This last week I have heard of a congregation of the Lord’s church that is contemplating doing away with Sunday evening services. The reason is because of higher gas prices, and the reality of many of the members of the church having to drive long distances to come to church services. So, in an effort to aid brethren in saving gas, the church is thinking about having a morning service, eating a meal each Sunday, and then meeting again in the afternoon, and going home.

Upon first reflection there are some who will immediately get upset about that, as “that is not the way we have done it over the years.” Some traditions die hard, especially those made by man. While we can NEVER leave the traditions that have been taught us in Scripture (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15), we need to exercise spiritual discernment and determine what traditions are manmade and which traditions are rooted in the Word of God.

Many of us, however, have already decided in our hearts that Sunday evening is not as “important” as Sunday mornings. Look at the way we dress for Sunday evenings, as opposed to Sunday mornings. We want everything to be right and proper on Sunday mornings (perhaps because visitors are here, or more likely because we believe that Sunday morning is THE important time to worship), whereas on Sunday evenings we are more casual and laid back. We also “vote” that Sunday mornings are more important than Sunday evenings, as we will not have the same number on Sunday evenings as on Sunday mornings (we know that the elderly sometimes cannot see in the evenings, and so they do not get out and are not able to come back, but what about those who are able bodied, but choose not to come back?).

In the New Testament the church met together on Sundays, but the Bible is silent as to whether they had one, two or ten services. Paul condemned one congregation, the Corinthians, because it seems that they had two assemblies, with the rich meeting earlier and partaking of the Lord’s Supper and a common meal, and leaving before those who were poor could attend (1 Corinthians 11:22-34). Paul condemned them, not for two services, but because they did not care enough for one another to wait and worship together. In fact, it seems that in the New Testament, most congregations met only once on Sundays, and they would worship as long as necessary (Acts 20:7ff – Paul preached until midnight). With our time conscious society the way it is, if we were to go to one service and stay three or four hours, many brethren would not like that either, and would “vote” against that as well by leaving early (it already happens every Sunday now – let the preacher preach past 12:00 noon and see how many get up and leave).

Some considerations:
When we gather together, the Lord is in our midst, watching and communing with us (1 Corinthians 10:20-22; Matthew 18:19-20). When we truly love someone, we want to spend all of the time that we possibly can with that one. Are we saying that we don’t love the Lord as much as we say we do when we do not come back on Sunday evenings? (Understand, I am not talking about those who cannot get out – I am talking about those who can, but choose not to come back).

The church is to obey the elders (Hebrews 13:17). The elders of each congregation are to decide when the church should meet, and how often. Without getting into discussions about elder’s authority (which the Bible clearly says the elders do have), when some choose to disobey, will they be held accountable by God?

Years ago, I was preaching in Mississippi, and the brethren continually encouraged me to preach on attendance according to Hebrews 10:25. I did so, constantly. Then it dawned on me one day that the people who needed to hear these lessons on attendance were never there to hear the lessons on attendance. Some of these had some other spiritual problems that needed to be addressed. In one business meeting I actually made the suggestion ( I was young and stupid enough to suggest this) that to hopefully save more souls, let’s do away with Sunday evenings and Wednesdays, so that the brethren that do not come will not be held accountable to God for this.

More Next Week!