husband and our daughter. My husband and I respectively grew up in 'Open Brethren'-type assemblies, which I think differed a bit between Romania and Scotland, but were largely similar. We have been attending a Presbyterian church for the last 6 years or so, but upon coming to understand its Calvinist underpinnings we've been growing increasingly uncomfortable there.
I am a Quaker, and a lot of these suggestions are things we already do. We call our gatherings "meetings for worship" (though in reality they are "meetings for edification", as you define it). The buildings are "meeting-houses", not churches. There's no preacher or pastor, we all sit in a circular arrangement, and meetings are "unprogrammed", meaning that anyone may stand up and give ministry as they feel so directed by God. Usually these minstries are unplanned and short, no more than 5-10 minutes. In between them are periods of silent reflection and "waiting on the word of God". We typically don't have music but occasionally someone will sing instead of giving spoken ministry. After the meeting we sit and chat with one another, with drinks and snacks (cakes, cookies, fruit etc) and once a month, the Meeting is followed by a big shared buffet-style lunch. It's very different from any other Christian church I know, and I really love it. Non-Quakers often say that Quakers dispensed of the clergy but that's not realy true. We dispensed of the laity.
"dispensed of the laity" that is spot on,, love it. Consider the word Nicolaitan,,, laity is in there along with nico,,, meaning victorious over,,, exactly what pastors are,,, masters of all their laity,,, ie subjects. God hates their ways,,, Rev 2
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Absolutely loved the presentations. Kudos to you sir. I’d love to connect with you personally. With your permission, I’d love to share these on a separate playlist on my channel, First Century Christianity on RUclips. I’d also love to show these as a series to our circle of home church. I think the only thing I’d disagree with is your perspective that the “Eucharist” is the Agape Feast. From what I’ve seen, those are two separate observances.
Thanks for the comments. Feel free to share these videos, and feel free to send me an email to trw@tomwadsworth.com. Concerning the Lord's Supper and the Agape feast, we could have a good discussion. I am persuaded by several factors, such as the fact that δεῖπνον (supper) refers to a "meal." As some have put it, "The Lord's Supper is a SUPPER." Also, when Paul discusses the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11, he says that some had become “drunk” (v. 21) at the occasion. How does that happen with a thimble-full? As I. Howard Marshall says, “These occasions were full meals with plenty of food and drink,” in “Lord’s Supper,” , 571. See also Gordon Fee, , 532; and the analysis of δεῖπνον in Silva, , 1:643-56.
Wonderful teaching! Now I better understand why I don't get anything out of the "church service". Because the primary purpose of assembling together should be for edification. This is done through fellowship, loving, and sharing of one anothers giftings. Elements that just are not part of corporate church gatherings for the most part.
Brilliant Tom, these sessions have been really encouraging and edifying. Just a few questions from myself. When elders were appointed in every assembly (Acts 14:21-23; Titus 1:5) and Paul called for the elders (Acts 17:17). What would be thier role in the assembly? And in 1 Tim 3, the qualifications for elders(overseers) and Deacons are these guys then some sort of leaders in the assembly? Then in 1Tim 5:17 it talks about a labourer being worthy of his wages, would some be expecting pay? Just a few thoughts . These lectures should be in book form they were that good.
Thanks, Patrick. 1 Tim 3:2 says that the "overseer" must be "skillful in teaching" (NASB). This role is likely the same as an "elder." See also Titus 1:9 and 1 Tim 5:17, which refers to elders "who work hard at preaching and teaching." Note that the Greek word for "preaching" here is actually "word," not the typical Greek word for proclamation or gospel-preaching. Acts 20:28-30 also indicates that the elders had a teaching role. I don't get the impression that "deacons" were known for their teaching role. Yet, Stephen (Acts 6:5), ostensibly one of the first "deacons," was a profound speaker (Acts 7). Also, 1 Cor 14 seems to allow the freedom of anyone to speak in the assembly. So, I don't think that only the elders did the talking. Concerning pay, yes, it seems likely that some of these teaching leaders were paid. The "double honor" mentioned in 1 Tim 5:17 likely refers to compensation. See also 1 Cor 9. I'm sure that some of these teaching leaders did not want or need payment, but they had the right to request it. Thanks for the comment about putting these lectures in book form. I've been working to find an appropriate publisher ...
@@tomwadsworthPaul Priscilla n Aquila Tentmaking to support themselves while preaching Traveling Setting up groups in towns Once the local church got going, the ppl could continue their normal jobs and simply meet weekly. No tithe “to pay the pAstor n his family” needed.
Is this excellent series of teachings going to be published in book form? It should be... soon! Anyone who has read Rod Dreher's "The Benedict Option" knows that the current church structure will not survive the coming persecutions.
I'm working on it. I might be too picky, but I'm trying to get a major publisher. The publishing world has changed dramatically from 30 years ago. It's very difficult to get published unless you've already got a huge audience. I REALLY appreciate your encouragement.
@@tomwadsworthIt will get a good publisher. God is in this. My heart has been asking these questions for a long time and here you are answering the questions. The assembly church needs a reset. As one mentioned, the current setting cannot survive persecution, we saw what happened during covid. We ended up with ministers running online services and still motivating people to give money to finance their lifestyles, which were at risk.
Thank you for this very informative video. I’ve watched all 7 and will go back and re-watch some of them. I particularly found the session on what is worship very helpful💯👍🏾 24 Sept 2024🇬🇧
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
One good thing about meeting in homes is teachers/ elders/ preachers don’t have to feel pressure to limit the effectiveness of their messages (aka share the gospel) to keep numbers up to keep their salaries or pay the rent.
Every Every Every One speaks Everyone should be ready to share at least 10 min weekly Meetings can go 2 hrs easy if not more We dedicate the day to praising, testifying, edifying, praying, scripture recitation, short lesson perhaps that we re doing weekly (10min maybe), etc. We are there with nowhere else dragging us off. We are there for each other.
Brother thank you for your labours here and for putting this content online. Perhaps because of your gifting, there seems to be an emphasis on individuals speaking in assembly as the key towards "edification," but this can't quite be it. As we know, there are several people Paul said should be silent during assembly. It might be helpful to expand and detail the word edification and what an edified person looks like from your perspective. Most of us grew up thinking we "go to church" as a sacrifice of worship to God. Your work is very helpful explaining the meaning of those words. I think what is missing is an understanding of what we are saved for: "The church doesn't have a mission; the mission has a church." I am not sure we understand our purpose in life, if we did I believe we would understand the need for edification and the importance of love and unity. If we understand our place within the mission of God we realize we need oneanother and we are heartbroken by the ineffectiveness and hurt caused by the dominate church structure and modern Christian subculture :*(
I am 100% in favour of gatherings and assembles, but my experience is that there can be safeguarding issues the wolf can come into the assembled sheeps enclosure someone please talk about safeguarding.
You would be surprised, however, as the people mature they smell out wolves pretty well. After all, the nature of their love and fellowship is sacred to them.
I was a newly saved christian, and sadly, I met a discipleship leader who was wolf. I also saw the cult of personality at work and discovered there was zero accountability structure. I discovered that the Lord was my shepard he protected me from the wolf in sheep clothing. An accountability structure is needed, particularly for those who take the position of leader or elders. What is the structure that protects against abuse. The Lord led me in my time of need to a UK organisation called thityone:eight and it was they who understood and explained why there must be safeguarding framework to prevent all manner of abuse including spiritral abuse.
@@atheist2christ I'm thankful that you found a safe haven. In the New Testament, the other safeguarding measure (besides elders) was the Holy Spirit, which was to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Remember that.
When much younger I was considering training as a priest, then I met Jesus, and from that point on "church" seemed irrelevant. I recently felt uncomfortable in a cathederal service, with bishops, layety, gowns, choral anthems and the full pomp and ceremony. To me it seemed to completely miss the point and I couldn't figure why. Your session 6 explained it all. Big thanks.
I am very fortunate to have come across this study. My understanding of worship was that it means to revere and adore with submission. I do not see that being done in churches today. I have not regularly attended an organized church service in more than 10 years. I have shared 1 Corinthians 14 with a few different pastors and they didn’t want anything to do with that. Galatians 6:6 needs to be shared as well: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” No one in the church systems in America want to be part of a horizontal relationship. I think it frightens them. I think they see that it would lead to them not receiving a paycheck.
Thank you for your support. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
My wife and I have attended a house church for over 15 years. The venue changed and the attendees changed over the years as people moved cities etc. This is the only way to assemble and I can’t go back to a regular church. Anyone who attended one particular home church could expect God to send them. Some overseas some closer to home. My wife & I were sent to travel around our country, Australia, for two years.
This is what I have gathered from being raised and taught in the church of Christ yet the coC goes on with worship services week after week for 200 years. The cofC talks the talk but maintains the preacher model to this day, even though, they should be given a hand for carrying the torch for a cappella praise music which turns out to be most edifying.
I hear you. I also enjoy a cappella music, but I find that different people have very different preferences for types of music. It's noteworthy that, when Paul is hammering away at the importance of edification in the assembly, he cites recognizable instrumental music (of the flute, harp, and trumpet) as a communication method that results in edification to the hearer (1 Cor 14:6-12).
Yes, as a Kairos volunteer I have participated in very edifying musical praise with a hum dinger of a rock band in the prison chapel. There are 3 of us from the coC in the same Kairos chapter and we are endlessly teased about a cappella music by two former cofCers who are “worship” leaders and guitar players. The teasing is all in fun, I accuse them of causing the 3 of us to sin with their rousing musical talents. If not for them I would have not encountered the moving and edifying songs “Miracle Worker” and “Reckless Love” in a “worship” context. (I requested “Miracle Worker” to our song leader and he said he’d look into it, that was a year ago and I’ve not heard back from him.) How we can have both a cappella and instrumental accompaniment without splitting the church in two, I don’t know. People tend to participate more when it’s a cappella and the “service” tends to be more like a concert when there’s a band.
Romans 12: 1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable SERVICE.”
"O Lord my God, I thank You for my dear brother and his inspiring lessons. His passion for the Body of Christ was truly uplifting and empowering." "Thank you for all you do, Doc. Your dedication and love for the Body of Christ are inspiring, and your legacy will continue to impact countless lives." Greetings to your lovey wife and children. Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Denomination: Evangelical.
