What Does the Bible Say About Worshiping Together?

Many people wonder what the Bible has to say about worshiping together. The Bible encourages God's people to gather for worship. Jesus' disciples began the practice of worshiping God together soon after his resurrection, and the apostle Paul encouraged the early church to continue this practice. Worshiping together has many benefits, both for the individual as well as the entire church.

History

Worshiping together has always been a part of the Christian faith. After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples and new believers met together every day in the temple courts (Acts 2:46), which is why they were together on the day of Pentecost, when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2) Paul provided details instructions for holding orderly worship services in 1 Corinthians 14:26-40.

Considerations

The Bible instructs Christians to continue worshiping together. While there is a time and place for worshiping and praying in solitude (Luke 6:12), the Bible also instructs us to worship together as a community. In Hebrews 10:25, the Bible says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing."

Features

Services in which Christians worship together have several features, including "a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation ... Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said." (1 Corinthians 14:26, 29) Of course, worship services should also include praising God and enjoying the fellowship of one another. (Acts 2:46-47)

Function

According to the Bible, worshiping together serves several functions. It leads to deeper fellowship among believers (Acts 2:42), enables believers to break bread together (Acts 2:42), brings God into their presence (Matthew 18:19-20), fosters "glad and sincere hearts" (Acts 2:46), brings about collective praise of God (Acts 2:47), encourages growth in the body of Christ (Acts 2:47), helps Christians to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25), and invites the Holy Spirit into the group (Acts 10:44).

Significance

Worshiping together helps bring about unity within the Body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:27) Being a Christian is about more than securing "fire insurance" to avoid hell fire -- it is about becoming a part of the Body of Christ. God wants to bring His love to everyone, but that is only going to happen if each member of the Body of Christ fulfills his role. In order to do this, we must work together in unity. See I Corinthians 12. Working together in unity is only going to happen if we continue worshiping together.

Resources

• I Corinthians 12