A question about disfellowship
Question: I have been to congregations that have practiced disfellowship of other members, who were at Church, by not using them in the service because they did not attend on Wednesday night, and Sunday nights. How do I know this? Because the brother that was in charge of the service that Sunday, (He did all of the service by himself, singing, praying, teaching, waiting on the Table, invitation song, and dismissal) made the statement, when he was asked by this visitor, why he did not use some of the other men in the congregation; “They do not come on Wednesday nights and Sunday nights.” The question that I pose is this: ” When the Apostle Paul made the statement; ” Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together,” Were the members of the early Church coming together on Wednesday and Sunday nights? Or has this been an ordinance that has been placed on the congregations by uninspired men?
Your attention as a Minister of Christ in this matter would be greatly appreciated. In Him ckcorb [Notice, he left no name only an email ‘handle’]
If the case is, however, that these brethren simply choose to “opt out” of these services, then perhaps they are not I would also think that they are not appreciating the teaching penned by Paul in Hebrews 10:24,25 which teaches simply that we should “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” Not every assembly that we read of in the NT can be attributed to the Lord’s Day (1 Cor 5:4 for example… see also Mt. 18:20), and the apostle does not specify to not forsake the Lord’s Day assembly in this verse… Do you think brethren who habitually choose not to gather with “those of like precious faith” to worship God should be elevated to a leadership position in the church?Thanks again for visiting our website and contacting us with your question.
Sincerely,
Justin Murdock for the Garrett’s Creek Church of Christ.
ckcorb’s reply: I do appreciate your quick response to my missive. Perhaps the Key word in your answer is “PERHAPS.” No one< knows the intent of one's heart but God. It appears to me that a condemnation is made by many that "PERHAPS" THE REASON THEY ARE NOT HERE IS BECAUSE OF WHAT WE THINK "PERHAPS" THEY ARE DOING. As per the question you posed in your missive; Yes, I believe that any person that is in the Faith, and has not missed communion on purpose on the first day of the week, should be used in the worship services, if he has the ability to adequately perform a particular service. I do know of those that do not miss a service and are there every time the Church house doors are open who are used in, what you term leadership role, every phrase of the service and do not have the ability to perform the action that they have been used in. Also their dress leaves a lot to be desired to show what I would term, "proper" respect for the occasion. I do thank you for your interest and response, also, I wish you well in your efforts to serve Him.
In Him, ckcorb
My Reply: None. I realized that this gentlemen has some personal "baggage" with a member of his church that he needs to work out himself. No amount of advice from me, biblical or otherwise, will convince someone who has already made up their mind.
