To Gather

The nature of humanity incorporates the desire for relation, communication and a sense of belonging. We achieve the satisfaction of this innate desire through different mediums in today's modern world whether it be; social media, parties, dates and meals with friends and family. When we gather, we gather around a source or platform that unites us. In some cases that could be entertainment such as a movie or sporting event, or it could be something as simple as food. We celebrate each other's accomplishments and life stages by gathering. It is no stretch to say that humanity has a tendency to gather. We like doing life and doing things together. The Christian worldview supplies a valid reason for this common trait. We are made in the "image of God" or the Imago Dei. This image is not so much a physical one, as noted in Genesis 1:26-27, but rather the communicable attributes of God that are cast into the craftsmanship of the human being. After all, God is a community within Himself in some sense of the word, as he is "three-in-one." He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit infinitely and always. He is never "alone" for a lack of better term. To be made in the trinitarian mould is to be made with desire for relationship and companionship. No wonder God saw that in Genesis 2 that man should not be alone and that it was "good" for him to have a helper or partner. Considering this understanding, then it is no surprise to me that a hallmark feature of the church is that it "gathers." We commune together in worship as we come to the Lord's Table each and every Sunday to feast together.

In the 6th century BC the Greeks would gather city and state representatives in the first rendition of a democratic political system. These gatherings were called ekklesia or "ecclesia." This word being the root word of our study of the church, ecclesiology. The early church was known for its main feature; it gathered. Christians gathered in secret, in homes, in shelters of all sorts and they would gather to fellowship, to read God's Word, to join in communion and to worship God. Read Acts 2:42-49 and you can get a glimpse into the fellowship of the early believers. This gathering would be so prolific as a feature of the Christians that they would adopt the term "ecclesia" and literally be known as the ones who gather. They would gather under persecution and under threat of life, because they knew it was important that believers would gather to strengthen each other in faith.

As I write this, I am currently under self-isolation at home. I have a grandmother who is 91 years of age and I do not plan to put her life at risk with the novel corona virus. As the pastor of my church, I decided that our services would go online and be streamed to our members. On one hand, it is a blessing that we can continue to worship "together" in this way. On the other, it is saddening that the church is unable to be together on Sunday mornings to worship God as one. I think there is a grand importance to the literal gathering of believers, not just to maintain some ancient tradition, but as a symbol of remembrance, celebration and reflection of the image of God. Just like how we gather together to celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings, and family reunions. There is a real meaning in gathering for occasions like these and there is a real meaning in gathering as a church. I can not imagine the millions of Christians around the world in areas where there are no other Christians to gather with, or places where gathering is strictly prohibited and impossible. The underground church of North Korea, the small pockets of believers throughout the Islamic world, and the persecuted Christians across the 10/40 window. What an honour it is to be able to gather! As I sit in my room and ponder how to prepare for our online service this coming Sunday, I am heartbroken that I live in such luxury and privilege while many of my fellow brothers and sisters are living out a reality where they are forced to be alone. It is hard enough believing with people, I can not imagine what that is like without people. People to pray with, sing with and walk with. My prayers go out to those in such situations.

I am convinced that the church is an institution hallmarked, in one sense, by its tenacity to gather. We are gatherers in every sense, we are meant to be together as we live out faith. With the rise of the internet and other online forms of worship, many have strayed from physical gathering for the convenience of online gathering, but make no mistake. This is not how we want to demonstrate our faith to the world. In certain times like right now with the threat of this virus, it is wise to exercise patience and caution, for the sake of neighbours. But when this ends, so too will our isolation and separation. The church will gather again. This is temporary brothers and sisters, let us await that day when we are together again and the world will once again know that every Sunday, the church gathers.