@@tomwadsworth "I would have liked to meet you". Was it for edifying purposes or vacation? I hope you had a good time in Amsterdam. It was raining bicycles and cheese everywhere. 😃
@@NoJesus.NoLife We were in Amsterdam for a 3-day vacation before we embarked on a 10-day tour of biblical sites in Turkey. We enjoyed your canals, Anne Frank sites, the Rijksmuseum, and yes, the bicycles, cheese, and the stroop waffle and french fries shops.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Prior to Christians accepting these practical ways maturity in the Gospel needs to occur. What do I mean by this maturity? Its how a Christian deals with the feeling of guilt resulting from sin or grieving the spirit. The mature Christian rests on the truth that through Christ and being in Christ, they face no condemnation (they may need correction and re-building but not condemnation). Therefore they do not feel the need to undertake ritual sin-remitting acts (the standard services put on by Churches who practice post 3rd Century Sacrificial Sin Remitting Services to remove guilt from those they have taught to feel guilty and remain immature). Mature Christians, Free in the Gospel, then are ready to seek edification and to give edification as guilt is not present to push them to post 3rd Century sacrifice to placate God or worship to please him into gratitude toward them.
I have watched all seven teachings and share them on my facebook page, but this last video I took notes which will share with others. God Bless you, brother Tom! If A book ever happens, as I said before, I want to be one of the first to buy it.
My thought is that there is a lot of investment in church buildings and facilities. The way forward is for existing church organizations is to become hubs of small groups and providing resources available to support such small groups. One of the churches I attend, Shadow Mountain, which is a megachurch, does actually have a strong emphasis on small groups. I also attend a Mens Training camp night weekly at a different church. The sermon portion is skippable. After 3 years, it is pretty much the same thing over and over, just like on Sundays, except less inspired, less creative. But the small group sessions after the sermon are pretty good. I also think there maybe some value in congress of small groups. That is each small group, monthly, nominates a member to be representative of gathering of small group representatives to discuss any common or problematic issues that each small group is dealing with.
Wow! The Lord is soo good! It’s been on my mind for a long time how the body of Christ assembled in the New Testament. What they did/the Format. The Church you described in the New Testament as small groups edifying one another sounds amazing! Where I work there are a lot of “Christians” that go to church on Sunday, that love professing Jesus the rest of the week, but act contrary to loving their neighbor. I have been guilty of the same things. I send scripture every morning to a lot of them and get a response of -🙏🔥👍Amen, Hallelujah!🙌etc. Then proceed to hear them slander one another, use profanity. Married men and women flirt with one another. Money is the thing worshipped there. I am guilty of all these things in the past, and I still stumble at times, but the Lord has been so merciful to me. I know that I to was just like all of my coworkers before he showed me mercy and I should not get puffed up. I’ve never been good at researching things so when I stumbled upon your series I was elated. It was so good. I have severe A.D.D. And it’s hard for me to stay on point a lot of the time. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all your efforts for the truth. The words- “the Lord knows what you need before you ask him.” have testified to me again today. I’m saving your video series links to share them. Thank you! And Praise the Lord 🙏🔥🙌👍:)
Thankyou sir, I have been seeing this in my spirit in every church I ever went to. Ive been to several of the 45,000+ denominational churches. Each one removed part, most or all of scripture to be altered to their own interpretation of scripture. Which we arent to do. 2 peter 1:19-21 At this point I have been praying to find the true church. Not a "Non denomination" church. Most all of those are infact not what they claim, and "root" their base to a denomination. Galatians 5:19-21 explains well that denominations are not biblical. And 99% of people prefer to argue against scripture in favor of tradition of Man. I simply follow christ and have had to resort to an online church body. To try to bring those who are truly seeking christ instead of tradition.
12:48 and following. It appears the progression from Lords Supper = Sacrifice and Supper Table = Altar stems, in part from Paul's discourse in 1Cor 11 v 16-21 coupled with Mal 1:7 which refers to the altar upon which sacrifices are made as 'the Lord's Table'. I don't personally agree with the amalgamation of these two passages in that way but I am surprised Tom didn't really "go there' in this video series.
Totally different topic, but this popped in my head while listening......My favorite quote that I would love to hear explained, is this. I'm from a Pentecostal "Holiness" Background, I'm free from the legalism now and have meetings in my Sister and Daddy's living room and around the kitchen table while we eat our supper every night, and it's the BEST fellowship!! Anyway.... after we would speak in tongues, or run around the church, etc they would say, "you got a blessing." And yes, I'm thankful for even a goosebump or a tear, but is that really a blessing? I think of it as being an emotion from a grateful heart in complete awe of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I love the Lord so deeply that I'm very emotional (cry alot). So what would the early Church consider a blessing. Maybe you could do a video on that topic..hint hint :0)
It seems that every church tradition has developed its own terminology and language. Let me give you a challenge. Go to biblegateway.com and do a search for the term 'blessing'. You'll probably find less than 90 passages in the entire Bible. Then, read all the passages in an attempt to answer your question, "What constitutes a blessing in the Bible?"
In conclusion to my many comments herein, I find this series invaluable as to the content and thank you for your extensive research in putting this together and sharing it with all who are willing to listen. I've been on this road outside of formal church for near thirty years now and Father has taught me many of these things as I tired of the rote answers from religious leaders that never satisfied me. It's amazing what God will show one of His children when they get serious with Him and won't settle for less than what He has in store for them. Seeing the truth as it actually is can be both exhilarating as well as depressing. All real Christians want to see and know the truth, (we want o know God more) but that comes with a cost few are willing to pay. I seriously hope this tendency will change and that Father will use this detailed series in helping to accomplish this. To close this I'd like to share a quote I once read in a book somewhere to encourage those people that feel as if the modern church has failed them and taken away or suppressed the many gifts Father has given to them. Many of us have always wanted to contribute but were denied for one reason or another or simply treated as a lesser then in these corporate edifices. "When God wants to make an Oak tree it takes a hundred years, when He wants to make a squash it takes six months" We do well to remember that the longer the process and preparation, the finer and more equipped the organism. God is faithful and our labor and service toward others is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58
Tom presents a biblically centred and historically coherent model for all those who wish to break free of what I would call the ‘counterfeit’ Church. what I appreciate there are many faithful brothers and sisters within the church of all denominations today, this video presents a roadmap and model for those who aspire to build something upon the authentic teachings of Jesus and his apostles and his disciples. He empowers the listener in this series to understand what is actually written in the new Testament but our mutual edification.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Many people from "house churches" have replied saying that their experiences in a small group have been fulfilling and meaningful. But I suspect that the modern "worship mindset" has largely affected many of them, too. I, too, would like to hear from people who are a part of "an intentionally horizontally focused gathering."
Great series. I’d be really keen to hear your take on what church governance looks like in this model of assembly. Likewise, if you allow anyone to speak who has something to say, how do you ensure that those speaking aren’t speaking heresy, how do you discern that those speaking are gifted to speak and lastly how do you manage the complementarian element of different roles being performed by men and women? Thanks.
I address some "church governance" issues in Video #4 Why They Didn't Preach Sermons in the Early Church ruclips.net/video/hV8H2fx2Y6U/видео.html. Concerning the problem of speaking heresy ... this has always been a possibility, and the possibility still exists in every church, no matter who is doing the talking. In Acts 18, Apollos's teaching needed to be corrected by Priscilla and Aquila, who took him aside to explain things to him. In 1 Cor 12, Paul acknowledges that some might speak incorrectly. The idea of rebuking in assembly presumes that someone has said or done something wrong (2 Tim 3:16; 4:2; Titus 2:15). 2 Peter 2 and Jude mention people who are speaking incorrect things. In 1 Cor 14, Paul urges everyone to "weigh what is said" (v. 29). Part of the brilliance of the "open forum" approach is that others can quickly offer corrective comments to incorrect things that are said. Concerning the complementarian/egalitarian issue ... I would simply respect whatever the local church tradition maintains. I recognize the import of 1 Cor 14:34-35 and 1 Tim 2:10-15, but I also recognize that sincere Christians have come to differing views on that topic. In all cases, we must strive for unity and compassion with one another.
Along the lines of changing our terminology, we need to change "going to church" to "going to the assembly". We are the church. The Church is not a place we go to.
Or maybe just “assembly” or “assemble” as some people, would be hosting the meeting in their home and not need to go anywhere. I like the term ecclesia as it implies a political assembly. This is exactly what local assembly is -local politics with eternal ripples.
@@MilwaukeeWoman and yet so many people misunderstand the meaning and associate the word church with the building. Yes, it's partially semantics, but so many people are misled or self-deceived into thinking that "going to church as a place" is a pillar of being a Christian. While it's obvious to you and me, it's not clear to everyone.
I’ve been going to Pentecostal churches for 38 years and 8 months ago we left s church we been to for 22 years of those years. We had a pastor who was there only 3 years. He was a narcissist controlling pastor. He was against working on Sundays and my husband worked 2 Sundays out of the month. We both worked the sound/video booth. Pastor gave husband a ultimatum to change his hours, days off or get new job to be at every Sunday service. 😮Pastor gave him 3 more months to do so. We gave pastor one month notice that we’re stepping down and we eventually left the church. He mailed us a letter 5 months later saying he took us off membership roll even though we didn’t ask to be taken off it. That was a knife to our heart especially when we put our money, heart, time in that church for 22 years. He would say at end of every service “This pastor loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it”. 😮 Sure don’t seem very loving to me. I just about don’t care to join another church. It might as well be a social club where you pay fees (tithes).
Thank you for these teaching sessions. They are very encouraging. What I would have liked even more is that the q&a sessions have been recorded and available. Thanks once again
@@kelvinwilsonpoet3200 I hear you. I'm working on a new video (or series of videos) that are entirely Q&A sessions. I will take the best concise questions asked in about 5,000 RUclips comments and emails, and offer my best concise responses. Stay tuned.
I’m so sorry that happened. Sounds like that new “pastor” does have a controlling narcissistic attitude. May the Lord direct you to His true servants, and fellow believers.
Yes we left one too. I went against their silly doctrine( extra biblical) said not everyone speaks in tongues or will . We were asked to leave taken off prayer lists and told I could have membership back after 6 months if I would recordable tithe. It's all about money control and false doctrine. A club as you say
Tom, fantastic stuff. Its good to hear this all again, but im actually from the otherside: So i come from a background where I was given real access to Christ through a more dynamic on-the-ground model like this, but it was even far less formalized. The issue over time though (like a decade actually) became a bit like "well...what now?" We weren't growing clearly, and it frequently felt like we were an island. Eventually, in the desire to reach out to a broader christian fellowship, I started attending a conservative Anglican church. I have found the rector there welcoming and wise, and the community to be vibrant and full of younger folks who desire to take their faith seriously and live it out. There is also plenty of older folks who seem like they attend because they always have. But over all Im really glad I started spending my sundays there. But I do still take my issue: The issue as far as I can see it is that on some level, the clergy at that church is already convinced they are doing everything youre suggesting. They think of evangelism as mainly getting people to come to *that* church. That priests themselves think of themselves as the elders and leader with re: to faith, and to a certain degree I can see why--the head rector is a very intelligent man and father of like 4 and seems to understand love quite well. But, at some point, three dudes in collars cant actually properly minister to 350 people! So im in an interesting place, *rediscovering* conventional church, but also seeing how we need to modify and supplement with the other half -- the priesthood of all believers. Can you speak to that at all?
