The Importance of Assembling

“Not forsaking the assembling (GATHERING) 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

Dear Friends,

As we forge a path forward, the church of Jesus Christ must deal with the tension that exists between the prevalent “Avoid Gatherings” mindset and the “Forsake Not Assembling” mandate of Hebrews 10:25. I think a biblical understanding of the church and its mission is needed. Scripture places a high importance on the actual “in-person” gathering for worship and for the edification of the saints (Ephesians 4:11-16). A Bible-believing congregation needs face-to-face gathering or it will die. We simply cannot forsake the assembly of the local church…it is both unbiblical and unhealthy. The very identity of the church is found in its assembling (Acts 2:41-47). The word “church” even means “gathering!” Friends, now is not the time to retreat! The gospel is no less true today than it was before COVID-19. The message of salvation has only become sweeter, and the command to go and make disciples still applies in times like these. We will be tempted to use social distancing as an easy excuse for inactivity, but this will not do. Disaster rips open hearts, but the gospel of Jesus Christ heals those wounds! See You Soon, Dr. Tim Pollock, Senior Pastor