Submitting to Elders and Attending Worship

On my walk today I happened to remember that part of the elders' role is to call the people to corporate worship on Sunday's.  The elders have oversight of both worship and the congregation.  And part of their oversight of the congregation is establishing set times for worship.

It is true that they are to use discretion in setting the time for the services.  We want the congregation to be able to attend (i.e. setting the time of worship for 8:00 on Sunday morning might not be conducive to a lot of people).  However, once it is set it is not optional.

We tend to think that corporate worship is a lot like a burger at a fast food restaurant.  The cooks (i.e elders) make it "available" and we can stop by if we feel like it.  This is quite unfortunate for a variety of reasons.  Yet this mindset is partially due to the fact that we do not understand what it means to submit to our elders.  If the elders say, "This is an official service of worship," then it is incumbent upon us to make every effort to attend.

This obviously pertains to morning worship.   It's different when it comes to the evening service though.  A lot of people will have the burger mentality, "I had one this morning.  I don't really need another tonight."

While there are legitimate reasons that may keep one from attending a service, be it morning or evening.  We would do well to remember that it is our duty to our leaders to submit to their authority in this matter.  If they deem that two services ought to be held on Sunday, we should make every effort to faithfully attend.  And we should remember that this is not just a good option that they are providing for the congregation to take advantage of if and when they can.  It is the official time of worship for this church.  It is a time where the elders are calling us to bring homage to God and share our mutual gifts and graces with our brethren.

Elders need to watch slipping into the "It's here if you want it" mentality too.  They ought to make efforts to enforce the rule they have set down.  Not that someone has to have charges brought against them for being "once-ers."  But on visitations they can say, "We see you haven't been attending the evening service.  Is there any reason why?  We believe it is in the best spiritual interest of this body that everyone be there.  We would ask that you make every effort to submit to our authority in this matter."