I think the key issue is Edification. In other words, is your assembly experience helping you grow and develop into a more mature Christian? You'll need to answer that for yourself. I find that edification best takes place when you can speak up, ask questions, and offer your own thoughts.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I think that this is what Christians should be talking about rather than endless speculation about the end times, this is what is most relevant to people in this messed up world. Fellowship and relationship in Christ in a homely environment where we can practice one anotherness!
Much of what is taught in church these days is just a diversion. "Look squirrel!" But the problem is, we expect "preachers" to put on a show for us at least 52 times a year. And preachers just don't know enough to be able to do that. And on top of that each Sunday, they must do so for at least 40 minutes. So what we get is basically 30 minutes of them telling us the latest story about their new puppy and 5-10 minutes of actual gospel message.
It is both a "preacher" problem and a "congregational" problem. And the result is some strange religion that nobody understands and becomes a huge stumbling block to the sinner. (not because of the gospel but because it is the strangest thing in the world.)
@@kevinerose Yes, it is like they have all come off the conveyor belt from the how to do church factory and there is no resemblance in my opinion to what I see in the early church, I use the word "church" but I hate the word "church", it does not describe who we are or who we should be along with many other misleading words that deliberately misdirect the believer.
@@ShoshiPlatypus Thank you, the Lord bless you too!
Do you mind telling me ...What state are you from, and To what denomination are you most accustomed?
I agree. This series was a bucket of clean water.
We have been doing Home Gatherings for over a year now. We worship, pray , Bible study, discuss and have meals and communion each time. We also meet corporately once a month with other Home Gatherings. We have outreach gatherings where we invite unsaved people, with testimony given, meals shared. We have evangelistic Bible Studies for those who want to know more about Christ. We have discipleship studies for new Christians. Everyone is growing spiritually and loving relationships are built. It's the way Jesus intended. No more spectators, everyone participates and ministers to one another.
Love it! In what state or country is this happening?
You worship? 😅
where are you located?
@@AudreyZIB There’s nothing wrong with worshiping God in an assembly. But calling it a “Worship service” is what he was getting at.
Also, I do believe the speaker is unintentionally using one or two verses (1 Cor. 14) to create a false dichotomy of the early church only being horizontally focused. Being vertically focused is not mutually exclusive to being horizontally focused. I would even argue that Scripture portrays both being achieved simultaneously.
@@jesusisrisen1202 no one is saying there's anything wrong with 'worshipping' God in an assembly - according to our modern day concept of worship. But you will be aware that the words translated as 'worship' in Scripture actually mean prostrating oneself or offering an animal sacrifice, etc.. which I doubt is what you are referring to.
I highly appreciate this series. I am a Southern Baptist Pastor who has come to the reality of these things , when this happens you choose one of two things . Suppress the information and roll on, or do your part to become more biblical, I choose to do the 2nd.Option. Tom this is a large scale machine your shaking , takes courage to do so . Thanks and I look forward to getting your book. I do believe there were those hidden in history that followed some of these teachings, Waldensians, Huguenots etc. Thanks Again
I believe you, right? It's coming against the big machine.
This is what i do know. In the home group, we all grow in the Lord.
Going to the big building we go and sing a few songs and hear the preacher preach a sermon, and before we get out the door, most can not tell anyone what was preached.
Really, most people have not grown in Christ.
I really don't mean anything bad here.
Look, my wife, do not go to any church. But we spend many hours a day studying the bible. 7 days a week. We do a home church study.
Please don't take this in a negative way.
@ amen
The early Quakers practiced many of these principles.
@@lenmaselli3589 I will check into that
@@lenmaselli3589it’s all there. The religious system called Christianity has been given over by God long ago. I too am writing a book . Gods calling how’s listening
YES! In big groups, your turn will rarely come, in small groups, your turn are guaranteed.
Agreed. In small (house-sized) groups, a lot of the problems and issues outlined here would not exist.
In the UK in the 1980's a lot of house churches sprang up, including one I was part of. However it was not long before they started to group together and before long buildings were purchased and even new "denominations" formed. How did they resist that temptation in the first three centuries? Maybe persecution helped? Also the fact they everyone had to walk everywhere must have been a factor.
Thank you so very much for these videos. This is what I've been yearning for, for many years. The warmth, the connection and the discussion of scripture in a home setting. This series of presentations has blown me away. Just fantastic!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I’ve always thought “something is wrong here” with the local church and often vacillated to think something must be wrong with me and my lackluster walk with the Lord. This series was eye opening, especially the part about consumer vs. producer Christianity. We all can be contributors and producers if only the right internal structures were in place and leadership emphasized love, service, and mutual edification. Thank you for these lectures. I’d like to hear more of your insights. 👍🏻
After 28 years of negotiating "church," this series has really been good for my sanity and clarity of thinking about what I should be doing as a disciple of Christ.
Picture the Pastor-run gathering: a well-oiled production, where you show up, sit quietly, and listen to one man talk for an hour while you nod along. It's like a performance-everyone's in their seats, the lights are dimmed just right, and the stage is set. You get some music, maybe a few prayers, but all the action happens up front. No spontaneity, no participation, just passive consumption.
The Holy Spirit? Put on standby until next week's show. Want to speak or share? Not unless you're invited. It's a one-man show dressed up as "church," where the crowd is there to watch "worship, not "live" it. It's less about building community and edifying one another and more about clocking in for your weekly religious duty. Pastor runs the show, the people follow, and we call it "church" - but where's the life, the body, the Spirit-led gathering of the New Testament?
What are you going to do? Find a house church or just stop going? Because if you just stop going to any gathering of Christians then this video was bad for you.
I established a house church where we practiced this precess.
AMEN!
@MilwaukeeWoman Stop going to a fake gathering cannot be bad for you. See A W Pink on reading the Bible alone.
Your messages in this video series have reshaped my view in this way: before, I thought that some selfish wrongness (sin) in me was preventing me from enjoying and participating in church services in the way that has been expected. Busy-ness during the week (I'm rich in God but not financially), and exhaustion on Sundays, were obviously poor excuses if church was a biblical injunction. I have been told that I'm not going there for myself, I'm there to serve others (but while I cheerfully helped to stack chairs, I have NEVER been able to cook meals for people, and dread the 'bring a plate'... I drooled at the mentions of some of your wife's food here, especially the cappuccino thingies. Yum!). I've been told not to give up assembling together; the words a rebuke for not coming regularly enough. Frankly, it is HARD to have such burden added on to the mere struggle to survive each day. (Especially when others arrive, maybe with several children, in well-kept cars, dressed nicely, with good food. I haven't been able to afford to have children with my husband yet, and this kind of hurts. I avoid thinking these thoughts usually.)
I (prayerfully) dropped the guilt-attendance of 'church' during covid and continued in a womens bible study group, where I experienced the fellowship and shared learning and edification that you've spoken about. When that group was recently dissolved, I sought out (and found) similar fellowship online. When I run into a churchgoing acquaintance, they ask the concerned and probing questions about where I'm attending, that it doesn't have to be their church, but I must be going somewhere, I must get back to it - I think it's because then the responsibility isn't on them to make sure I don't fall away? I'm not really sure what they're worried about. Maybe that I'm sinning by disobeying Hebrews. Maybe that my theology is at risk if I'm not going to a reputable church. Maybe that I'm selfishly hoarding my service away from church.
The responsibility never was on them. God has kept me. My theology is less at risk than some because it's coming from the source and I'm motivated to keep learning. the last point, though, is heaviest - the lack of serving others. I do want to go back to church eventually, to be able to encourage the beloved members of the body, and be encouraged myself. I'm generally a quiet person though and my 'service' is also quiet, and this can bring a sense of shame when others do more visible work. I KNOW that's not biblical, but it's a bit of a thing.
So, before seeing these videos I have kept asking God to correct me if I'm wrong (lazy or rebellious) for not attending right now, or if I'm being sinfully critical of the way church happens, or relying on my own wisdom. I have felt more freedom and forgiveness lately than ever, but want to be careful not to rely on feeling.
These videos are another step in my journey, and incredibly comforting - and INSPIRING and motivating. God bless the Church. God bless all the members of the body as we try, so hard, to love one another in the best ways. God guide us and teach us and build our fellowship on solid ground.
I will be altering my use of words like 'sermon', 'worship', and 'service' in reference to church assembly. Language has power, small rocks can start landslides, and small seeds can move mountains.
Apologies for such a long comment!!
You'd be surprised at how many people have heard these (video) messages but still don't understand. But it's clear to me that you understand. Kudos to you. As an option to posting these public messages, feel free to send me an email, and we can continue the discussion.
Do you mind telling me ...What state are you from, and To what denomination are you most accustomed?
@@tomwadsworthasking about which state or church background. I’m in iowa. I grew up lutheran with a liturgical “service”, never thinking until today that it was a works righteousness type of inference! Martin Luther would protest that word! Thank you for that! I love Martin Luther for his love of Galatians and his word alone faith alone grace alone theme! I am currently protesting on his behalf. If he were alive he would not like that the Vatican chooses the Bible verses for the year, which Lutherans also use. Imagine that! The pericope has 33 1/3 verses chosen from the old covenant which forces the “spectators” to give equal “worship” to the old covenant. I’m 71 and have experienced a living room church. The opening prayer was always to ask the holy spiritual to guide the gathering. Lutherans tend to be guided by Rome these days so I am protesting the incongruity and Idiocracy of that! Also at my brothers funeral in the Methodist church not one prayer was in the name of Jesus. I called their state headquarters and protested that as well. Uffda as we say. Also 1Thessalonians was written first then Galatians ( the Galatians and Ephesians are in Türkiye) and so I am promoting those two books as guideposts of importance to guide us through these crazy days. If they were written first, I think their messages are top priority! 1Thessalonians says edify one another too! Thanks for thinking!! I love it!!
* Holy Spirit! Sorry for the autocorrect
I have binged watched all of the series in the last 24 hours and have shared the link with several people
same lol
@@JacquelineHahn1 Me too. This is the greatest teaching of my life.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
40:00 - 42:00 I love your comment about churches "stifling growth." I am convinced this is one part of discipleship that is sorely lacking today.
41:00 and 1:00:00 amen. Here in 🇯🇵 it works likewise. My friend’s church’s pastor suddenly retired and instead of hiring a new pastor, because they lacked money, they did a house church+meal+multiple people giving 5 minute testimonies. Some people complained at first but they’ve never been more edifying and close together as they are now.
Sounds wonderful.
You are in Japan? Which Part?
