As you retire to the comforts of home, can there be any doubt that this was the forum of fellowship, tender affection (Phil. 2:1), encouragement, and teaching among Christians? This is the forum for the application of Heb. 3:11-12, Hebrews 10:24-25, and a host of the “one another” passages. The lifestyle of the early Christians included a close association with each other throughout the week. We can choose to do the same but it may not be without difficulty. The home in today’s culture is often not conducive to providing a haven for brethren. The reason for this is that many homes are places of unrest and chaos. The focus is on our children’s happiness, which is met by giving them everything they want.
Parents are more concerned about entering their children in every conceivable sport that interests them. We have come from a generation where children ate last at a public dinner to eating first, from not talking unless addressed to taking center stage, from following the decisions of parents in the choice of restaurants and vacation spots to choosing where they want to go. Some families with three children go to three different fast-food restaurants to satisfy each child. After all, why should a child go where they do not want to go? This is a democracy where no one is forced to do what they do not desire. Some parents believe that the amount of toys and gifts is the measure of their love. If parents only realized that they are doing their children more harm by catering to their every whim! Consequently, adults fill their calendars with one event after another that satisfies their children. There’s no time for anyone else. After work, a quick dinner, and “going to church” at the appointed times, there is no more time and the home is no longer conducive to a lifestyle of fellowship among us. At best, the conscientious people schedule some occasions, though rare, and invite brethren into their home for a meal. But, home that used to be a place where we may hang together, share in prayer and study of God’s word to sharpen our swords and lift our voice in praise to our God is now transformed into an empty showcase that is shown on special occasions and only by appointment.
Undoubtedly, the American culture of the twenty-first century is very different from the first century. Acknowledging this fact does not free us from finding solutions for the pattern of togetherness – the kind of togetherness that would be experienced in a private home. Many will say that we cannot possibly be together as they were then due to distance, time restraints, and conflicting work schedules. Having said it, we throw up our hands in defeat and say with a decisive tone, “That’s just the way it is.” If we concede that this is as huge a difference as we are told, it still doesn’t change the importance of being together. We must not allow the Devil’s tactics through the cultural pressures of our society to squeeze us into a mold that we know is counter-productive to discipleship. Our goal in writing this book is to plead for a cultural transformation among the people of God. This is not demanding the impossible task of changing the industrialized culture in our society. It is calling for God’s people to come out from among them and be separate, to form a culture within a culture that once again allows brethren to form themselves into a loving family rather than “institutional/church membership.”
In thirty years of preaching “for churches”, I have witnessed and personally experienced hearts that are broken and bleeding, lost souls without a shepherd, discouraged and pressed down, absorbed in worldliness of every kind while attending every Sunday as members of a local church organization. The elderships are attentive to their attendance charts and call on anyone who misses. Yet, for those still attending, they receive a sermon that may or may not help, a warm smile and firm handshakes with the assurance that it was nice to be seen. They receive no personal attention to their problems that affect their spiritual walk with God. Elders are quick to respond, “I can’t help, if I’m not told!” This statement is indicative of a failure to perceive the role of elders from the biblical perspective. They are shepherds who oversee souls. They are soul watchers. This requires that they live among sheep in daily oversight. Membership in an organization demands only faithful attendance. Discipleship demands a daily walk with God. Shepherds can’t see where they are not looking. Overseeing an auditorium of members when attending one of their appointed meetings hardly describes the work of shepherds.
One way to counter the attacks of Satan with the advancement of every technology imaginable is to turn their use to our advantage. Businesses that communicate with one branch from the United States to a division in another country recognize the need to stay connected. Even though they, too, acknowledge the difficulty of meeting in person, they have found other means to accomplish their goals. Some elders continue to schedule home studies in the evening, prayer meetings, and other venues for daily encouragement. This is preferable, but when it is not possible, classes can be held with open discussion and questions using Skype. For many years, businesses have been using conference calls or some other modern method to meet their goals. Several conference calls could be scheduled throughout the day to accommodate everyone. Considering that this service is free, it’s amazing that brethren are not using it. Some service allows the use of PowerPoint slides that could be viewed online during a daily class. Webinars are very popular, today. We have been using conference calls every morning for a few years. Those participating are closer and more aware of our spiritual battle and the needs of each other. We study together and pray together each morning for twenty to thirty minutes. We recognize that some have to leave the call to attend to some pressing matter, but everyone expects interruptions. The point is that we have made the connection. It’s not always the amount of time given to a thing that’s critical. It’s the priority that we give to it and the value we see in keeping our minds focused on it.