What/Why is Primary Purpose of Sunday Morning Church Service

[Dr. Bob]

Do NOT need theological debate on what is a church, time of meeting, etc. This is general question. Not making this a "poll", so giving room for 1-2 sentence explanation, not a 1-2 word answer.

We know there should be MANY purposes combined in Sunday Morning service. I'd like to think how PRIMARY purpose is visualized, while others may be evident or rotate around the primary.

Some ideas (not limited) to get your minds rolling:
Worship in word and music
Gospel evangelism to lost every week
Fellowship of the members
Collect tithes and offerings
Edification/teaching believers
Community Outreach program to meet needs
Expose area to pastor or musician or other ministries
Observe the ordinances/sacraments
Numbers; draw in the most people to build reputation to church
Glorify God

 

[KenH]

To proclaim the gospel of Christ.

 

[JonC]

Equip and uplift one another in Christ.

 

[sdcoyote]

I don't know if I invented this or read it somewhere, but it is what I preach as to the mission of the Church...

W.E.D. (as in the bride of Christ)

Worship
Evangelize
Disciple

 

[atpollard]

Get out of the house at least ONCE per week without going to WORK, and to catch up on all the local gossip.
[Sorry, was that more honesty than we were looking for on a Christian Forum? ]

 

[Dr. Bob]

Get out of the house at least ONCE per week without going to WORK, and to catch up on all the local gossip.]

Know you meant it humorously, but I wanted to say "Amen" - the idea of getting out for fellowship (and gossip??) IS often the purpose of some Churches. We call them "Country Club Christians" - get dressed up, spend time with friend, race away to beat the rush at Cracker Barrel for dinner

 

[Dr. Bob]

In the old days (anything pre-ME, er, WWII) I sensed the PRIMARY purpose of Morning Service was to Proclaim the Gospel. People invited friends to church to hear the Gospel. Sunday Evening was more teaching/discipling; Wednesday was prayer. Unchurched, unsaved, would not fit in Sunday or Wednesday evening for the more specialized services.

Problem was that many folks were very faithful to their own church and would not THINK of missing a Sunday Morning at their own place to visit. Most of the salvation-oriented messages fell on the ears of folks who WERE ALREADY SAVED, missing their target audience that was not there, and missing the deeper education or discipling of believers hearing John 3:16 52 times a year. (hyperbole)

About 25 years into my pastoral life, I concluded Sunday Morning Service should be the DEEPEST study of edifying, discipling, strengthening, teaching, in corporate worship. Songs with depth and teaching, not "Give me oil in my lamp" ditties. Unified reading of the Word. Expository sermons of what GOD said, not motivational pablum or simple stories fit for VeggieTales to preach. Real worship. Geared 100% to believers, in safety, a haven from the world and protected from error.

Evangelism was the natural outwork of this. Sharing the Gospel was NOT the job of the paid professional (bring 'em to church and let the preacher get them saved). It was the overflow of the growing Christian life. Then bring new believers in and let them grow in the Word.

 

[Dr. Bob]

I don't know if I invented this or read it somewhere, but it is what I preach as to the mission of the Church...

W.E.D. (as in the bride of Christ)

Worship
Evangelize
Disciple

That IS a good, simple mission statement. How do you see the PRIORITY of the Morning Service in that mission? Assume one service can't do it all.

 

[kyredneck]

PBs call it the 'Three Ps'; Prayer, Praise, Preaching.

 

[atpollard]

In the old days (anything pre-ME, er, WWII) I sensed the PRIMARY purpose of Morning Service was to Proclaim the Gospel. People invited friends to church to hear the Gospel. Sunday Evening was more teaching/discipling; Wednesday was prayer. Unchurched, unsaved, would not fit in Sunday or Wednesday evening for the more specialized services.

