🛑Is The Church Having Too Much Church?

By Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, BA, MA, DD

(Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version)[1]

GREETING

Psalm 134:1-2.¹ Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.² Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.              Thank you for birthday wishes and gifts!

2.              Life Center Service Tonight. Leadership training. Spiritual gifts part II. 7 pm. 

3.              Please register for the International AIM Convention under “COGIC Department of Evangelism.” July 15, Tampa, FL.

4.              Revival this week in Terre Haute, Indiana.

5.              Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Holy Convocation 4^th Annual Holy Convocation July 2126. In 2020 I will be celebrating 5 years as a jurisdictional bishop. Special guests include: Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop J. Drew Sheard GBM, Dr. Joyce Rodgers, Bishop Todd Hall and many more!

LESSON NOTES

I.               WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON?

This lesson is not about regularly scheduled worship services at a local church or even annual gatherings of denominations or non denominational conventions. But, another way of phrasing this lesson would be to say, are churches, denominations, fellowships, non denominational etc., having too many events?

Any stroll through social media or even your postal mailbox will see a steady flow of conferences, conventions, retreats, advances, prayer meetings, fundraisers, love services, anniversaries, etc. The question is, is it too much? And, if so, what is the solution? 

II.            CHURCH LIFE HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 40 YEARS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.

A.           Three major movements. Historically in the black church you had three major movements: Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal (Holiness). These three movements had their large denominational meetings on a regional level and national level: the Baptists had “conventions,” the Methodists had “annual conferences” and the Pentecostals (Holiness) had “holy convocations.” If you heard any of those three terms, you knew which denominational affiliation it was referring to. 

B.           The local church. Also, historically the local churches did not have conventions, annual conferences nor holy convocations. They would they think of having these events nor desire to have them; as they were reserved for regional and national meetings of their respective denominations. On the local level you had “local” events: revivals, anniversaries, annual days for auxiliaries, fundraisers, etc.

C.           Denominational exclusivity. Pretty much each denomination stayed to themselves. A Baptist was only interested in Baptist events, a Methodist was only interested in Methodist events and Pentecostal (Holiness) only attended their events. If an event was not a part of your denominational affiliation you were not interested and you did not attend.

With this type of rigid set up in most black communities in America, there really was not a sense of too much church or being burned out. If anything people yearned and hungered for more.

D.           Christian television and the conference movement. With the advent of Christian television you saw the denominational barriers break down. People attended events of all denominations.  Then the “conference movement” became a part of the black church scene. With this local churches were not hosting their own conferences, holy convocations and conventions.

People do not like to use the word competition when it comes to church; however, with every denomination having their own large meeting, and now the local churches were having them as well, it seemed like everyone had to “out market” each other to try to win over attendees.

E.            Praise and worship movement. With the advent of the praise and worship movement, the distinctive style of each denominational meeting went to the back burner. At one time a Baptist meeting had a distinctive style, the same for Methodist and Pentecostals (Holiness). So now not only is there a larger number of conferences, conventions, convocations, etc.; but all are now quite similar in style, structure, content and sound.

No wonder now many people are saying that it is too much. But, a church event is not a bad thing. The issue is each event should be fruitful and accomplish something for the Kingdom of God.

F.            You can never worship God enough. Perhaps we may need to change some of our marketing. Every event is not going to be miraculous, life changing or empowering. Sometimes it is a blessing to just fellowship with your brothers and sisters. At other times it will be a blessing to learn some new information. On all occasions we should realize that the main reason we come together is to worship God. That should always be the central focus. Worship around God’s throne is 24/7. So we on Earth can never worship God enough.

Revelation 7:15. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

III.        “CHURCH SERVICES” IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

A.              Patriarchal period. During the earliest times in the Bible, there did not appear to regular mass gatherings of worship as we know it. The father, the head of the household would lead his family in worship and devotion to God. 

Job 1:5. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom.

Genesis 22:4-5 ⁴On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. ⁵He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.

B.           Tabernacle.[2] God instructed Moses to build a “tent of meeting.” This was to be a place where the people could worship or “meet” with God. The tabernacle is actually patterned after the “portable throne room” that the Pharaohs had in Egypt. Thus, the tabernacle was an earthly representation of God’s throne. The tabernacle was always opened (as far as its general area) and there was regular worship (sacrifice) that would take place and even some major gatherings. But, again, it was not a church service or event like we are used to now. Along with regular sacrifices, here are a few things that would happen at the tabernacle:

1.                Holy Convocations. 

Exodus 23:14-17 ¹⁴"Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. ¹⁵"Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. ¹⁶"Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. "Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. ¹⁷"Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD.

