Reflecting on the Importance of Public Worship and Mutual Encouragement
Introduction: Why This Reflection Matters
Have you ever wondered why Christians put so much emphasis on getting together for worship? Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together,” and wondered what it really means. In a world where it’s easier than ever to stream a service from your couch or catch up later online, it’s worth asking: why do we need to actually gather? Let’s take a closer look at this important call, what it means, and why it matters for all of us.
Understanding ‘Not Forsaking the Assembling’: A Simple Explanation
The phrase comes from the New Testament, specifically Hebrews 10:25. In plain terms, it’s a loving reminder not to give up meeting together for public worship. It’s not just about being on a church membership roll or calling yourself a Christian; it’s about showing up, side by side, with others who share your faith. The heart of the command is about gathering as a community to worship God—not just being part of the church in name, but in practice.
The Meaning of ‘Episunagoge’: Bringing People Together
Let’s talk about the Greek word at the heart of this verse: episunagoge. Don’t let the word scare you! In simple terms, it means “a gathering together”—specifically, people coming together in one place. In the New Testament, it refers to the assembly of believers for worship. It’s not just any meeting; it’s a purposeful gathering where faith is shared, prayers are lifted, and Jesus is honored. It’s an invitation to real connection, not just to belong in theory, but to participate in the life of the church.
Why Some Neglect Gathering: Then and Now
Let’s be honest: there are plenty of reasons people skip out on meeting for worship. In ancient times, some were afraid of persecution. Others may have gotten discouraged, felt disconnected, or simply found it inconvenient. Today, it might be a busy schedule, tiredness, disappointment with church experiences, or just the ease of tuning in from home. Sometimes, life feels overwhelming, and gathering can seem like just another thing on the to-do list. But when we neglect meeting together, we miss out on something vital for our spiritual health.
The Sacred Duty of Meeting Together: Faith in Community
Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey. Our faith is deeply social—we’re designed to grow together. Gathering for worship isn’t just a nice option; it’s a sacred duty and a privilege. When we come together, we strengthen each other, share our burdens, and experience God’s presence in a unique way. Like coals in a fire, we burn brighter when we’re together; when separated, our spiritual fire can fade. Public worship keeps our love for God and each other alive and well.
Mutual Exhortation: The Power of Encouraging Each Other
One of the greatest gifts of assembling for worship is mutual encouragement. When we meet, we remind each other of God’s promises, share our stories, and lift each other up when times are tough. The Bible calls this “exhorting one another”—cheering each other on in the faith. No one is meant to walk this path alone. In worship, our voices blend together in prayer and praise, and we help each other stay strong, especially when life gets hard.
The ‘Day Approaching’: What Does It Mean?
The verse also mentions “the day approaching.” What does that mean? For the early church, it likely pointed to a coming time of crisis—such as the destruction of Jerusalem, which changed everything for the first believers. But it also speaks to the ultimate “day” when Christ will return. For us, it’s a reminder that challenging times are always possible, and big changes can come unexpectedly. When the future looks uncertain, gathering together becomes even more important. We need each other most when times are tough or the world feels shaky.
Conclusion: Make Gathering a Priority
If you’ve been drifting or sitting on the sidelines, consider this your gentle nudge: don’t forsake gathering with your church family. Public worship isn’t just a tradition—it’s a lifeline. We grow, heal, and find hope together. The world may change, but the need to assemble, to worship, and to encourage one another remains. Let’s make it a priority to show up, worship together, and keep each other strong in faith, especially as we face the days ahead.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 