Mr. Wadsworth, you are right on target! I ran across your series after for the last seven months getting together with what is left of my family after organized "Religion" blew us apart and we agreed to meeting once a month with the rules "We will love each other no matter what" and "We will not gossip, slander nor rumor monger". Because I am a Christian, I asked if we could read from the scriptures a little. They loved me and agreed. I chose the "Living" Bible, bought everybody a copy. The first time we read aloud (even the non believers) the first eighteen chapters of Acts. I couldn't get them to stop. Every time we meet it is wonderful and now to watch your series I understand WHY?
Thanks for sharing your story. Can I ask ... In what state/country do you live? With what denomination do you most closely identify?
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I just saw your reply. I live in Mississippi. I am Presbyterian because they stress study of the scriptures and questioning. I am trying to get over my fear of assembling in what I call a box. My pastor came to visit the other day and sort of got tickled with me. I told him, "Can you imagine how stupid these men were trying to "micromanage" a God?" Along with how much damage they did?" He responded, "Yea, it's like they were saying the Holy Spirit was falling down on the job? That is what blows me away!"
If we are all saints, then we need to take another look at Rev12:17, and 14:12. Those verses define saints. It has changed my life.
I have binged watched and shared the whole series over the course of a couple of days. I found this so refreshing and explains so much of the divisions in the modern church and the differences in all the denominations.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I really enjoyed this series. Thank you.
Excellent! THANKS TOM!
The two models, one is man made institutional, the other is the family of God, the living body, with Christ as the head.
I have tried the house model church for years and it works beatifully. We are in Pasadena California if you want to join us.
Appreciate your presentations which really echos my thoughts for the last several years. I'm now retired from full time ministry and hospice chaplaincy. Even though I was a full time pulpit minister for almost 25 years, I had an epiphany about ten years ago that totally revamped my thoughts on the assembled. It began with 1 Corinthians 14:26. Then I thought of Paul's instruction to Titus to "appoint elders in every town as I directed you" (Titus 1:5). It wasn't every meeting place of the assembled, but in "every town." The early assembled in some of the large towns was composed of several home assemblies. And in 1 Corinthians 14:26, I think he was telling each believer to come with the intent of sharing something, whether it be a hymn, a teaching or even a spiritual reflection. And in this setting, what is commonly labeled, "The Lord's Supper," is much easier to achieve in a home setting. This even adds the advantage of directed offerings to the needy saints in that fellowship or missionary activity. The offerings in the New Testament were, for the most part, benevolent in nature, aside from supporting the apostles or traveling missionaries from time to time. Whereas, in most churches today, only about 2 percent of offerings are to aid the needy saints. In New Testament times, the majority of most offerings were to help the needy saints. There is something so special when you know the person that is being helped. Just like in 1 Corinthians 16 where Paul tells the church to "lay aside," or "save" each week for the needy saints in Jerusalem. It would prove to be a one time offering. Sometimes people fear home fellowships thinking that great error can be propagated in such settings, but one needs to remember that the greatest false teachings have come from large churches and fellowships throughout time. Error can come in all sorts of ways.
I felt that you were holding back from time to time, being careful not to rock the boat too much for those who are more traditionally bound in present-day meeting practices. I certainly understand and appreciate that sensitivity. It's difficult to break away from traditions that have been established for so many centuries.
I appreciate all your thoughts ... especially on 1 Cor 14:26 and 1 Cor 16. Concerning "in every town" (κατὰ πόλιν πρεσβυτέρους) in Tit 1:5, note that Paul established elders "in every church" (κατʼ ἐκκλησίαν πρεσβυτέρους) in Acts 14:23.
And you're right. I was "holding back from time to time." My audience contained people from many different church cultures from Catholic to Protestant to Pentecostal. My goal was to identify first-century practices. It's up to the hearer to take it from there.
@@tomwadsworth thanks so much. At one time I preached full time for the church of Christ. Since that time, I’ve been studying the Bible afresh. It’s been exciting and scary at the same time.
@@martin9410 Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you so much, I learned a whole lot and frankly have been feeling what you have been sharing, for a long time now. As a single person ( and later single mom ) the church was a VERY lonely place for me. I so wish we could truly emulate the 1st Century model. Although we have small groups, it's still the same, one leader, a set teaching (recommended by the Pastorate) and small group members will cancel a meeting at the drop of a hat ( bad weather, difficult night, tiring day, committment to children (which I understand) and so committment is not really a priority and therefore love not authentic or honest. I ache in my heart, because I long for true fellowship and family connections; but instead we emulate the world. Churches are run like well organised businesses and people don't meet in family homes any more, (perhaps out of secrity fears, exclusiveness, inconvenience etc ) and especially since the Pandemic, there is decreasing connection and indifference.
I feel your pain in so many ways. I had to leave the lonely “church” to save my faith. My heart truly goes out to those dying on the inside but continuing on with a sense of duty.
We have spiritually obese pastors and spiritually starving sheep.
@@margret-annchinn7807 I definitely share the feeling as a kid who grew up abused and in the foster care system but managed to stay in the same church .. going to church was one of the loneliest, isolating places to be. And I was at most youth events as a teen.. even more so as a young adult. I still feel a ton of pain thinking about it. Why didn’t the teachers notice or do anything? Why did their children who were in my class all my life never try to say hi or be my friend? I went to be close to God but was never discipled at home.. maybe at church I participated and listened but no fellowship. Sunday school wasn’t enough. I had no relationships.
@@chamuuemura5314Good analogy
@@PlagueNurseOpalI'm sorry to hear of the lonely experience you had in the church as a kid. This has to change in how we do church. Praying that God will minister Christ's love to you through meaningful connections.
I, too, felt lonely in the church. Being unequally yoked made me "different " and sadly institutional church doesn't handle different well. Of my three children, one is a mainline Christian, one agnostic, and one attends a Catholic church because of a promise to his late wife. I wonder how much the institution affected them.
Edification and everyone sharing their gifts and insights requires us to be in small communities so we can listen interact, ask questions, and share our thoughts or songs.
Best thing I have seen on what the church assembly should look like. Biblically sound. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Spot on for multiple speakers and shorter messages. I've listened to sermons over 50 years, and most were totally forgettable, and few very helpful. I had one pastor that had a long track record of terrible sermons. After about 71 of them, I was so glad to finally leave. The other Elders (unpaid) gave better messages.
My Friday night prayer group gets clips of the best messages and testimonies to uplift us. They are 5 to 15 minutes long, sometimes 45 minutes. There is NO one person or resource that dominates ALL meetings, although some resources are more represented than others. We also criticize and occasionally lambast if someone brings to the table something that another finds objectionable! This was the best "assembly" I've been a part of. Now I understand why, it was the way God taught us in the New Testament model!
I agree 100%!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Thank you, I really enjoyed this series. Thanks for doing all the research for us.
Enjoyed this so much! Thank you
Do you mind telling me ...What state are you from, and To what denomination are you most accustomed?
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Love this part around 41:35...let them start...it may 1st start with a prayer or some other form of serving before they get to being able speak or share but let's encourage us all to partake in the Word
A pastor-led gathering often centers around a single leader directing the service, with sermons and structured activities, leaving little room for spontaneous movement of the Holy Spirit or contributions from others. This hierarchical model can reflect and support a broader system of control, including government-endorsed political violence, as it mirrors a top-down authority structure.
In contrast, a Spirit-led gathering emphasizes openness, participation, and communal edification, where the Holy Spirit guides the direction of the meeting. This approach encourages freedom, peace, and mutual support, aligning less with institutional control or violence, and more with the values of the early Church-focused on love, encouragement, and non-violence, avoiding alignment with systems that endorse force or coercion.Thank you so much for this excellent teaching.
Adding to it, a pastor can never be wrong.
I totally agree been going on and off to our family church sitting quietly in the church pew listening to repeated monologues. I learnt more about my faith online and RUclips than at church for goodness sake
Never go to church. That's for church goers. The Church can't go to church.
That speaks volumes!
I have a hard time paying attention to the sermons anymore. I learn so much more on my own study, and with youtube pastors. The only benefit to the physical church is fellowship, and there isnt't any there. I have made a couple of acquaintances over the last 3 years but no real friends. The only benefit to my church is when I'm dying someone will pray for me.
@@kennygee2715 John 11:25-26
Edification. Knowledge puffs up love builds up.
It was a blessing watching this entire series and the summary video. Much of what you've said resonated with me because some of these same thoughts have been in my heart. I do believe the Lord Jesus idls leading people back to basics....the Scripture.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
@tomwadsworth OK sir. Thank you
This series is great food for thought. Many of these things resonate with what's been on my mind since I have become truly submitted to God. I have been attending what I call church, it's actually a weekly Bible study which incorporates some music as well as prayer. We sit around tables arranged in a rectangle. One person leads the study but everyone can and has participated. Lots of discussion about Bible passages, from kids as young as 8 or 9, up to adults as old as 70+. I haven't really noticed it being difficult to get people to speak.
I thank you immensely. I binge watched all the seven episodes. We have a prayer meeting this Friday. I have already organized to have 3 speakers 😊. Thank you. Hebrews chap 12 & 13 speak of this clearly
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Fascinating! This series is so enlightening and answers some of my questions about, " why do we do this in church", and "why does it feel wrong at times". My wife and I are talking about what we can do to make a change in our community. Thanks!!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Good work. If Christians simply knew the same origins of the word, “church”, and many other Bible words, including, “worship”, they would be free to exit the holding pen Satan so elegantly used them to build for him over the past 1700 years. Now there isn’t time to do anything but get back in homes where we’ve always belonged…but with a heart like those first believers which grows in all the ways the Lord outlined for us…so we can prepare to meet Him faithfully in the planned chaos, confusion & deconstruction of the Great Reset.
Going to church is impossible for the Church
What all of this is really pointing to is to simply go back to the house church format. Answer to question? at 36:00 - Keep groups smaller, 12-20 people (# that would fit into a living room). We've been doing house church for 4 years now and can attest that everything Tom suggests here is doable and wonderful in the house church setting. The one point he doesn't stress is that a main point needs to be multiplication from the beginning. New house churches need to be constantly spun off. This is how growth happens and the lost are reached. If not the intimate small group will grow, stifle and plateau when you end up squeezing uncomfortably into the biggest living room in your group.
Amen to all the 7 sessions. I have listened to all of them. I've been disillusioned by the structured churches for decades. Been on my own for a few years now, doing house church with my immediate family and doing online Bible discussions with friends. Anyone who knows of people willing to do house church in Bangkok, Thailand, please connect me. Many thanks.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Very good series, thank you for this. It occurs to me that once you see it, you can't unsee it and have to do something about it. The institution likes the current format because it is easier to control. They will fight against anything different and we need to be ready to accept that form of persecution, even from those we love. Perhaps this model is preparation for that time when the church will have to go underground again? Early adopters could pay a heavy, but merely earthly, price. Thanks again for the clear vision from scripture.