2.                Teaching.

Malachi 2:7. "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.

3.                Prayer.

Exodus 33:9. Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses.

C.           Temple. The temple was a much more elaborate version of the tabernacle. Regular worship (identical to the tabernacle) also occurred here with the following worship activities.

1.                Sacrifices.

Isaiah 56:7.[3] These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” 

Ecclesiastes 5:1.[4] Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

2.                Prayer. 

Matthew 21:13. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"

a.                Prayer services. Apparently by New Testament times there were scheduled daily prayer services that people could attend.

Acts 3:1. One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon.

D.           Synagogues. Ezra the priest possibly initiated synagogues. We cannot know for certain. But, synagogues were local places of worship that were established after the destruction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Synagogues could not replace the temple; but they were places where Jews could assemble for worship, instruction, study and prayer. Jesus, being a Jew, was a regular attendee at the synagogue.

Luke 4:16. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,

Mark 1:21. They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

IV.        “CHURCH SERVICES” IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

In the Bible the Church was yet a part of the Jewish faith. Even as the faith spread to the Gentiles through Paul; there was yet a strong connection with the Jewish faith. Thus, many believers partook in worship at the temple and at the synagogue.

In addition to this, believers would gather separately to reinforce their faith in Jesus as Savior. This was done through fellowship and study. 

Acts 2:41-46 ⁴¹Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Acts 9:2. And asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:20. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 13:5. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

A.           The Didache was an early Christian instruction manual. It was written around 60. It gave instructions on various subjects, including corporate worship. Here are some of the things early Christians had to observe during worship.[5]

1.                Assembly on the Lord’s Day. But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."

2.                Ministerial Support. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

3.                Communion. But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."

B.           Are church events supposed to have miracles like in the Bible? A lot of miracles occurred in New Testament times. From the following descriptions the supernatural was definitely supposed to be a part of the worship experience. But, worship was primarily singing, Communion, learning and affirming faith in Christ. However, it appears that the miracles were more a part of work “on the field.” When the people assembled for worship, they would hear miraculous testimonies of what God was doing in the spread of the Gospel. 

1 Corinthians 14:26. What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

Ephesians 5:19. Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the LORD,

Acts 14:26-28. ²⁶From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

V.              CHURCH SERVICES IN THE BLACK CHURCH. 

A.           The church was everyone’s life at one time. Because of racism the black church in America was the one place that blacks could worship, be entertained, have community meetings, become educated, socialize, etc. The church was the central place in the community. It was a place always buzzing with activity.

Everyone could not afford to go on vacation and because Jim Crow laws were in place there were few places of recreation. Theaters were segregated. Therefore, the church calendar was your life. Holidays were spent at special services and events at the church.

B.           Fundraising events in church. Due to lack of resources, the black church developed many innovative ways to raise funds: chicken dinners, 100 women in white, 7 churches of Asia Minor services, etc. Every church did not have a large membership; so the custom developed to invite other churches to come out and be a part of the program.

Many churches could not afford to pay a preacher to be full time, thus the concept of the “pastor’s anniversary” was established to ensure a decent compensation. If that did not suffice, then pastoral nights, pastor’s birthday, first lady’s day, etc. was established.

C.           Coming to grips with change. All of these events had an origin and reason for being initiated. The challenge is that in our time, people have more money, they have other interests, they have hobbies, they go on vacation, etc. In other words people have a life outside of the church. This does not mean that they do not love God. However, we must learn how to deal with this cultural shift that has taken place in the black community over the last three generations.

D.           There are events we have scheduled daily for all churches, denominations, fellowships, nondenominational etc. Is this helping us to be effective at spreading the Gospel? If not why? And how can we do better? The following passages show that the Great Commission is the central mission of the Church. However, we also just shared that the church has been the central institution in the black community. Thus, every event is not necessarily going to be a soul winning event. Perhaps that will help us to navigate having so many events. We should not just have an event for the sake of busyness or just to fill an empty place on the calendar. Every event should have a purpose or goal in mind; even if it is simply to worship God.

