I’ve been listening to a seminary class via iTunes - the History of Christianity Part 1. In the class, the professor, Dr. Frank James III, describes what worship looked like in the second century church. Let me summarize.
He says there were basically two parts to a worship service - Bible reading, teaching (for explanation and a challenge to live a holy life), singing, and praying (both spontaneous and prepared.) It borrowed heavily from Jewish worship in the synagogue (which is understandable considering Christianity came from Judaism) Anybody could attend this part of the service - whether or not you had been baptized. If you were just checking out Christianity, or not yet a true convert, you could attend this part of of the service.
But then there was a second part of the service, which only those who had been baptized could attend. Remember, you could be killed for being a Christian, and baptism was the ultimate public display of affection for Jesus. This second part of the service would contain the Lord’s Supper. And I believe the offering.
I find it interesting that the early church made a distinction between these two parts of a worship service. They apparently took into consideration that there were people on different spiritual levels in the service. They had a part of the service that was reserved for true Christians, but still allowed others to hear the sermon and participate in singing and praying.
At Oak Leaf Church, I recognize that on every Sunday, there are people in the audience that come from a variety of spiritual backgrounds. Some are Christians, but some are not. It’s a challenge to prepare a service that encourages the Christian towards holy living, presents the gospel for those who do not believe, and conveys truth to all who atten - from the 16 year old student the 65 year old retired lady.
It seems to me that this early church was mindful of people that didn’t yet know Christ when planning their worship services, which leads me to believe that the “seeker-sensitive movement” (I hate the term, because on one hand the Bible says there is no one that seeks God, and on the other hand we’re all supposed to be out seeking and making disciples) isn’t a new invention.
What do you think about this? And I wonder how the boys and girls from the Christian Research Network or Old Truth would respond to this. I can’t believe I’m suggesting this, but if they can be nice, I’d like to invite them to respond.
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