Why do we meet on Sundays?
Now that technology allows us to access services remotely, many see little need to meet face to face every week. Others think that because we have a personal relationship with Jesus as Christians, church is an optional add-on. For some, they know deep down that there is a reason why gathering on Sundays is important, but they are weary and don’t feel excited about it. So what is the purpose of corporate worship, and what is our role in it?
In this book, Tony Merida highlights how in-person Sunday gatherings are central to God’s plans and to our faith and joy. He reminds believers ...of their privileges as citizens of heaven, members of God’s family and stones in God’s temple.
Readers will see how each part of a church service (preaching, praying, singing, baptism, Lord’s Supper and building each other up in conversations) are ways to enjoy and share God’s grace, and are therefore essential for spiritual endurance. You’ll also be reminded that your presence in corporate worship matters because you have a part to play in encouraging your brothers and sisters and spurring them to love and good deeds.
Read this book to renew your understanding and enjoyment of going to church and to be excited by the ways in which your presence can encourage others.
If you are a pastor looking to remind church members of the importance of gathering as God’s people, this resource is for you.
This book is part of the Love Your Church series, a collection of thoughtful and practical books that will inspire every church member with a biblical vision of what it means to be a local community of God’s family. Church members can explore together what it means to belong, to welcome, to gather, to care, to serve and to honour one another, and to witness and send people out to spread the gospel.
(Review written for 'Gather')
This book is party of the “Loving Your Church series from The Good Book Company. It is a short and compelling read that reminds the reader of the privilege it is to be part of a church and to gather in church each week. Having read Tony Merida’s “Love Your Church” book last year, this echoes some of the same message. In America, we don’t know the struggle to get to gather with church. We take it for granted and treat it as something to be done when it’s convenient or beneficial for ourselves. Tony Merida takes the time in ...these pages to remind the reader the truth of why we gather in church.
The opening sentence of the first chapter reads: “It is remarkable that we are able to worship God together at all.” A littler further, he writes: “To even be able to worship God is a divine privilege of grace.” This really sets the tone for the entire book. Remembering that gathering and worshiping is a privilege, Tony encourages Christians not to forsake this privilege and to regularly gather with your local body of believers. In 8 chapters, he explains various aspects of gathering and the purpose for it - from stirring one another up, to hearing God’s Word, to praying together, to celebrating the gospel as well as few others.
This is a well-written book, full of Scriptural support, and includes additional helpful resources. Each chapter ends with “action steps” so that you can begin to put into action what you’ve read. I also really like the bibliography listed at the end of the book as well as the discussion questions. This would make a great book to go through with a small group. There’s even a free kit you can download that can help you with that.
(Review written for 'Gather')
This book is party of the “Loving Your Church series from The Good Book Company. It is a short and compelling read that reminds the reader of the privilege it is to be part of a church and to gather in church each week. Having read Tony Merida’s “Love Your Church” book last year, this echoes some of the same message. In America, we don’t know the struggle to get to gather with church. We take it for granted and treat it as something to be done when it’s convenient or beneficial for ourselves. Tony Merida takes the time in ...these pages to remind the reader the truth of why we gather in church.
The opening sentence of the first chapter reads: “It is remarkable that we are able to worship God together at all.” A littler further, he writes: “To even be able to worship God is a divine privilege of grace.” This really sets the tone for the entire book. Remembering that gathering and worshiping is a privilege, Tony encourages Christians not to forsake this privilege and to regularly gather with your local body of believers. In 8 chapters, he explains various aspects of gathering and the purpose for it - from stirring one another up, to hearing God’s Word, to praying together, to celebrating the gospel as well as few others.
This is a well-written book, full of Scriptural support, and includes additional helpful resources. Each chapter ends with “action steps” so that you can begin to put into action what you’ve read. I also really like the bibliography listed at the end of the book as well as the discussion questions. This would make a great book to go through with a small group. There’s even a free kit you can download that can help you with that.
(Review written for 'Gather')
Gathering in-person every week to worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ is essential to our growth and sanctification as believers.
This book so beautifully lays out the benefits of belonging to a local church, the beauty of gathering to encourage and be encouraged, and the responsibility to reach outsiders.
If I highlighted and underlined in my books I ...would have covered every page!
This book is a must-read for every Christian, especially as deal with the effects that 2020 lockdowns had on several congregations. Some grew, others sadly dwindled.
If you need a reminder of why we gather, read this book.
If you are in the process of searching for a place to worship weekly, read this book.
I finished this book in tears being so grateful for my own church and the people in it. And in awe that this is God’s perfect plan for us as his children.
I’ve walked through trials, loss and overwhelming joyous times and I can trace back to my local church deeply supporting me through it all. That is the gift of gathering. It starts on Sunday, but doesn’t end there.