When I was a child my parents were church jumping until they stopped completely going to church and we did Sunday service as a family at home. At a certain age me and my siblings were sent to the local protestant church for the confirmation classes. I rarely attended Sunday service there. Instead I attended their bible class/small group for youths. Until the end of corona where that dissolved.
Ever since then I tried to find a church and never really got access to any one of them. What I also did was attending various Christian gatherings where some of them are pretty similar to your the house church model you propose. To me that meeting new Christians and the conversation style meetings are much more natural and helpful than Sunday service.
In my experience the biggest disadvantage is that in a larger church where you attend regularly you can more easily build up a solid social network. Of course as a young adult who is still in his education, my church experience and social circle are automatically more turbulent compared to the one of someone who is having a family. And it doesn't really help that I don't really know yet what I want from the church I attend. But I still notice that other people who go to a Sunday service regularly have a more easy time meeting certain people regularly while for me it is a constant effort where I cannot maintain many of my social connections.
I don't intend to say that my problems are common for house churches. But I could imagine that house church networks are more likely to have that problem than if you attend a traditional church where your role as a part of the community is already given.
A really good Bible teacher knows how to motivate people to get involved in the conversation. Everybody wants to share regardless of how intimidated they might initially be- asking questions is a great way to start.
This episode was a very interesting presentation of true cell church operation. I hope this catches on soon. I have a feeling we will need it. The only thing you didn't cover is how to keep the groups from becoming overwhelmingly large--which may have been a contributing factor in the reversion to temple worship. It does work very well in China, Hong Kong, Korea, and other places. But, (personal opinion here) the American/Western Christians have no reference for it, and are therefore scared of it. They don't want to leave their comfort zone. So, as you noted, they leave the church instead.
Not sure if you still check your comment section. This popped up in my YT feed the other day. Loved it all. So, thank you for all of this.
Excellent comments!
I home churched in Germany in 1973. We had the closest thing to 1 cor.14:26 we could have. The Lord would give short songs by His spirit. We prayed for the Berlin wall to fall for the 9 or 10 months I lived there. I have longed for this type service for 50 years!
Great to know what "worship" really means. I've been a believer over 50 years and was still confused by the word. Now I know how to use it, thanks!!
Good idea allowing others to share and built up. Only one problem we have to make sure they are root in the word and teaching according to scriptures. But at the same time must give them time to exercise the gift or talent to develop there skill if thats the direction the Lord is leading them and have a desire to teach. In the book of Act were Paul says, select faithful Men for the ministry so we can continue to reach and teach others the word. Its a big responsibility and accountability to bring forth the Grace of God to believers and the unsafe. GOD Bless enjoy your teaching!
I said this same thing for the last 25 years!! ... the chances, tho, of changing an existing assembly is practically nil ... maybe the best way is to begin a new work with no building, no salaries, no programs, no 501c3, no offerings other than for "orphans and widows" ie actual needs, no "business meetings", I could go on and on, but it's really about what the church in Acts did after Pentecost.... just living life together united by Christ.... it's probably a dream to think that. I hold out hope that there are other people who want that, maybe someday....😢
I can agree with every statement you made!
I would add a caution that it's not necessary to outright condemn buildings, salaries, programs, etc. You didn't condemn them, but many have resorted to outright condemnation of those man-made, traditional aspects of the modern church.
@tomwadsworth I'm about a half step away from condemning those things, ha .... first, they are all earthly things, God's Kingdom is spiritual, ie love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, etc. Second, the church is not a business! But, this is the way they are run... senior pastors, executive pastors, associate to the executive pastor pastor... organizational charts, quotas, budgets, marketing plans, advertising, fundraising, etc. All that is nonsense!! I just dont see any of that in the Bible... third, the appearance of evil. Many non Christians think the church is just after your money. I've heard this with my own ears from non Christians many times. Fourth, I believe most pastors, and especially with larger churches, are just out of touch with their congregations. They don't have a clue who has walked in their door or what serious problems people are going thru. As long as the "presentation" goes as planned, they are happy.... that may sound judgemental but I know this first hand, it is fact. Get one group in, do your stuff, get em out and bring the next group in! Assembly line preaching! Sheeesh... There are many other reasons to condemn what's going on in our churches today but I'll end with this.... attendance in churches are in decline. Why? Just because of what you said.... the "one anothers!" That's gold!! I tried to explain this concept to some other elders at a church I was at about 28 years ago.... I kid you not, I was chastised for bringing this concept up. ... (and that's when my eyes began to open) ... that's why people are leaving the church.... they are not getting the one another's that they so desperately need!! People will go to church today to be entertained but at some point they will get tired of that, too....because they still aren't getting the one another's and they will leave the church and never come back. Just like what happened in England. What's going on in churches today is very very dangerous and it needs to stop, asap, that's why I'm a half step away.... I am glad, tho, that there may be others out there, such as yourself, who are starting to realize change is needed.... I only hope it's not too late. ... thanks for the series! I listened to all 7.... I hope whatever you are doing these days that God blesses you richly!!
@@stevegold7307 Great comments! I think one of the key advantages to my research is that I offer some hard biblical research that points the way to a better (and biblical) approach to the assembly.
There’s no reforming
There’s only coming out from along her…
Start a home church if u can’t find one
There is nothing u are leaving behind when u start meeting as was intended
Tom Wadsworth,
Thank you for this series.
Watched the 7-in-1 video first and just finished going through the individual videos.
I have been with the Lord for about 15 years now, and from the start I knew I joined a family not a country club, but I have not seen that family in the institutional church traditions that have been built over the past 1700ish years.
I feel impressed upon that it has been long enough and the Church is longing to "return to the love you had at first".
We have attempted for centuries to find Jesus by re-creating the temple of Jerusalem,
But Jesus has been "outside of the camp" all this time.
I think it's time we joined Him.
"We have attempted for centuries to find Jesus by re-creating the temple of Jerusalem, but Jesus has been 'outside of the camp' all this time." YES!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Tom, I’m loving all of this straight teaching, reminds me of a previous pastor who was always bringing Hebrew, Greek and original context etc, into his teaching ❤. I love how you can biblically go deep and explain the scriptural support for what always felt wrong about various churches, and why some things seemed so RIGHT!
I wanted to share with you ways in which our church has approached living more scripturally, though I don’t know how much was thought-out in the way you have done!
We’ve been involved in a ministry with Spanish-speakers (hubs is from Mexico) for many years now. We meet at the church building weekly, and are technically members of the church with a Spanish -speaking theology professor as the instructor paid by the church. We meet in some of the “Sunday School” rooms that have been designed with flexibility in mind. But our church changed the language for these groups to “Adult Communities” and there is an evolving roster of topical focus (foci?!) for them. Our current room has round tables throughout, and periodically we do a potluck here after we meet, and there are s couple of long, sturdy, built-in surfaces that are really useful. Because we have song time and teaching time, and because we tend to linger afterwards to catch up and minister to one another, I feel no need to go to the “worship service” 😂. What excites many new folks us that there is always a time of discussion (unheard of in the Catholic tradition they were familiar with). Connecting with different ones outside of Sundays is a big source of joy because it feels more like BEing the church. When we can have all 40-50 of us for a special gathering in a home - cramped to be sure! - it is so wonderful!
I’m looking forward to suggesting adding the REAL bread+wine/juice to our next meal gathering.
Would love your take on how church “programs” fit into the scheme of things. I see that there are serious contradictions when it comes to things like children’s ministries, youth ministries, (attracting people looking for s babysitting service or feeling like they aren’t truly responsible for teaching their kids about Jesus and the Bible), but I also see the immediate benefits of things like outreach programs like car-care ministries for single moms, or creating opportunities for seniors to gather and focus on/support one another with common issues of aging.
I can see (and I hope you also see) that our Bible church home of a quarter century has some of these things “right” - as well as still doing things based on man’s traditions - I’m loving that there’s more biblical proof than I dreamed of to support the biblical model that looks more like house church 🤗.
You have occasionally asked about commenters’ church background:
I also love that my faith journey so much that I share here now without an official invitation 😂. It has led me through the Baptist church in Texas (pastored by Russell Dilday who baptized me) and later to a church for pastored by Ralph Neighbor who was involved in getting us into the house church model though I was too young to fully benefit, and moved to go to college), followed by very different experiences with Baptist church in KY, (short-lived), Episcopal church in KY (also short-lived), settling into an Assemby of God church with wonderful Bible teaching in classes that felt like communities, and excellent teaching at the main “service.” Life brought me back to Texas and a job at a Christian bookstore where I was encouraged to take books home to read (🎉❤) which introduced me to an incredible 3-year adventure into a wide array of ideas and denominations, and attending a charismatic Episcopal church known for “households” of believers living communally (it was winding down then), moved across town to continue college and work, married a former Catholic who wanted to stay “comfy” so our next move brought us into another liturgical church (Lutheran), and 8 glorious years of Bible Study Fellowship and extra visits to other churches to compensate for the utter lack of meaningful Bible study in this liberal ELCA version of Lutheran - until even hubs caught on that was time to move on. 😮
What an education to look back on the clues that led both the Episcopal and the ELCA churches we went to into division and decline in one instance, and full-on embrace of unbiblical beliefs and agendas of the other! And how grateful I am that God somehow protected me to see His Word+Love as the defining plumb line for everything I encountered. One church was actually trying to teach that the Bible wasn’t the Word of God, certain biblical events weren’t accurate, etc.
I am enjoying this series, though I confess to skipping to the end for the summary today!
Thank you for posting your work and presentation it was extremely helpful ;)
I was so hungry...it took me (I think) two days to get all the 7 lectures in. But now I'm going for another round; now with in dept study. I wish I had the slides, Doc. But I can understand that's not something a prof shares. Already downloaded your articles and that's helpful. Thanks again. Be bless there friend.
I don't know how long ago these videos were made but I love them, and the concept which some of the churches I have been to do what they call small groups which are much like what is discuss here.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
What a fantastic video series. Thank you for sharing what you've learned! I grew up in a home church and would love to talk to you about it.
Thank you Mr Wadsworth. Greetings from South Africa
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Practicing how to be a Christian! That sums it up :)
Thanks for noticing that point.
I was recently in the Mainz Cathedral, so that was fun to see. But you’re right, not great for edification of each other.
I was there in 2022!
@ Wonderful! My daughter lives in Frankfurt, so I got to visit her. She’ll be moving back to Paris soon.
I do like the parameters for home church. That sounds wonderful. Our home group does similar things, and it is something to look forward to.
@@AZmom60 FWIW ... I'm working on a book on the topic of my videos. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Excellent presentation. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
The entire series has been a breath of fresh air. I appreciate the scholarship, especially considering the volume of youtube videos by preachers who have little understanding of the principles of biblical interpretation. Way to go!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
If we would like to see what should happen in the church today, then have a look at the purpose of the Synagogue in the second Temple period. This is where Jesus would teach, read the Torah and heal the sick. They looked after the spiritual and physical needs of the people.
