Conditions and Trends in the Assemblies

by Steve Hulshizer

“They shall not know, neither see, till we come amongst them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease”  (Neh. 4:11).

Many are concerned about the conditions and the trends in the "assemblies" today. Many assemblies are in poor spiritual condition, while others are departing from New Testament principles in an attempt to grow larger. In both cases the enemy has slipped in unawares. The spiritual condition of some assemblies has slowly deteriorated to where they are about to close their doors. Other assemblies in their desire to grow are slipping away from Biblical principles, perhaps only to wonder at a later date how they departed so far from the Scriptural principles of gathering (Matt. 13:31-32).
    Today, as in Nehemiah's day, there is a need for both workers and watchers (Neh. 4:16). There is a great need for workers; not only full-time workers, but saints who are willing to work in their local assembly.  There is also a great need for watchers; those saints who are alert, and who have spiritual discernment. Those who want to see growth, but who are also sensitive to any departure from the principles of Scripture (Phil. 1:9).
    Let's look briefly at some of the conditions and trends in the assemblies and related ministries today.

Conditions

1. Oversight. The work of oversight is not being done. Without a working oversight the local assembly will drift, and eventually die, or be taken over by those of a different persuasion. Now is the time for- those men who are qualified to step forward and graciously lead the assembly by serving it (1 Pet. 5:3). It is a hard work, but a necessary and rewarding one (1 Pet. 5:4). This is not a call for the overthrow of existing oversight, but for men who are qualified and are led of the Holy Spirit to do the work. A prayerful study of Acts 20:17-38, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1: 5-9, and 1 Pet. 5:1-4 should be made by an assembly in this condition.

2. Ministry. "Everyman ministry" of the Word of God has led to malnutrition in many assemblies. This does not justify going to a "one man ministry," but it does mean we should utilize those who are gifted to feed the Lord's people (Rom. 12:6-8). Those gifted in teaching the Word should be given opportunity to use their gift. Allowing a gifted brother to have several weeks to develop a topic or to teach a book is not unscriptural. If necessary, invite able brethren from other surrounding assemblies to help. Give gifted young men the opportunity to develop their gift by sharing a Sunday evening, or by opening the mid-week Bible study.

3. Personal Witness. There needs to be a renewed interest in witnessing to those the Lord brings across our path. Instruction and encouragement needs to be given to the saints regarding ways of sharing the Gospel. Mid-week prayer meeting should be a time of praying for boldness to sow the seed, and for that which was sown during the past week (Acts 4:29, 9:29).

4. Reception and Hospitality. Visitors are often left to fend for themselves. At best some are invited to a restaurant, but not into our homes. Hospitality is a lost ministry (Rom. 12:13). We need to stop being so self-centered that we do not even notice others who come in. Our homes need to be open to strangers and the saints. A good study guide on the subject is Using Your Home For Christ by Alex Strauch, available from Lewis & Roth Publishers, P.O. Box 569, Littleton, CO 80160.

5. Singing. The use of everyone to lead singing has led to poor singing in many assemblies. Those able to lead the singing should do so, and do so heartily. Singing should be with the joy of the Lord in our hearts. (Eph. 5:19) Too often singing is merely done to fill in the time before the speaker. We need to understand that good singing prepares both the preacher to preach and the listeners to listen.

6. Apathy. Not all church problems are the fault of the leadership or  the teaching ministry. Many of the problems are related to the apathy of the saints. Often anything, and everything takes priority over the assembly. To many, attendance at the assembly is just one of several options. To the faithful individual or family it is the only option, excluding emergencies of course (Heb. 10:25). It really isn't hard to do if we give it the right priority. Christ loved the and gave Himself for it. Shouldn't we as well?

 7. Worship. In some assemblies only a few men are able to lead the assembly in worship. The others are unprepared due to the fact that they have not spent time during the week with the Lord and in His Word. Worship can not be "turned on" come Sunday morning. The apathy mentioned above is manifested in the lack of worship offered at the Lord's Supper (John 4:23). Some have no idea of what worship is and break the flow of worship by interjecting teaching or exhortation which does not direct the mind of the assembly to Christ and His work. Too many feel that they are not gifted to lead the assembly in worship. Gift is not needed to lead the assembly in worship; a heart that is overflowing with Christ is. There is a need for teaching of worship in the local assembly, and for men and women to get back to occupation with Christ and His Word during the week. Women, are to be silently worshiping, and can have a great impact on the tone of the worship meeting. However, while they are to be worshiping, they are not to lead the assembly in public, audible worship (1 Cor. 14:34).
    
Having expressed these concerns. I am fully aware that an assembly can have good leadership, gifted speakers, faithful witnessing, good singing, committed saints, Christ honoring worship and still not grow. There are many factors involved in the growth of an assembly. and there is no one formula for success. The work can often be discouraging and difficult. However, the bottom line is not how large an assembly is, but whether it is faithful to both His Word and to His work (Prov. 20:6). The work must be done in accordance with Scripture (1 Sam. 15:22), realizing that growth is of the Lord (Psa. 121:1; 1 Cor. 3:6).

The problems are known to most: however, the remedy is not the action that is being taken in many assemblies today. The problem lies not with the Scriptural principles of gathering, but with our Laodicean attitude toward spiritual things in general. This calls for repentance, not a revamping of the principles and practices of Scripture (1 Sam. 15:22).

Excerpt from an article by Stephen J. Hulshizer in “Milk & Honey”,  

Spread The Word, York, PA 17404  (12 / 89)