The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum House church vs corporate worship

I have another question which concerns the house church. I am weary of the arguments for supporting the house church such as the early church did it that way etc. We have individuals in our church who will come to the Sunday morning service but not the Sunday night or the Wed. night prayer meeting, stating that they have the small group meetings and that takes the place of gathering as a congregation those other nights (we average 6 people for prayer meeting and 10 for Sunday nights).

The early church would have loved to have the privilege to be able to worship as one body in one location, but because of persecution they couldn't. I'm just tired of the small group mentality promoted to supercede the whole body worship. I believe Bible study is great but shouldn't take the place of regular hours of worship. I believe to forsake assembling when the body comes together is harmful to the body as a whole and in my thought borders on sin against the body. It may sound as though I have it in for our church,or I'm a legalist, but that is not the case at all, it just gets frustrating to be the only person who thinks the church's blessing is dependent on what we do. Our church has been struggling, and I believe that is because of the mindset of the leadership which trickles down to the layman. I pray, I stay faithful, but it isn't easy when we are all alone. The congregation is unable to see that our struggles are a direct result of our attitude concerning the operation of the church.

Who else thinks that if we have the opportunity to worship in a group environment without fear of persecution,that should be the priority? That not to attend other than for real unavoidable reasons, borders on sinning against the body? I spoke to the pastor and the chairman of the board of deacons but was basically ignored.

What is the best approach to get the leaders to see it is necessary to be more faithful without them getting angry? I don't want to force them to come when they don't have the heart to be there, because that wouldn't be pleasing to God. It must be a desire from a willing heart and only God can bring that about, but the stubborness of the people is destructive. The individualistic attitude of the church takes precedence over care and concern for the whole body, more splintering. I mentioned about leaders being removed from office if they aren't faithful, but that was rejected. One reason, because there aren't any leaders that are faithful to all the services so they would all need to be removed. Sorry for the negativity, but I truly want to see our church grow spiritually, but it can't when there are obstacles in the way.