Whatever Happened to the Evening Service?

Alistair Begg on the hunger for the word of God on display in the abandonment of the Sunday Evening service by the church in North America.
Excerpted from "The Word of the Lord" preached Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Parkside Church in Bainbridge, Ohio.
www.parksidechurch.com/learn/...
Copyright Parkside Church. All rights reserved.

[@margareth5501]

I left my life-long Catholic faith at age 22. My new church (Christian and Missionary Alliance), had an elder who chastised me for not attending evening service. I literally had no idea there was such a thing. The same thing happened over Wednesday evening prayer meeting - no one told me, and I had no idea. Be careful, beloved, to ask before assuming and passing judgement. Sometimes it is only a lack of experience or communication, not faith or hunger for the Word 💙

[@loremaster234]

On my way out of the RCC myself. 24 in over a week. Praise Jesus.

[@philipbaker2894]

It’s not good they don’t announce what services are going on in your church throughout the week

[@n9wff]

Pastor wants everyone to attend Wed night service. Most who pray is him and a couple leaders praying for the lost while the rest fill the seats and do nothing. I can't go because I work nights. This church is built on "biblical entertainment" (it's hosting a 10/31 party, costumes and all) and mocks the KJV bc of the antiquated language. These leaders still love Egypt. I am looking for another church while my wife wants to stay with the goats and enjoy the show. Even after all my years as a follower of Christ, I see the world and its influence in the Church in America. I can't partake in something the Holy Spirit is not part of. The reason I say this is churches back many years ago had multiple services for multiple reasons. Prayer meetings have changed; man has decided it knows better to unite than the Holy Spirit does. Now these meetings couldn't set off a spark. I would sacrifice if services were Spirit led and not man centered. Even the worship songs are based more off our feelings than knowing God. I have grown more accustomed to staying home than being told constantly "not forsake the assembly if the brethren." I get more from the old preachers in one week than I do from modern preaching in a year (give a few from today).

[@elizabethhartley8987]

Services should be announced but it not then we should ask ,

[@luboshcamber1992]

@@n9wff KJV is a mere translation. There are VERY many strictly KJV only churches that are completely apostate. If the church insist on particular translation, it is a great warning sign. And this whole KJV issue here in America started and established by false cult of Seven Day Adventists is to us coming from Europe nothing but sadly idiotic nonsense.

[@TesterBoy]

I think the main reason why there is no evening services in many churches is that American culture is increasingly obsessed with entertainment. Even the “news” shows strive to entertain.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

So many people have very deep problems that they want to try to forget. Some use constant entertainment as an alternative and unfortunately in some cases, a supplement to alcohol to try to “forget” their problems just a little while longer.

[@MountCarmel007]

@@appalachiangunman9589 Please watch "Does the Bible Support Sunday Worship?" by Hope Through Prophecy

[@robertmontgomery5959]

Evening Service still going strong in my church of less than 30

[@comowibibliawhatthebiblesa6562]

Matthew 24:5-8 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

[@robertmontgomery5959]

@Greg Jacques we'll see. I'd guess over 90% of my congregation is vaccinated. Why would you wish a virus cause our services to be canceled?

[@robertmontgomery5959]

@Greg Jacques Not sure what you mean by that statement. I'm willing to have a conversation but name calling and code talking doesn't help anyone.

[@robertmontgomery5959]

@Greg Jacques do you have a serious question? do you need help understanding the scripture you keep referring to?

[@robertmontgomery5959]

@Greg Jacques Have I offended you?

[@jimkuhn3500]

Ouch to my old pastor , this was his legacy , after saying many times he would never stop Sunday nites.....every Sunday nite as I drive by it's totally dark , how sad.....

[@nodramamomma2777]

Sad that those that will only watch this truth are those who attend church services in the evening....

[@kurtn652]

I don't go in the evening. It's 30 min away and I pay $6.50 per gallon. Two hour service in the morning is fine w me!

[@philipbaker2894]

@@kurtn652 So is your comment an accurate statement on your commitment to Christ. Perish the thought they should ask you to tithe.

[@n9wff]

Bible studies are now "life groups " Prayer groups are done by a few, not all. Worship lyrics are how we feel about God, not necessarily God Himself. Repentance is replaced by forgiveness. Holiness is replaced by favor. Obedience is replaced by cherry picking the gospel. His will is replaced by ours and He must comply. Just bless us and He gets little in return. The modern American Church.

[@k2cjbradio]

Sad but true…

[@brigadierharsh1948]

The modern American evangelical church

[@philipbaker2894]

Years ago if you decided to move church because it was compromised your wife would have gone with you. Feminism is so deep rooted and men have become so week we are no longer the head of the house. It gets to the point where if you stand up you fear the damage to your family. However if the head is sick the whole body will be sick. Our first responsibility is to our own spiritual welfare.

