Since the “pandemic” began almost two years ago, many churches shut their doors–some for a very short time and some dragged it out as long as they could. Yet, as of today, some churches still aren’t meeting regularly out of fear of catching a cold.
As we’ve reported already, vaccination has become one of the professing church’s new ordinances–being required by many churches for people to gather together corporately for worship. Those who don’t submit themselves to the requirements have shown themselves unapproved in the eyes of woke, statist pastors and church leaders.
But another peculiar notion that has been exposed in light of the “pandemic” is that the idea of corporate worship is not central to the Church. Many churches are now turning to this “be the Church” movement that says corporate gatherings are not required and, instead, Christians need to “be the Church” by acting like Christians in their daily lives.
Of course, we agree that acting like Christians in our daily lives is important–not doing so would expose one as a hypocrite, not a true, born-again Christian. But one pastor,Darryl Ford of Ikon Community Church, took it even further. He says that concerning yourself with corporate worship “might be idolatry.”
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Corporate worship is, of course, central to the Church. While many professing churches have redefined what corporate worship looks like–i.e. adding requirements such as seminary training for leadership that are not required by Scripture–it is not even debatable that regular corporate gathering is essential.
…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. –Hebrews 10:25
Barring providential hinderance, Christians should make the effort to meet regularly, be a part of serving a local body, fellowship, teaching and be taught, building one another up, and sending out missionaries. That’s functioning like a church. It is not idolatry. Being fed spiritual food and fellowshiping, in person, with the saints is how Christians survive in a world of persecution. Calling it “idolatry” is foolishness at best, and, well, probably blasphemous as it makes Christ a liar.