I've listened to all seven podcasts in the series and have been really contemplating these ideas in the context of my church. I feel like a lot of the encouragement and building up and participation and discovering and sharing of one's gifts occurs before and after our main Sunday meetings and also during small group meetings during the week, which are often thematic (e.g. - older marrieds, singles, bible studies, community service oriented, new believers, etc.). The most significant difference I see is the music portion of our meetings - in that regard, it does feel very performance oriented, which may be ironic for me to say because I recently began playing piano during our meetings. I have always felt uncomfortable with the applause after the songs, because while the song leader may say, "let's give Jesus some praise", it feels like the people are applauding our performance. I don't know people's hearts, but I'm sure it's a mixture of motivations.
Speaking from the perspective of the congregation, if the band members have practiced to stay in key and on-beat that is worth praising Jesus. It's really hard to enjoy worship when the band sounds like they haven't practiced. Not everyone is blessed with the talent to play an instrument or sing so it is a blessing to the rest of the body.
@@katyasehryn8810good point!
Thanks ! This waa enlightening! I used to think how this was done by 1st century church. Looking to spread and encourage this point in church.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
People giving a shirt testimony is one of the ways it edifies the body. Telling what God has been doing in their lives edifies and encourages each other.
So true and yet most "church services" don't do this.
I love this. Am about to forward it to a young architect friend who works at a Christian-owned firms that primarily design and build Churches, schools and libraries.
I'd love to see how an architect would build an "edification room" or a complete building that prioritizes edification in all its gatherings.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
@@tomwadsworth - thank you! I have signed up to hear all about it when it happens! 😁
I have watched the whole series from beginning to end, and it was great. It confirms pretty much everything I have understood for nearly 40 years, and added to my knowledge in the process. Thank you so much. This is a message for our times. One commenter said we should be talking about this instead of "endless speculation about the end times" but I disagree with this - we ARE in the End Times, and living in the age of the church of Laodicea where apostasy is rampant, and the denominational churches are in meltdown. As things become increasingly difficult for true believers in these End Times (whose signs that we can see all around us are in fulfilment of prophecies written in the Bible from 2,000+ years ago), the Remnant Church is going to be driven underground, and our only recourse will be to go back to the original New Testament model, meeting in one another's homes and edifying one another as you have described. The two aspects of End Times and what Church is all about are indivisible and equally important.
I have been married to a Church of England minister for 38 years and have sat very uncomfortably on the pew since I was saved 40 years ago this September. My husband knows I have very "unorthodox views" but I have not been able to share with him my whole opinion about how the church has departed so far from the original mandate, because denying the "ordination into the priesthood" would undermine his whole life's work and what he believes defines his identity.
I have also been a worship leader for several groups, and while I agree with you to a certain extent over what you have to say about worship music in the church, I do think there is a place for focusing our attention on the Lord alone at the beginning of a meeting, to direct our thoughts away from worldly busy-ness, and to celebrate our salvation and the character of God through music. Personally I do not like the most recent modern "worship songs" which I consider to be very poor musically, and often with very repetitive lyrics. When I came to faith, it was the era of the great blossoming of modern worship songs by such writers as Dave Bilborough, Stuart Townsend and especially Graham Kendrick - beautiful, singable tunes with structure to them, and Biblically based lyrics. I also love the old hymns from the Victorian era and earlier, with their majestic tunes, and the sound of the organ which can elevate us above the mundane-ness and pettiness of everyday life. I consider good worship music to be edifying to the individual and corporately as we worship together. My balloon does not deflate after partaking in this. God gave us the gift of music and I have always considered it a great privilege to give this back to Him in the form of song and well-tuned and well-played musical instruments, at a volume which is not deafening (God is not deaf, but we soon will be if we don't protect our ears from this din!), with no flashing lights and smoke machines such as the world delights in, but beauty and order, not focusing on the musicians but on the Lord. Also, nowhere in the Bible do we find drums, which the pagans use for creating altered states of consciousness, and which can affect the physiology of the body in adverse ways. We should have beauty and order to glorify the Lord.
Yes! Well said. I like that music can be used as a sort of transitional tool to direct people out of the worldly mindset and to draw them in to the fellowship of believers. As a musician myself, I really don't like how music is being used in churches today. It should be calming to the person so as to take their minds off the world, but also be of good Scriptural doctrine and not with intent to evoke emotions from the listener. Certainly emotional reactions will occur with music but that should not be the intent of the song writer. Today, composers and song writers are professionally trained to be able to "trigger" any emotion they want through music. That is not right.
But you have responsibilities for being the worship leader and your husband as a minister so you have commitments and pressures put out product whether sermons or musical arraignments. And that's all great, but I think as a whole, we need to start drifting away from that sort of thing over time. What we are talking about is going to take years and years. So for now, I think it is good that people start understanding these things. Nobody needs to abruptly quit there jobs or anything drastic like that. We still have a long way to go. People tend to follow ministers, so ultimately it will need to be ministers and other church leaders who we need to get on board. It does sound like you are on the right track and also your husband seems to be listening to some extent so that's all good stuff.
@@kevinerose Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, and I totally agree with you. Emotions should be the guard's van, not the engine that drives the train!! My husband is now retired (although he still assists local parishes with services) and I am no longer leading worship due to health issues and other matters (I always say there are times and seasons in one's life and the Lord leads you in different directions). In the normal course of things, I think you are right; it could take many years, even if the majority were willing to accept the change, for things to change in the Church and for it to return to a more Biblically-based expression. However, things are changing very rapidly in the world as it sinks into chaos, and this is accelerating the change at least amongst the true believers; the nominal pew-sitters may bewail the declining numbers in church attendance but have little understanding of what is really going on. I also think that the house-church assemblies described in the videos are not the only form this can take. I am always saying that when I am in the company of one or more others and we are talking about the things of the Lord, or praying together, that we are "being Church." It can happen very informally and in an impromptu manner.
What I have witnessed over several decades is an increasing separation between the wheat and the tares. As the harvest approaches, the difference between them is becoming ever more apparent. The harvest this side of the Rapture is woefully small in the form of the remnant Church, but during the Tribulation there will be a vast harvest of souls. During that time, the traditional churches will be state-run and full of unbelievers but the true believers, the Tribulation saints, will be forced back into their homes and into secret places for their assemblies, as in the days of the severest persecution by the Romans.
My husband, who holds quite liberal views, once said to me many years ago, in a tone of complete exasperation, "The trouble is with you, you are a fundamentalist!!" I replied, "Oh, thank you dear, that's the nicest thing you've said to me all week!" and laughed! It wasn't quite the response he'd expected haha!
May God bless and protect you.
The very best thing to come out of Lockdown 2020
Was “forcing” church bodies not to come to the church bldgs.
I was sure home churches would have to explode!! I was so happy. Ppl will see home church is the way!
Nope, the quantity of Believers is actually abysmally small, in the US anyway. No one met in homes. They just cowered in fear, actually locked down!!
We didn’t, our close friends didn’t, most of our family didn’t. But wayyyyy too many of our dear friends, dear brethren in Christ for a couple decades-DID. I was in actual grief over the overt tares boldfacedly showing themselves.
It’s indeed a Remnant and I shudder to think of these ppl I would have laid down my life for, being actually-well, not what was painted for me.
The end times are assuredly here and home churches will soon become the ONLY meeting venues for the Church.
I praise Him for this but the impetus behind it will be horrifying (persecution, pestilence and martyrdom).
Your poor husband.
@@MilwaukeeWoman Please pray for him.
So very grateful for your work in researching this topic and presenting it so well, and making it available here! I love your conclusions. So good. Points 2 to 8 have been what I've had in mind for a very long time as well, but I hadn't thought that changing the terminology might actually also be needed, and of course your last point is the most important of all.
Thank you once again! I'll continue to think through these things and pray and hopefully do anything I can so that they become a reality where we live. All the best to you and your family! Looking forward to everything else that you'll be sharing here on your channel - subscribed! 😊
Do you mind telling me ...What state are you from, and To what denomination are you most accustomed?
@@tomwadsworthHello Dr Wadsworth! I am originally from Romania, and I live in Scotland with my Scottish husband and our daughter.
My husband and I respectively grew up in 'Open Brethren'-type assemblies, which I think differed a bit between Romania and Scotland, but were largely similar.
We have been attending a Presbyterian church for the last 6 years or so, but upon coming to understand its Calvinist underpinnings we've been growing increasingly uncomfortable there.
I am a Quaker, and a lot of these suggestions are things we already do. We call our gatherings "meetings for worship" (though in reality they are "meetings for edification", as you define it). The buildings are "meeting-houses", not churches. There's no preacher or pastor, we all sit in a circular arrangement, and meetings are "unprogrammed", meaning that anyone may stand up and give ministry as they feel so directed by God. Usually these minstries are unplanned and short, no more than 5-10 minutes. In between them are periods of silent reflection and "waiting on the word of God". We typically don't have music but occasionally someone will sing instead of giving spoken ministry. After the meeting we sit and chat with one another, with drinks and snacks (cakes, cookies, fruit etc) and once a month, the Meeting is followed by a big shared buffet-style lunch. It's very different from any other Christian church I know, and I really love it.
Non-Quakers often say that Quakers dispensed of the clergy but that's not realy true. We dispensed of the laity.
Yes, these talks immediately made me think of Quakers!
"dispensed of the laity" that is spot on,, love it. Consider the word Nicolaitan,,, laity is in there along with nico,,, meaning victorious over,,, exactly what pastors are,,, masters of all their laity,,, ie subjects. God hates their ways,,, Rev 2
Outstanding study! Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Wadsworth, I'm really looking forward to reading your book when it comes out! You are really onto something worthwhile here!
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Absolutely loved the presentations. Kudos to you sir. I’d love to connect with you personally. With your permission, I’d love to share these on a separate playlist on my channel, First Century Christianity on RUclips. I’d also love to show these as a series to our circle of home church.
I think the only thing I’d disagree with is your perspective that the “Eucharist” is the Agape Feast. From what I’ve seen, those are two separate observances.
Thanks for the comments. Feel free to share these videos, and feel free to send me an email to trw@tomwadsworth.com. Concerning the Lord's Supper and the Agape feast, we could have a good discussion. I am persuaded by several factors, such as the fact that δεῖπνον (supper) refers to a "meal." As some have put it, "The Lord's Supper is a SUPPER." Also, when Paul discusses the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11, he says that some had become “drunk” (v. 21) at the occasion. How does that happen with a thimble-full? As I. Howard Marshall says, “These occasions were full meals with plenty of food and drink,” in “Lord’s Supper,” , 571. See also Gordon Fee, , 532; and the analysis of δεῖπνον in Silva, , 1:643-56.