[@n9wff]

@@philipbaker2894 One reason where I am looking elsewhere and willing to go on to a better church without her. She will either seek the covering or live without it. Sadly, in my area, finding a church that adheres strictly to God's ways without wanting better by man's ways is getting harder than finding gold in the middle of the street.

[@philipbaker2894]

@@n9wff it might be a matter of finding a somewhat better church, even if it’s not ideal. I hope this works out well for both you and your wife.

[@cindyengle1058]

The Church is not a building but a people! We should love and be in the Word daily in our homes and disciple in our communities. Our church body has corporate worship together on Sundays, small groups that meet throughout the week to study the Word, and serving opportunities to share Jesus in our communities throughout the week. We do not “go” to church! We are the church!

[@rma3_3_3]

This Was One Of My Pastor's Pet Peeves- Pastor David Wilkerson Loved Sunday evening gatherings at church rather than sitting in front of America's t.v.

[@glassworks4850]

Was that the Pastor who passed recently?

[@fredhall5038]

I miss those Sunday evening services. When did things get too busy for them?

[@fredhall5038]

When I was new to the Faith I attended Sunday night services as well as morning services. Morning services were very structured, one-and- half hours, basically the same order each Sunday. Evening services were far less structured, given to biblical exposition. But worship was much more free-flowing and sometimes lasted for one or even two hours after the service. One could sense and physically feel the presence of the Spirit on some nights. Where the hunger is, there will the Spirit reveal itself.

[@mushroombird9400]

Interesting. My church discontinued the Wednesday evening service - much to the huge disappointment to so many of us.

[@margcarter3758]

Some churches now a days postpone the weekly prayer meeting for the summer! A sad indictment on the churches abandoning the purpose and priority of prayer!

[@mattdavi1115]

Look at the early church. There is Scriptural support. They met every day and devoted themselves to “teaching, the breaking of bread, and prayer.” The hunger for God’s Word and for prayer should drive a church to meet in the evenings. The most dead churches I know have no prayer or evening services.

[@TheRealMonnie]

They also quit their jobs and sold everything they had because they thought Jesus was returning immediately.

[@JBM101]

Western world very different than the middle eastern world ...

[@robertfishter2862]

@@TheRealMonnie Please quote the verse that says they quit their jobs.

[@jgeph2.4]

I love our evening service .

[@annetgrace5762]

We live in an area with many churches and no evening services. The nearest one is over an hours drive away - 120 km. For those of us who work in hospitality, essential services, medical, retail or shift work there is no option to go to church. Church. In this area is one hour at 9.30 am or 10 am. Makes me very sad and makes me wonder at the church leaders - way too inward looking!.

[@BoldFollower]

I don't think the strength of a church can be measured in church service attendance. I think it is one of many indicators that can help, but I remember a dark chapter of my life where I was part of a cult. We were at meetings for the church nearly EVERY day and sometimes multiple times a day. Our attendance was great, but it was incredibly unhealthy for many other reasons. Emphasis on learning and fellowship was so stressed we all started becoming robots consumed inwardly, stopped evangelizing, and no longer had organic friendships and gatherings because the pressure to show up for service was so heavy... we eventually shuddered ourselves into religiousness and got cut off from the world. I recognize this is not the norm, but Jesus never came to establish multiple services at a location... He came to establish people living for Him wherever they are at, with a desire to fellowship frequently, but when WE start to add definitions of exactly what that looks like... I think we do more harm.

[@CSUnger]

Bold Follower, seriously? Do you really think that the modern American church congregation is in any danger of being TOO demonstrative? Seriously?

[@BoldFollower]

@@CSUnger I think you’ve got categories of church attendees. People who are “all in,” “casual attendees” and “the Christmas/Easter only Christians.” I would argue, unless you are all-in… you’re probably not watching this video. And those of us who are all-in risk a different set of dangers than someone who only goes twice a year. My former pastor used to really manipulate and pressure us to come to gatherings to an incredibly unhealthy level. I’m simply sharing my experience and another side of the conversation. Your experience may be different, but I can’t speak to what you have lived through, only what I have.

[@CSUnger]

@@BoldFollower Based on your measured response, I have re-read your original comment and I have to especially agree with the latter part of your comment. Jesus did not come "to establish multiple services at a location." and "...I think we do more harm". I would go so far as to say that the actual format of the church service is actually part of the problem. He did not come to establish church services...period. It is my opinion, based on my experience, that the modern expectation that going to a church service is the sine gua non of Christianity and it distorts the actual Gospel and the understanding of just what it is to "fight the good fight of the faith". It cannot feed the New Creation but only supplies a bit of healthy human and social benefits that do little to nothing to actually "make disciples". So, no one actually grows spiritually from it. If anyone DOES grow, it is despite the church service and not because of it. It calls to mind Jeremiah 48:11 "Moab has been at ease from his youth and has settled on his lees. He has not been emptied from vessel to vessel nor has he gone into exile. Therefore, his taste remains in him and his scent is not changed" Moab, here, being a figure of the faithless church. No one grows spiritually. We just stay the same year in and year out, never really bearing any fruit. Just my experience. I was saved in a real move of the Holy Spirit back in the early 70's and I have not seen any fellowship like that in all these years. What we are looking at today is Laodecia. And they do not know that they are lukewarm. They think they are alright.

