Is Attending Church Service Truly Congregating? A Deeper Biblical Examination
In modern Christianity, the idea of "congregating" is often equated with attending church services. While gathering in a church building can be an important part of community life, this alone does not fulfill the deeper biblical call to "congregate." Through exploring scriptures, Hebrew definitions, and pictographic meanings, we find that the true essence of congregating goes beyond physical attendance. It involves a deeper commitment to living out a genuine relationship with God and being part of His community.
Clarifying the Purpose: Not Abandoning Church Attendance
Before diving into this exploration, it's essential to clarify that this is not an argument against attending church services. The purpose here is to highlight what true congregating means according to scripture. Church gatherings can be a beautiful expression of the biblical assembly, but they are just one part of a much larger picture. The heart of congregating is found in living a life of obedience to God and actively participating in the covenant community He created.
The Modern View vs. the Biblical Concept of Congregating
In many Christian circles today, Hebrews 10:25 is frequently quoted as a directive for believers to attend church services:
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." – Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
The modern interpretation often emphasizes physical attendance at a service or meeting. However, if we delve into the Hebrew mindset and the roots of these concepts, we discover that "congregating" is not just about showing up. It involves a heart posture of obedience, unity, and genuine relationship with God.
Forsaking the Assembly: A Hebrew Perspective
To understand the biblical call to congregate, let’s first examine the phrase "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together."
1. Forsake ('azab - עזב)
Hebrew Strong's: H5800 –
עזב('azab), which means to leave, abandon, or desert.Pictograph: The pictograph for
עזבconsists of:Ayin (ע): An eye, symbolizing insight or understanding.
Zayin (ז): A weapon, representing conflict or cutting.
Bet (ב): A house, symbolizing a dwelling place or family.
Together, these symbols depict the idea of "cutting oneself off from the house" or abandoning one's place within a community. This abandonment is not merely about missing a service; it signifies separating oneself from the life and unity of the covenant community that God has established.
When Hebrews 10:25 warns against "forsaking" the assembly, it is addressing a much deeper issue: turning away from the lifestyle, commitment, and covenantal bond that defines God's people.
2. Assembly (qahal - קהל)
Hebrew Strong's: H6951 –
קהל(qahal), meaning a gathering, congregation, or community.Pictograph: The pictograph for
קהלconsists of:Qof (ק): The back of the head, representing what is behind, gathering, or community.
Hey (ה): A man with arms raised, symbolizing revelation, looking, or beholding.
Lamed (ל): A shepherd's staff, representing authority or guidance.
This image shows people being gathered under divine guidance and authority. True assembly is not just a physical gathering; it is about being spiritually united in the way we live and submit to God’s direction.
Congregating: A Lifestyle, Not an Event
From the Hebrew perspective, congregating (qahal) involves more than attendance. It is about a lifestyle that aligns with God’s teachings, fosters unity among believers, and reflects a genuine relationship with Him. It means living as part of a covenant community, where daily actions, words, and choices demonstrate commitment to God and His ways.
A Genuine Relationship with God: The Heart of Congregating
Central to true congregating is a genuine relationship with God. This relationship isn't based on rituals or routines but on a heart transformed by faith, love, and obedience. To be part of the assembly (qahal), one must be in an ongoing, active relationship with God, continually seeking to align with His will and purpose.
Obedience: What It Means and What It Looks Like
In Hebrew thought, obedience is not merely about following rules; it’s about responding to God’s voice and walking in His ways. The Hebrew word for obedience, שָׁמַע (shama), means "to hear" or "to listen with intent to act." It implies an active and willing heart that is ready to align with God's commands.
Scriptural Insight: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" – Micah 6:8
This scripture highlights the practical outworking of obedience. True congregating means living out justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God daily. It is a lifestyle characterized by love for God and others, generosity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of righteousness.
Examples of Obedience in Daily Life:
Seeking God’s Guidance: Obedience involves seeking God’s direction in decisions, aligning choices with biblical principles, and following through even when it’s inconvenient or challenging.
Loving Others: It means loving others as Christ loved us, extending grace, kindness, and support, especially within the covenant community.
Walking in Integrity: Living with integrity and honesty, upholding God’s standards in both public and private life.
Supporting One Another: Building up fellow believers, encouraging and exhorting them in their faith journey.
Congregating, then, is a continuous act of obedience, lived out in every aspect of life. It’s not confined to a church building or a specific time but is manifested in our relationships, our service to others, and our commitment to God’s ways.
The Risk of Reducing Congregating to Attendance
When church attendance becomes the sole measure of congregating, we miss the depth of what it means to be part of God's assembly. Matthew 15:8 speaks directly to this danger:
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
This scripture reminds us that outward expressions, such as attending services, do not equate to truly being part of the community if our hearts are not aligned with God. Congregating is about the unity of spirit, heart, and purpose.
How to Ensure True Congregating
Live in Obedience: Congregating begins with a life that reflects God’s teachings. It's about doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him every day.
Stay Spiritually Connected: Engage in personal prayer, study, and worship, maintaining a direct connection with God and His Word.
Support One Another: Actively participate in community life, even if it’s not within the traditional church setting. Serving, encouraging, and praying for others are vital aspects of congregating.
Pursue Unity: True assembly is about uniting in faith, love, and purpose, standing firm in the shared mission to live out the New Covenant.
Conclusion: A Call to Deeper Assembly
The Hebrew understanding of "congregating" (qahaal) is a call to live in unity with God and His people. It goes beyond attending services; it is about walking in obedience and embodying the principles of the New Covenant. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us that abandoning this way of life is to "forsake the assembly."
Attending church can be a wonderful expression of this assembly, but it is not the entirety. Genuine congregating is about a daily, transformative relationship with God and a commitment to His ways. It's the heart that seeks to live out justice, mercy, and humility within the covenant community, whether gathered in person, virtually, or even in solitude.
This is the deeper truth we must grasp: the assembly is defined by shared faith and covenantal living, not simply by being present in a room. To "not forsake" means to remain faithfully connected to God and the spiritual family He has established, living out the values and principles of His Kingdom.
By reclaiming this understanding of congregating, we can foster an authentic community that reflects the fullness of God's New Covenant—where the heart and actions align, and the assembly becomes a living testament to His transformative love.