Matthew 28:16-20 New International Version. ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 16:14-19 New International Version. ¹⁴ Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. ¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” ¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Luke 24:45-49. ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Acts 1:8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

E.            Is it biblical or ethical to have a worship service with the sole purpose of raising money? Why or why not? A worship service IS a worship service; therefore worship should be the central focus. There is nothing wrong with having a desire to raise funds, as evidenced by Paul’s instructions to the church in the text below. As stated earlier each event should have a goal. Thus if an event is scheduled to raise funds then that should be the goal and that should be publicized so that there are no mixed messages sent to the public. So you might have a fundraising event and say while we are raising funds we want to take time to give God praise as well. An example of a mixed message is when you schedule a “soul saving revival” (where soul saving should be the focus) but you have really scheduled it to be solely fundraiser. That is a “mixed message.”

Acts 20:7. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

Revelation 1:10. Aramaic Bible in Plain English.[6]
And I was in The Spirit on the first day of the week, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

1 Corinthians 16:1-4. ¹Now about the collection for the LORD's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. ²On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. ³Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

F.            How does a church gauge the "success" of a worship service? Is it the shouting, altar call, salvations, etc.?[7] The success of a church service or church event is gauged by has that service/event accomplished the purpose for which it was scheduled. Furthermore, in a “worship” service, there should be some principles that are always adhered to:

1.                God should be “present.”

Matthew 18:20. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 

2.                The Holy Spirit should be obeyed. 

John 4:23. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

3.                The people should be edified. 

1 Corinthians 14:26-28. What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

4.                Giving should occur. 

Acts 20:35. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

5.                God should be praised.

Acts 2:47. Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Hebrews 13:15. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 

VI.        DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE CHURCH EVERY DAY TO KEEP CHURCH MEMBERS SAVED? It is the Holy Spirit and the Word that keeps us saved. However, as the days become more and more wicked, it may become necessary for the saints to meet more regular to encourage each other and help each other to stay rooted and grounded in the faith. 

Psalm 119:11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Ephesians 4:30. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Matthew 24:22. "If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

2 Timothy 3:1. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

Hebrews 10:25. Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching

VII.     CAN YOU GET BURNED OUT ON CHURCH?

Church is to be a source of encouragement. So we are not supposed to be burned out on that which was created to uplift us. We may get burned out dealing with church people. We may get burned out dealing with church work. But, gathering to worship should not burn us out. A lot of times we are burned out do to unrealistic expectations. For example, there is no biblical evidence that a miracle should occur every time we corporately worship. Sometimes God may want us to simply learn something. Also, we can get burned out if there is no clear cut purpose for event; or if the event is only serving a carnal purpose (for example, helping the preacher to pay his personal bills). 

Paul had every reason to be burned out. But, it looks like he handled it in stride. That could be because he was more committed to being the church vs having church:

Acts 20:22-24. ²²"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Galatians 2:4. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

2 Corinthians 11:21-29 Contemporary English Version.[8]

²¹ I am ashamed to say that we are too weak to behave in such a way.

If they can brag, so can I, but it is a foolish thing to do. ²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often.

²⁴ Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. ²⁵ Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. ²⁶ During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord’s followers.

²⁷ I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm. ²⁸ Besides everything else, each day I am burdened down, worrying about all the churches. ²⁹ When others are weak, I am weak too. When others are tricked into sin, I get angry.

A.           Can you take a break from Church? We should never take a break from regular worship of God. However, it is biblical to take a break from church work and church events. Jesus commanded his disciples to get away from the people and get some rest.

Mark 6:31. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

VIII.  ARE CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE DEVOTION? No. A church service cannot be the substitute for your personal time of prayer and meditation on the Word. Paul was always involved in some type of evangelistic or church effort. However, apparently from these texts, he did not forsake having his own personal prayer time. 

Philemon 1:4. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

Ephesians 1:16. I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Philippians 1:3-4. ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

1 Thessalonians 1:2. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

---

[1] Holy Bible, New International Version. 1973, by Biblica, Inc.

[2] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/The-Tabernacle. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[3] https://www.openbible.info/topics/temple_of_the_lord. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[4] Ibid.

[5] http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[6] https://biblehub.com/revelation/1-10.htm. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[7] https://www.openbible.info/topics/worship_service. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[8] Holy Bible. Contemporary English Version. ABS: New York, 1995.