Back to Basics, Rethinking Assembly
Back to Basics, Rethinking Assembly
Church identity, denominational identity, and missional movements inevitably shift in response to the lived realities of their people. Every church is shaped by those who participate in it (1 Cor. 12:12–27). How the church responds to each age is often expressed through a “model.” Models are not new; they’ve existed across denominations and movements, cultures and continents, each reflecting the social and spiritual climate of their time.
Over the last forty years, we’ve seen movements that sought to influence church culture by adapting to the surrounding culture, attempting to use culture to influence the culture in the name of Christ. The “traditional” church model, often tied to historic denominational or nondenominational institutions of the last two hundred years, gradually gave way to the “seeker-friendly” model. Though not formally defined, its methodology was clear: tone it down, lighten up, lose the pews, (ok I get that one) and modernize. This approach, in several ways, was reminiscent of Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 4:3–4, where people seek teachers to suit their own desires, turning from truth to novelty.
Gradually the seeker model gave way to the “attractional church” model focused on drawing people in through polished programs, dynamic worship, and charismatic leadership. It mirrored in some ways consumer culture, offering spiritual goods in exchange for attendance. Sometimes this meant gift cards or product giveaways, an echo of Isaiah’s lament: “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isa. 55:2).
While this model may spark initial interest and growth, the model often falters over time. Why?
• Consumer fatigue: When church becomes a product, people eventually seek newer, flashier alternatives. Customer loyalty and connection wanes, and when the “customer is always right,” doctrinal depth suffers (Heb. 13:9).
• Shallow discipleship: Spectacle replaces substance. Attendees remain passive consumers rather than maturing disciples (Heb. 5:12–14; Matt. 28:19–20).
• Leadership burnout: Constant innovation places unsustainable pressure on staff and volunteers (Gal. 6:9; Ex. 18:17–23).
• Community erosion: Relationships become program-driven rather than covenant-rooted, leading to fragmentation (Acts 2:42–47; Ro. 12:4–5).
Were these models all bad or without fruit? Was every leader guilty of the excesses that garnered the most attention? The answer to both is, no. We are witnessing, however, the slow, steady growth of something different.
In contrast to the above, organic covenant communities prioritize relational depth, shared mission, and spiritual formation rooted in mutual commitment. This reflects the early church’s ethos: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). They bore one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2), lived generously (Acts 4:32–35), and walked in unity (Eph. 4:1–6).
Advantages include:
• Resilient discipleship: Growth is slow but deep, shaped by life-on-life mentoring and shared rhythms (2 Tim. 2:2; Prov. 27:17).
• Authentic belonging: Members are known, loved, and accountable, not just attendees, but family (Ro. 12:10; Jn. 13:34–35).
• Sustainable leadership: Authority is shared according to gifting, and ministry flows from gifting rather than charisma driven performance (1 Pet. 4:10–11; Eph. 4:11–13).
• Missional vitality: The community becomes a living witness, not through marketing, but through love, presence, and hospitality (Matt. 5:14–16; Ro. 12:13).
People are hungry for meaning and connection, and they will hunger for righteousness, but the church must move from attraction to covenant, from performance to presence. As Paul wrote, “You are the temple of the living God” (2 Cor. 6:16). The foyer we long to see filled must move from the building to the people. We are the foyer of our Jesus communities, living faithfully in neighborhoods, workplaces, marketplaces, and schools (Jer. 29:7; Col. 3:17).
To a digitally connected generation, real multigenerational connection will feel like a novelty, something they’ve heard about but rarely experienced. Leaders, the generations are walking through your doors, not just those with more salt than pepper in their hair, but every age. They want to hear about Jesus, and they want to talk to those who know Him (Jn. 17:3; Phil. 3:10). They’re not interested in gimmicks, giveaways or gift cards for dishwater coffee. They want Jesus, so give Him away freely.
So foster community with those assembling, in both large and small settings. Sing meaningful songs that glorify the Lord and edify His saints (Col. 3:16; Ps. 100:2). Study the Word of God seriously and in depth (2 Tim. 3:16–17). Disciple the new and the mature. Be the church, not just in form, but in faithfulness.
Six starter steps to consider, adjust or add to that reflects realities you, as a leader, are facing:
Center everyone on Christ (1 Cor. 3:11).
Devote yourselves to the Word (2 Tim. 3:16).
Cultivate covenant community (Acts 2:42; Gal. 6:2).
Worship meaningfully (Col. 3:16).
Equip the saints for missional life (Eph. 4:12).
Pursue multigenerational discipleship (Ps. 145:4).
Maranatha. Shalom.
Bp. Justin
