The smallest assembly of Christians in practice
When you find out being/becoming a Christian is a personal task and commitment you will also understand that church-services in large numbers according to worldly organisationsmodels under the worldly power of councils and boards are not suitable for Christians at all. But how can Christians assemble in a personal way and why? And when and what to do?

For all Christians that want to leave the broad churchway in order to go on the narrow Way of GOD: some answers and tips concerning 'the smallest Assembly of Christians'!

Where to assemble? Just 'at home' or 'outside'!
 Even before you talk about 'why, when, what to do' etc. it is very practical to tackle 1 theme first: 'where to assemble'. Easy: at home or outside. Gathering outside in summer can be very lovely of course; Assembly and picknick at the same time.

Bring:

  • a tablecloth or carpet to sit on; maybe even pillows,
  • food and drinks,
  • your Bible
  • musical instruments (guitar, keyboard, drumms, fluits, your voice, sheetmusic, etc)

    and find a quiet green place or a place in nature; preferrably with a public lavatory nearby. And else: do not forget to bring toiletpaper :-)

    With whom to assemble?!
    The Bible is clear enough in Matthew 18:20; where two or three are gathered in my name...'. It will have to be you and one person at least; a person having a biblical faith as you and wants to 'go and go out' as Jesus asks of His Disciples as well; according to Gods Wil. You can for instance think of:

    It is most important that you feel free to express your faith, feeling and prayers in their company, which of course has also much to do with your own (state of) faith. You can also invite your children and those of your family, friends and aquaintances; of course explaining them 'it is not a standard picknick'.

    Large assemblies quite unnecessary!
     There are always people that think from (church-)tradition: 'the more the marrier' and consequently they always want as many people possible to assemble. For Christians that is totally not needed and definately quite unnecessary!

    Besides that 'broad ways always lead to broad gates of downfall': also gathering in large numbers always asks for a worldly organisation, many needed parkingspaces, large accomodations, security, thorough planning/organisation and 'garbage-collectors-teams' after. Also important: the larger the gathering the more superficial and unpersonal it will be!

    Very small assemblies of 2 or 3 persons are:

    Outside or at home: small gatherings are always recommended. At home is more convenient than outside. And when only a few visitors come by your neighbours willnot be annoyed by lots of noisy cars taking lots of parkingspaces, bringing large and noisy crowds through their street.

    When to have such an Assembly?
     We are biblical Christians and therefore we consider the Sabbath (Friday after sundown till Saturday after sundown) as occassion (Gods Day; 4th Commandment), as mindset and reminder thé moment to gather. It doesnot have to be every Sabbath. And it doesnot have to be on Saturday only; also Friday-evening is a possibility! So now you have 2 possible days on which you can gather :-)

    Such an essembly is specially recommended

  • when you are called to do so
  • when you have a deep desire of doing so
  • when you expect Christian visitors
  • when the weather is bad (in house) or lovely (going outdoors)
  • when your really want to praise and worship

    What to do during the Assembly?!
     To people that were used to be 'entertained and organized' it may seem almost impossible to go out and get going themselves. They may even wonder:

  • 'am I allowed to do that?',
  • 'Isn't a churchpriest, preacher or referend needed to lead and attend?',
  • 'will GOD consider it worthy enough?'
  • 'Can it be done without an organ'?

    When there is confidence and faith and when GOD takes the lead it is possible only! Even better: only in such way GOD has intended it. Only in that way it can be worthy!

    And about the content of the Assembly Christians willnot worry at all; mind you: they have gathered in his name and in Spirit GOD will be there. The rest will follow. And with that promise and faith the personal, intimate and quiet moment of being assembled will be the basis for coming to prayer, worship and praise!

    How long to gather?
     Quite simple really: Christians take as long untill they feel it is time to go. Just as they feel the need to gather they know it is time to stop as well.

    When assembled: keep your Bible and musical-instruments/music sheets close at hand; also be prepared to pray, sing and speak. When a say-thanks in prayer or song is meant as a closure it will be taken that way by you, your companion or GOD. Or maybe not untill it is really 'time' :-)

    Other reasons or formal reasons to end the gathering are:

  • When you have become a nuisance for your surroundings
  • when the police/local authorities ask you to leave
  • in case of disturbance of neighbours
  • when (too many) bystanders/public are visiting
  • when you have to work or study or take care for people the next day
  • etc.

    However short or long the Assembly may take: you will notice that the next Assembly will always be easier to do, have more content, seem shorter, but always be longer :-)

    Afterwards...
     Maybe I neednot say this at all, but...

    After the gathering as a responsible Christian it is the rule and common to leave the surroundings clean or even more clean than you found it before you came. Christians don't even want that in a different way!

    In that way and with that strive the spot you visited will stay available for a next time. And no-one will have 'proove' to forbid you coming there ever again. Also: your actions can have a similar example for others; there or somewhere else.

    When you visit someone's house: offer to help clearing the table, doing the dishes, taking away the garbage, folding cloths, etc. And where you are allowed to: start doing it without questions and let others take your example so you leave that house as clean as you found it when you came.

    Back to 'Get going!'