What was an early church meeting like?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “What was an early church meeting like?” invites us to explore the practices and atmosphere of the early Christian gatherings, particularly those described in the New Testament. Early church meetings were characterized by simplicity, communal worship, and a focus on teaching, prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread. Understanding these elements provides valuable insights into the early Christians’ devotion and offers lessons for how believers today can faithfully gather in Jesus’ name.

2. Context and Background

Historical Context: The early church, composed mainly of Jewish and Gentile believers, developed its meeting style within a diverse cultural and religious landscape. Early Christian gatherings were held in private homes rather than dedicated buildings, as Christianity was not yet a recognized religion and often faced persecution. These home-based meetings reflected a familial atmosphere and were typically small, intimate gatherings.

Cultural Context: The Jewish background of many early Christians influenced their worship style, which incorporated elements of synagogue worship such as reading the Scriptures, singing psalms, and prayer. Over time, as Gentiles joined the faith, the meetings also began to reflect a broader cultural and theological inclusivity.

Literary Context: The New Testament provides snapshots of early church meetings, especially in the Book of Acts and Paul’s epistles, which offer detailed accounts of how early Christians worshiped, learned, and shared life together. These meetings were not rigidly structured but were dynamic and Spirit-led, allowing for participation, mutual edification, and the operation of spiritual gifts.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation provide a biblical foundation for understanding early church meetings:

• Acts 2:42 (NASB 2020): “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
  This verse captures the core activities of early church meetings: teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread (likely including both communal meals and the Lord’s Supper), and prayer. These elements were central to the spiritual growth and unity of the early believers.
• 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NASB 2020): “What is the outcome then, brothers and sisters? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. All things are to be done for edification.”
  This verse highlights the participatory nature of early church gatherings. Each member was encouraged to contribute, reflecting a sense of mutual edification and the exercise of spiritual gifts. The focus was on building one another up in love and faith.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB 2020): “And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
  The early church valued meeting together regularly for encouragement, growth, and to provoke one another toward love and good works. This gathering was essential for maintaining faithfulness, especially in light of Christ’s return.
• Colossians 3:16 (NASB 2020): “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
  Singing, teaching, and mutual admonition were significant aspects of early church meetings. The emphasis was on the Word of Christ dwelling richly among believers, leading to genuine worship and spiritual encouragement.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Various perspectives exist regarding the format and focus of early church meetings:

1. Liturgical Perspective: Some scholars suggest that early Christian meetings followed a more structured liturgical format, influenced by Jewish synagogue worship. This would include readings from Scripture, recitation of prayers, and possibly a homily or teaching. This view emphasizes continuity between Judaism and early Christianity.
2. Charismatic Perspective: Others emphasize the charismatic nature of early gatherings, pointing to passages like 1 Corinthians 14, which suggest a more spontaneous and Spirit-led format where multiple participants contributed as the Spirit led. This perspective highlights the freedom and diversity of early Christian worship.
3. Communal Perspective: Another view focuses on the communal and familial aspect of early church meetings. The meetings were often centered around shared meals, fellowship, and practical care for one another’s needs. This reflects a model of the church as a family rather than an institution.
4. Mixed Perspective: It is likely that early Christian meetings were a mix of all these elements. They were dynamic and adaptable to the needs of the community, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the cultural context in which they existed. The New Testament provides evidence of both structured elements (e.g., the Lord’s Supper) and spontaneous elements (e.g., exercising spiritual gifts).

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that early church meetings were chaotic or lacked order. While there was freedom for participation, Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40 that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace,” and “all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” The meetings were Spirit-led but also orderly, promoting edification, not confusion.

Another misunderstanding is that the early church had a rigid, uniform structure for all meetings. In reality, the early church adapted to local contexts and the specific needs of each community. Some gatherings may have been more structured, while others were more informal and participatory.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding early church meetings can offer several practical insights for modern Christian living:

• Encourage Participation and Edification: Like the early church, today’s gatherings should encourage active participation from all members, fostering an environment where spiritual gifts can be exercised for mutual edification. This could mean allowing space for sharing, testimonies, and prayers.
• Prioritize the Word, Worship, and Fellowship: Modern churches can learn from the early church’s devotion to teaching, worship, and fellowship. These elements should remain central in church gatherings, promoting spiritual growth and unity in the body of Christ.
• Cultivate Community and Care: Early church meetings were marked by genuine fellowship and care for one another. Churches today can reflect this by fostering deeper community connections, addressing members’ needs, and providing practical support and encouragement.
• Balance Structure and Spontaneity: The early church balanced structured elements (like the Lord’s Supper) with spontaneity (such as the exercise of spiritual gifts). Modern gatherings can benefit from allowing room for both structured liturgy and Spirit-led spontaneity.

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Engage Actively in Church Meetings: Be ready to contribute with a psalm, a word of encouragement, or a prayer. Seek to build others up through active participation.
• Embrace Authentic Fellowship: Develop deeper relationships within the church community, practicing hospitality, and encouraging one another in the faith.
• Create Space for Spiritual Gifts: Encourage environments where the Holy Spirit can move freely, guiding worship, teaching, and ministry.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The early church meetings were characterized by simplicity, devotion, and a focus on Jesus Christ. By understanding their practices and priorities, modern believers can be encouraged to return to the core elements of worship, teaching, fellowship, and prayer. These gatherings were not about formality but about genuine connection with God and one another. As the early church sought to love what God loves and hate what He hates, today’s church can follow their example, seeking to be a Spirit-led, Christ-centered community that encourages one another, grows in faith, and fulfills God’s purposes in the world. Believers are invited to gather together, not out of obligation but out of a deep desire to know Christ and make Him known, encouraging each other as the day of His return draws near.