Gather: Loving Your Church as You Celebrate Christ Together
ISBN: 9781784988272Why do we meet on Sundays?
Now that technology allows us to access services remotely, many see little need to meet face to face every week. Others think that because we have a personal relationship with Jesus as Christians, church is an optional add-on. For some, they know deep down that there is a reason why gathering on Sundays is important, but they are weary and don't feel excited about it. So what is the purpose of corporate worship, and what is our role in it?
In this book, Tony Merida highlights how in-person Sunday gatherings are central to God's plans and to our faith and joy. He reminds believers of their privileges as citizens of heaven, members of God's family, and stones in God's temple.
Readers will see how each part of a church service (preaching, praying, singing, baptism, Lord's Supper, and building each other up in conversations) are ways to enjoy and share God's grace, and are therefore essential for spiritual endurance. You'll also be reminded that your presence in corporate worship matters because you have a part to play in encouraging your brothers and sisters and spurring them to love and good deeds.
Read this book to renew your understanding and enjoyment of going to church and to be excited by the ways in which your presence can encourage others.
There are discussion questions at the end of every chapter with action steps, making it ideal to read as a small group or even a whole church. Accompanying free downloads are available that can be used for small groups. There are downloadable worksheets, a PDF version of the book's discussion guide, introductory videos for each chapter and more.
If you are a pastor looking to remind church members of the importance of gathering as God's people, this resource is for you.
This book is part of the Love Your Church series, a collection of thoughtful and practical books that will inspire every church member with a biblical vision of what it means to be a local community of God's family. Church members can explore together what it means to belong, to welcome, to gather, to care, to serve and to honour one another, and to witness and send people out to spread the gospel.
Contents:
Introduction: A Renewed Vision of Your Gathering
1. The Gift of Gathering
2. Stir Up One Another
3. Hear God's Word
4. Sing Together
5. Pray Together
6. Celebrate the Gospel Visually
7. Reach Outsiders
8. Scatter
Conclusion: Gathering Together to Change the World
Author:
Tony Merida is Pastor for Preaching and Vision of Imago Dei Church, Raleigh, NC and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of a number of books, including Love Your Church, Ruth For You, The Christ-Centered Expositor, and Ordinary. He and his wife, Kimberly, have five adopted children.
Endorsements:
This is a timely and necessary call to all who profess to love Jesus. Tony writes in a way that not only tells me why I need to gather but makes me want to.
--Alistair Begg, Bible Teacher, Truth For Life; Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Cleveland; Author, Pray Big and A Christian Manifesto
Gathering regularly to worship the risen Lord Jesus is essential to the health of the Christian and the health of the church. Without it, we will wither and eventually die spiritually. This book highlights both why we gather and what we do when we gather. Read it with much encouragement and profit.
--Daniel L Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, NC
This timely book crackles with energy from cover to cover. The theological vision of church life that it offers is grand and exhilarating, yet it is grounded and practical, down to the value of a good night's sleep on Saturday night! I hope that everyone in the church I pastor will read it, and I am excited to put its lessons into practice in my own life. You could easily read this book in a single sitting-which is great, because it is worth reading over and over.
--Nick Tucker, Author, 12 Things God Can't Do
As a pastor, Tony Merida is giving his life to serving the local church. As a scholar, he uses his considerable gifts to bolster the church and those who serve it, through his teaching and writing ministry. Merida brings the full weight of his experience and gifting together in Gather. All who love the church will be encouraged by reading Gather, and every local church will be strengthened by applying its message.
--Jason K. Allen, President, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Host, Preaching & Pastors Podcast
Additional Information:
| Cover: | Softcover |
| Number of Pages: | 139 |
| Publisher: | The Good Book Company |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Discussion Questions: | Included |