Do you mind telling me ...What state are you from, and To what denomination are you most accustomed?
@@tomwadsworth I’m in Tulsa Oklahoma. I was raised IFBaptist. I’d like to think I’ve matured beyond that stage now but ?
Wonderful teaching! Now I better understand why I don't get anything out of the "church service". Because the primary purpose of assembling together should be for edification. This is done through fellowship, loving, and sharing of one anothers giftings. Elements that just are not part of corporate church gatherings for the most part.
Brilliant Tom, these sessions have been really encouraging and edifying.
Just a few questions from myself.
When elders were appointed in every assembly (Acts 14:21-23; Titus 1:5) and Paul called for the elders (Acts 17:17). What would be thier role in the assembly?
And in 1 Tim 3, the qualifications for elders(overseers) and Deacons are these guys then some sort of leaders in the assembly?
Then in 1Tim 5:17 it talks about a labourer being worthy of his wages, would some be expecting pay?
Just a few thoughts .
These lectures should be in book form they were that good.
Thanks, Patrick. 1 Tim 3:2 says that the "overseer" must be "skillful in teaching" (NASB). This role is likely the same as an "elder." See also Titus 1:9 and 1 Tim 5:17, which refers to elders "who work hard at preaching and teaching." Note that the Greek word for "preaching" here is actually "word," not the typical Greek word for proclamation or gospel-preaching. Acts 20:28-30 also indicates that the elders had a teaching role.
I don't get the impression that "deacons" were known for their teaching role. Yet, Stephen (Acts 6:5), ostensibly one of the first "deacons," was a profound speaker (Acts 7). Also, 1 Cor 14 seems to allow the freedom of anyone to speak in the assembly. So, I don't think that only the elders did the talking.
Concerning pay, yes, it seems likely that some of these teaching leaders were paid. The "double honor" mentioned in 1 Tim 5:17 likely refers to compensation. See also 1 Cor 9. I'm sure that some of these teaching leaders did not want or need payment, but they had the right to request it.
Thanks for the comment about putting these lectures in book form. I've been working to find an appropriate publisher ...
@@tomwadsworthPaul Priscilla n Aquila
Tentmaking to support themselves while preaching
Traveling
Setting up groups in towns
Once the local church got going, the ppl could continue their normal jobs and simply meet weekly. No tithe “to pay the pAstor n his family” needed.
Great series! Very radical but very true.
THANK YOU so much for this series!
Is this excellent series of teachings going to be published in book form? It should be... soon! Anyone who has read Rod Dreher's "The Benedict Option" knows that the current church structure will not survive the coming persecutions.
I'm working on it. I might be too picky, but I'm trying to get a major publisher. The publishing world has changed dramatically from 30 years ago. It's very difficult to get published unless you've already got a huge audience.
I REALLY appreciate your encouragement.
@@tomwadsworthIt will get a good publisher. God is in this. My heart has been asking these questions for a long time and here you are answering the questions. The assembly church needs a reset. As one mentioned, the current setting cannot survive persecution, we saw what happened during covid. We ended up with ministers running online services and still motivating people to give money to finance their lifestyles, which were at risk.
Thank you for this very informative video. I’ve watched all 7 and will go back and re-watch some of them. I particularly found the session on what is worship very helpful💯👍🏾 24 Sept 2024🇬🇧
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
One good thing about meeting in homes is teachers/ elders/ preachers don’t have to feel pressure to limit the effectiveness of their messages (aka share the gospel) to keep numbers up to keep their salaries or pay the rent.
Every
Every
Every
One speaks
Everyone should be ready to share at least 10 min weekly
Meetings can go 2 hrs easy if not more
We dedicate the day to praising, testifying, edifying, praying, scripture recitation, short lesson perhaps that we re doing weekly (10min maybe), etc. We are there with nowhere else dragging us off. We are there for each other.
You have described our meetings at the Gospel Café exactly . we call it emulating the early church open mic sing every Sat evening dinner at five
Brother thank you for your labours here and for putting this content online. Perhaps because of your gifting, there seems to be an emphasis on individuals speaking in assembly as the key towards "edification," but this can't quite be it. As we know, there are several people Paul said should be silent during assembly. It might be helpful to expand and detail the word edification and what an edified person looks like from your perspective. Most of us grew up thinking we "go to church" as a sacrifice of worship to God. Your work is very helpful explaining the meaning of those words. I think what is missing is an understanding of what we are saved for: "The church doesn't have a mission; the mission has a church." I am not sure we understand our purpose in life, if we did I believe we would understand the need for edification and the importance of love and unity. If we understand our place within the mission of God we realize we need oneanother and we are heartbroken by the ineffectiveness and hurt caused by the dominate church structure and modern Christian subculture :*(
I am 100% in favour of gatherings and assembles, but my experience is that there can be safeguarding issues the wolf can come into the assembled sheeps enclosure someone please talk about safeguarding.
Good point. That's why the early church had elders. (Acts 14:21-23) But I didn't talk about it enough!
You would be surprised, however, as the people mature they smell out wolves pretty well. After all, the nature of their love and fellowship is sacred to them.
I was a newly saved christian, and sadly, I met a discipleship leader who was wolf. I also saw the cult of personality at work and discovered there was zero accountability structure. I discovered that the Lord was my shepard he protected me from the wolf in sheep clothing. An accountability structure is needed, particularly for those who take the position of leader or elders. What is the structure that protects against abuse.
The Lord led me in my time of need to a UK organisation called thityone:eight and it was they who understood and explained why there must be safeguarding framework to prevent all manner of abuse including spiritral abuse.
@@atheist2christ I'm thankful that you found a safe haven. In the New Testament, the other safeguarding measure (besides elders) was the Holy Spirit, which was to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Remember that.
When much younger I was considering training as a priest, then I met Jesus, and from that point on "church" seemed irrelevant. I recently felt uncomfortable in a cathederal service, with bishops, layety, gowns, choral anthems and the full pomp and ceremony. To me it seemed to completely miss the point and I couldn't figure why. Your session 6 explained it all. Big thanks.
I love it on the Kids take over church day. Lots of fun to watch.
I am very fortunate to have come across this study. My understanding of worship was that it means to revere and adore with submission. I do not see that being done in churches today. I have not regularly attended an organized church service in more than 10 years. I have shared 1 Corinthians 14 with a few different pastors and they didn’t want anything to do with that. Galatians 6:6 needs to be shared as well: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” No one in the church systems in America want to be part of a horizontal relationship. I think it frightens them. I think they see that it would lead to them not receiving a paycheck.
Thank you for your support. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
I love the ideas of small groups!👏🏻😊
My wife and I have attended a house church for over 15 years. The venue changed and the attendees changed over the years as people moved cities etc. This is the only way to assemble and I can’t go back to a regular church.
Anyone who attended one particular home church could expect God to send them. Some overseas some closer to home. My wife & I were sent to travel around our country, Australia, for two years.
Did your home church in Australia have any connection with Robert Banks?
@@tomwadsworth no
This is what I have gathered from being raised and taught in the church of Christ yet the coC goes on with worship services week after week for 200 years. The cofC talks the talk but maintains the preacher model to this day, even though, they should be given a hand for carrying the torch for a cappella praise music which turns out to be most edifying.
I hear you. I also enjoy a cappella music, but I find that different people have very different preferences for types of music.
It's noteworthy that, when Paul is hammering away at the importance of edification in the assembly, he cites recognizable instrumental music (of the flute, harp, and trumpet) as a communication method that results in edification to the hearer (1 Cor 14:6-12).
Yes, as a Kairos volunteer I have participated in very edifying musical praise with a hum dinger of a rock band in the prison chapel. There are 3 of us from the coC in the same Kairos chapter and we are endlessly teased about a cappella music by two former cofCers who are “worship” leaders and guitar players. The teasing is all in fun, I accuse them of causing the 3 of us to sin with their rousing musical talents. If not for them I would have not encountered the moving and edifying songs “Miracle Worker” and “Reckless Love” in a “worship” context. (I requested “Miracle Worker” to our song leader and he said he’d look into it, that was a year ago and I’ve not heard back from him.) How we can have both a cappella and instrumental accompaniment without splitting the church in two, I don’t know. People tend to participate more when it’s a cappella and the “service” tends to be more like a concert when there’s a band.
The a capella in CoC is usually not ummmm edifying, no
😣
Bring on the instruments!
Acapella music ignores the talents of people who can play instruments but not sing very well.
Romans 12: 1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable SERVICE.”
"O Lord my God, I thank You for my dear brother and his inspiring lessons. His passion for the Body of Christ was truly uplifting and empowering." "Thank you for all you do, Doc. Your dedication and love for the Body of Christ are inspiring, and your legacy will continue to impact countless lives." Greetings to your lovey wife and children. Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Denomination: Evangelical.
Thank you very much. My wife and I were in Amsterdam last week!
@@tomwadsworth "I would have liked to meet you". Was it for edifying purposes or vacation? I hope you had a good time in Amsterdam. It was raining bicycles and cheese everywhere. 😃
@@NoJesus.NoLife We were in Amsterdam for a 3-day vacation before we embarked on a 10-day tour of biblical sites in Turkey. We enjoyed your canals, Anne Frank sites, the Rijksmuseum, and yes, the bicycles, cheese, and the stroop waffle and french fries shops.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
Prior to Christians accepting these practical ways maturity in the Gospel needs to occur. What do I mean by this maturity? Its how a Christian deals with the feeling of guilt resulting from sin or grieving the spirit. The mature Christian rests on the truth that through Christ and being in Christ, they face no condemnation (they may need correction and re-building but not condemnation). Therefore they do not feel the need to undertake ritual sin-remitting acts (the standard services put on by Churches who practice post 3rd Century Sacrificial Sin Remitting Services to remove guilt from those they have taught to feel guilty and remain immature). Mature Christians, Free in the Gospel, then are ready to seek edification and to give edification as guilt is not present to push them to post 3rd Century sacrifice to placate God or worship to please him into gratitude toward them.
I have watched all seven teachings and share them on my facebook page, but this last video I took notes which will share with others. God Bless you, brother Tom! If A book ever happens, as I said before, I want to be one of the first to buy it.
My thought is that there is a lot of investment in church buildings and facilities. The way forward is for existing church organizations is to become hubs of small groups and providing resources available to support such small groups. One of the churches I attend, Shadow Mountain, which is a megachurch, does actually have a strong emphasis on small groups. I also attend a Mens Training camp night weekly at a different church. The sermon portion is skippable. After 3 years, it is pretty much the same thing over and over, just like on Sundays, except less inspired, less creative. But the small group sessions after the sermon are pretty good.
I also think there maybe some value in congress of small groups. That is each small group, monthly, nominates a member to be representative of gathering of small group representatives to discuss any common or problematic issues that each small group is dealing with.