Problem was that many folks were very faithful to their own church and would not THINK of missing a Sunday Morning at their own place to visit. Most of the salvation-oriented messages fell on the ears of folks who WERE ALREADY SAVED, missing their target audience that was not there, and missing the deeper education or discipling of believers hearing John 3:16 52 times a year. (hyperbole)

I have a funny PERSONAL story about that. I was raised in the 1960’s and 1970’s in a ‘Lily and Holly’ Christian home … Church was a twice a year Social Obligation that involved getting dressed in an uncomfortable suit and listening to the SAME SERMON again. If you think 52 sermons of John 3:16 is bad, try growing up believing Christianity is 22 sermons on Jesus died on the cross for you (and that’s it … nothing more).

A predictable consequence of learning about Jesus, Santa and the Easter Bunny all at the same time is they are all equally real, and they are all abandoned together when life proves the ‘caricature’ inadequate.

Fortunately, there is a REAL GOD … and a REAL CHRIST … and a REAL HOLY SPIRIT. THEY are neither shy nor reluctant about rolling up their sleeves and getting REAL about dealing with Real Life. THEY are also neither gentle nor shy about laying hold of what belongs to them. So people like me, have a chance.

No matter how pathetic a job the BODY does for a season.

 

[canadyjd]

The primary purpose of Sunday morning church service is to worship God. Our complete and undivided attention should be on worshipping God. We worship God through sing, prayer, Bible intake (reading and listening) and mediating on His word.

The equipping of the saints for service should occur, but at other times.

peace to you

 

[rstrats]

Do NOT need theological debate on what is a church, time of meeting, etc. This is general question. Not making this a "poll", so giving room for 1-2 sentence explanation, not a 1-2 word answer.

We know there should be MANY purposes combined in Sunday Morning service. I'd like to think how PRIMARY purpose is visualized, while others may be evident or rotate around the primary.

Some ideas (not limited) to get your minds rolling:
Worship in word and music
Gospel evangelism to lost every week
Fellowship of the members
Collect tithes and offerings
Edification/teaching believers
Community Outreach program to meet needs
Expose area to pastor or musician or other ministries
Observe the ordinances/sacraments
Numbers; draw in the most people to build reputation to church
Glorify God

One reason often mentioned is to observe/honor the resurrection on the first day of the week, although scripture is silent about anyone doing that.

 

[Reynolds]

Do NOT need theological debate on what is a church, time of meeting, etc. This is general question. Not making this a "poll", so giving room for 1-2 sentence explanation, not a 1-2 word answer.

We know there should be MANY purposes combined in Sunday Morning service. I'd like to think how PRIMARY purpose is visualized, while others may be evident or rotate around the primary.

Some ideas (not limited) to get your minds rolling:
Worship in word and music
Gospel evangelism to lost every week
Fellowship of the members
Collect tithes and offerings
Edification/teaching believers
Community Outreach program to meet needs
Expose area to pastor or musician or other ministries
Observe the ordinances/sacraments
Numbers; draw in the most people to build reputation to church
Glorify God

Here lately it has been to listen to my preacher tell stories about what his family did the previous week.

 

[GodisgraciousR325]

One reason often mentioned is to observe/honor the resurrection on the first day of the week, although scripture is silent about anyone doing that.

Its interesting how some versions change it in the text to Saturday.

 

[GodisgraciousR325]

Here lately it has been to listen to my preacher tell stories about what his family did the previous week.

Seems like a common trend, every sermon is based of some personal or internet story. Barely any scripture

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

To proclaim the gospel of Christ.

I also would say edification/teaching believers

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Here lately it has been to listen to my preacher tell stories about what his family did the previous week.

Sorry. To hear that!

 

[KenH]

I also would say edification/teaching believers

And believers are edified when they hear the gospel.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Peter 3:1-2 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.

As the old hymn puts it:

"I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long."

 

[Marooncat79]

Here lately it has been to listen to my preacher tell stories about what his family did the previous week.

Horribly sad. I’m surprised you are still there considering what you have written in the past

 

[Reynolds]

Horribly sad. I’m surprised you are still there considering what you have written in the past

I am about to change churches.