Wow! The Lord is soo good! It’s been on my mind for a long time how the body of Christ assembled in the New Testament. What they did/the Format. The Church you described in the New Testament as small groups edifying one another sounds amazing!
Where I work there are a lot of “Christians” that go to church on Sunday, that love professing Jesus the rest of the week, but act contrary to loving their neighbor. I have been guilty of the same things. I send scripture every morning to a lot of them and get a response of -🙏🔥👍Amen, Hallelujah!🙌etc. Then proceed to hear them slander one another, use profanity. Married men and women flirt with one another. Money is the thing worshipped there. I am guilty of all these things in the past, and I still stumble at times, but the Lord has been so merciful to me. I know that I to was just like all of my coworkers before he showed me mercy and I should not get puffed up.
I’ve never been good at researching things so when I stumbled upon your series I was elated. It was so good. I have severe A.D.D. And it’s hard for me to stay on point a lot of the time. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all your efforts for the truth. The words- “the Lord knows what you need before you ask him.” have testified to me again today. I’m saving your video series links to share them. Thank you! And Praise the Lord 🙏🔥🙌👍:)
Thankyou sir, I have been seeing this in my spirit in every church I ever went to. Ive been to several of the 45,000+ denominational churches.
Each one removed part, most or all of scripture to be altered to their own interpretation of scripture. Which we arent to do. 2 peter 1:19-21
At this point I have been praying to find the true church. Not a "Non denomination" church. Most all of those are infact not what they claim, and "root" their base to a denomination.
Galatians 5:19-21 explains well that denominations are not biblical. And 99% of people prefer to argue against scripture in favor of tradition of Man.
I simply follow christ and have had to resort to an online church body. To try to bring those who are truly seeking christ instead of tradition.
Worship is a daily thing. Obey Jesus commandments
Yes, we've all heard that. But you're missing the point. You obviously didn't watch any of the videos.
It went right over ur head
12:48 and following. It appears the progression from Lords Supper = Sacrifice and Supper Table = Altar stems, in part from Paul's discourse in 1Cor 11 v 16-21 coupled with Mal 1:7 which refers to the altar upon which sacrifices are made as 'the Lord's Table'. I don't personally agree with the amalgamation of these two passages in that way but I am surprised Tom didn't really "go there' in this video series.
Totally different topic, but this popped in my head while listening......My favorite quote that I would love to hear explained, is this. I'm from a Pentecostal "Holiness" Background, I'm free from the legalism now and have meetings in my Sister and Daddy's living room and around the kitchen table while we eat our supper every night, and it's the BEST fellowship!! Anyway.... after we would speak in tongues, or run around the church, etc they would say, "you got a blessing." And yes, I'm thankful for even a goosebump or a tear, but is that really a blessing? I think of it as being an emotion from a grateful heart in complete awe of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I love the Lord so deeply that I'm very emotional (cry alot). So what would the early Church consider a blessing. Maybe you could do a video on that topic..hint hint :0)
It seems that every church tradition has developed its own terminology and language. Let me give you a challenge. Go to biblegateway.com and do a search for the term 'blessing'. You'll probably find less than 90 passages in the entire Bible. Then, read all the passages in an attempt to answer your question, "What constitutes a blessing in the Bible?"
@@tomwadsworthawesome! Thank you! I will definitely do that!
In conclusion to my many comments herein, I find this series invaluable as to the content and thank you for your extensive research in putting this together and sharing it with all who are willing to listen. I've been on this road outside of formal church for near thirty years now and Father has taught me many of these things as I tired of the rote answers from religious leaders that never satisfied me. It's amazing what God will show one of His children when they get serious with Him and won't settle for less than what He has in store for them.
Seeing the truth as it actually is can be both exhilarating as well as depressing. All real Christians want to see and know the truth, (we want o know God more) but that comes with a cost few are willing to pay. I seriously hope this tendency will change and that Father will use this detailed series in helping to accomplish this.
To close this I'd like to share a quote I once read in a book somewhere to encourage those people that feel as if the modern church has failed them and taken away or suppressed the many gifts Father has given to them. Many of us have always wanted to contribute but were denied for one reason or another or simply treated as a lesser then in these corporate edifices.
"When God wants to make an Oak tree it takes a hundred years, when He wants to make a squash it takes six months"
We do well to remember that the longer the process and preparation, the finer and more equipped the organism.
God is faithful and our labor and service toward others is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58
Tom presents a biblically centred and historically coherent model for all those who wish to break free of what I would call the ‘counterfeit’ Church. what I appreciate there are many faithful brothers and sisters within the church of all denominations today, this video presents a roadmap and model for those who aspire to build something upon the authentic teachings of Jesus and his apostles and his disciples. He empowers the listener in this series to understand what is actually written in the new Testament but our mutual edification.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm working on a book on this topic. If you'd like to be updated on its publication, you can join the email list at tomwadsworth.com/contact.
What's the difference? Worship is BS , edification, and encouraging one another is the truth that sets you free. Thank you, Tom.
Worship contains praise. God is worthy to be praised, it's not bs.
@@MilwaukeeWoman Listen to the video again.
Hey Tom, is there anyone who has popped up since this video who IS a part of an intentionally, horizontally focused gathering? Dan
Many people from "house churches" have replied saying that their experiences in a small group have been fulfilling and meaningful. But I suspect that the modern "worship mindset" has largely affected many of them, too. I, too, would like to hear from people who are a part of "an intentionally horizontally focused gathering."
Great series. I’d be really keen to hear your take on what church governance looks like in this model of assembly. Likewise, if you allow anyone to speak who has something to say, how do you ensure that those speaking aren’t speaking heresy, how do you discern that those speaking are gifted to speak and lastly how do you manage the complementarian element of different roles being performed by men and women? Thanks.
I address some "church governance" issues in Video #4 Why They Didn't Preach Sermons in the Early Church ruclips.net/video/hV8H2fx2Y6U/видео.html.
Concerning the problem of speaking heresy ... this has always been a possibility, and the possibility still exists in every church, no matter who is doing the talking. In Acts 18, Apollos's teaching needed to be corrected by Priscilla and Aquila, who took him aside to explain things to him. In 1 Cor 12, Paul acknowledges that some might speak incorrectly. The idea of rebuking in assembly presumes that someone has said or done something wrong (2 Tim 3:16; 4:2; Titus 2:15). 2 Peter 2 and Jude mention people who are speaking incorrect things. In 1 Cor 14, Paul urges everyone to "weigh what is said" (v. 29).
Part of the brilliance of the "open forum" approach is that others can quickly offer corrective comments to incorrect things that are said.
Concerning the complementarian/egalitarian issue ... I would simply respect whatever the local church tradition maintains. I recognize the import of 1 Cor 14:34-35 and 1 Tim 2:10-15, but I also recognize that sincere Christians have come to differing views on that topic. In all cases, we must strive for unity and compassion with one another.
Along the lines of changing our terminology, we need to change "going to church" to "going to the assembly". We are the church. The Church is not a place we go to.
Amén, “going to church” is probably one of the most kind numbing phrases of institutionalized churchianity heard over and over and over again.
Or maybe just “assembly” or “assemble” as some people, would be hosting the meeting in their home and not need to go anywhere.
I like the term ecclesia as it implies a political assembly. This is exactly what local assembly is -local politics with eternal ripples.
We are meeting Saturday at 4
Where is the meeting next month?
Are we meeting at MacBeths for Yom Kippur?
We are the Church
We meet
It's just a shorthand way of saying you're going to a church building. There is nothing wrong with it.
@@MilwaukeeWoman and yet so many people misunderstand the meaning and associate the word church with the building. Yes, it's partially semantics, but so many people are misled or self-deceived into thinking that "going to church as a place" is a pillar of being a Christian. While it's obvious to you and me, it's not clear to everyone.
I’ve been going to Pentecostal churches for 38 years and 8 months ago we left s church we been to for 22 years of those years. We had a pastor who was there only 3 years. He was a narcissist controlling pastor. He was against working on Sundays and my husband worked 2 Sundays out of the month. We both worked the sound/video booth. Pastor gave husband a ultimatum to change his hours, days off or get new job to be at every Sunday service. 😮Pastor gave him 3 more months to do so. We gave pastor one month notice that we’re stepping down and we eventually left the church. He mailed us a letter 5 months later saying he took us off membership roll even though we didn’t ask to be taken off it. That was a knife to our heart especially when we put our money, heart, time in that church for 22 years. He would say at end of every service “This pastor loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it”. 😮 Sure don’t seem very loving to me. I just about don’t care to join another church. It might as well be a social club where you pay fees (tithes).
Ugh. I'm so sorry you had to endure that. So sad.
Thank you for these teaching sessions. They are very encouraging. What I would have liked even more is that the q&a sessions have been recorded and available. Thanks once again
@@kelvinwilsonpoet3200 I hear you. I'm working on a new video (or series of videos) that are entirely Q&A sessions. I will take the best concise questions asked in about 5,000 RUclips comments and emails, and offer my best concise responses. Stay tuned.
I’m so sorry that happened. Sounds like that new “pastor” does have a controlling narcissistic attitude. May the Lord direct you to His true servants, and fellow believers.
Yes we left one too. I went against their silly doctrine( extra biblical) said not everyone speaks in tongues or will . We were asked to leave taken off prayer lists and told I could have membership back after 6 months if I would recordable tithe. It's all about money control and false doctrine. A club as you say
Tom, fantastic stuff. Its good to hear this all again, but im actually from the otherside:
So i come from a background where I was given real access to Christ through a more dynamic on-the-ground model like this, but it was even far less formalized.
The issue over time though (like a decade actually) became a bit like "well...what now?" We weren't growing clearly, and it frequently felt like we were an island.
Eventually, in the desire to reach out to a broader christian fellowship, I started attending a conservative Anglican church. I have found the rector there welcoming and wise, and the community to be vibrant and full of younger folks who desire to take their faith seriously and live it out. There is also plenty of older folks who seem like they attend because they always have. But over all Im really glad I started spending my sundays there.
But I do still take my issue:
The issue as far as I can see it is that on some level, the clergy at that church is already convinced they are doing everything youre suggesting.
They think of evangelism as mainly getting people to come to *that* church. That priests themselves think of themselves as the elders and leader with re: to faith, and to a certain degree I can see why--the head rector is a very intelligent man and father of like 4 and seems to understand love quite well.
But, at some point, three dudes in collars cant actually properly minister to 350 people!
So im in an interesting place, *rediscovering* conventional church, but also seeing how we need to modify and supplement with the other half -- the priesthood of all believers.
Can you speak to that at all?
I think the key issue is Edification. In other words, is your assembly experience helping you grow and develop into a more mature Christian? You'll need to answer that for yourself.
I find that edification best takes place when you can speak up, ask questions, and offer your own thoughts.