[@BoldFollower]

@@CSUnger wow. I love what you said about growing “despite” the format of the church service. Powerful statement. And very insightful from Jeremiah. I don’t want to be too critical because I don’t have all the answers… and I’m not a pastor myself so I’d hate to tell someone else how to do what I don’t do. But yeah, I think we’re on the same page.

[@danielaescobar7735]

wow, this was incredibly true.

[@margcarter9244]

It would be beneficial to have an evening service again. Also the weekly prayer meeting has pretty much been abandoned.

[@jethroscooter7214]

Matthew 17:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

[@lesvitraux]

Gosh, I have never even *heard* of Sunday evening services.

[@sarahdabardayan7465]

I am part of a small congregation and while our crowd is small, it is faithful. We have the same number of people on Sunday night as Sunday morning and the same on Wednesday evening. There is one dear lady unable to attend in the evening because of physical infirmity and of course once in a great while someone may fall I’ll or have some other reason that they can’t make it but even then they are with us in spirit.

[@pedinurse1]

I long for those evening services, they are all gone....Its awful, I need more.

[@doveofgrace]

Amen, and amen!

[@petergonzales9448]

For God so loved the world 🌎❤that He gave his only begotten Son so that Whosoever should believe on Him should not perish but Have everlasting life. Let's save the world 🌎together. Pray

[@pedinurse1]

We went to church, Sunday am, and pm and Friday pm

[@angloaust1575]

Different situation from the early church Bibles are available most can read One Anglican vicar rather than being in a pulpit distancing himself from congregation used to walk up and downs the pews preaching With no microphone He had a powerful voice being spirit filled!

[@CSUnger]

What’s even worse than that is the drop off in morning services in the summer. Oh yeah, gotta take those vacations while the world isn’t quite on fire yet. We really do have judgement coming to us.

[@La19930]

We’re missionaries in Mexico… Thanks to Jesus, our evening services have become our packed services… but then again, the other services are getting up there too… There’s a hunger for God’s Word… Same is with our mother church in the USA! Come On Somebody

[@jackjohnhameld6401]

*The darkness of church buildings after four o'clock on Sunday afternoons*: A haunting and troubling image.

[@johnmiller5678]

True

[@srv1704]

The churches in our rural area are closed on Sunday night. Gets in the way of watching football,I guess. i miss my home church as a young believer.

[@chickenheart896]

You hit the nail on the head. We would rather watch football then worship together on Sunday night. Growing up with only two television channels was a blessing in disguise . By the time I was in college the sports obsession was in full flower. I remember attending a small Reformed Presbyterian Church (I was looking for a church home). It had solid biblical preaching. They had Sunday evening services. But I was shocked when football season started up. Instead of beginning the service at the regular time, those of us who came for worship had to WAIT until the NFL game was over. The pastor, the elders and the "youth" had to see the end of the game. You could hear them in the next room oohing and ahhing and laughing, groaning and shouting over the various plays. Needless to say after about three weeks of this, I left discouraged.

[@n9wff]

I knew a church that cancelled its Sunday night prayer so ppl could watch their favorite team see if they get into the playoffs. Put it in the local paper as an advertisement. Let the rest of the world what they think is more important. Football over God.

[@chickenheart896]

@@n9wff Just as bad are the "Super Bowl Sunday" services where everyone is encouraged to wear the apparel and colors of the team they are rooting for. The songs, and all other aspects of the service must have a sports theme. The "sermon" must be chock-full of football metaphors. We are so Laodicean.

[@billibandz1761]

It's simple, if a restaurant isn't making money on the lunch service. Lunch service goes bye bye.

[@lizward2344]

not in the Bible study / prayer meeting?

[@tracydonnelly1645]

Very true! Whatever happened to labouring in the Word and Doctrine? 1 Timothy 5..

[@danielbeardsley7846]

I grew up Protestant, and am now Orthodox Christian. Our evening service is done on Saturday night, and there's no preaching. People attend the Vespers service to pray to the Lord and hymn to him. The crowd doesn't matter, for where there are two or three gathered in His name, there He is in their midst.

[@gwentomlinson4205]

The strength of the church is not how many people show up for the evening service. Recent poll said only 16 percent of professing Christians read the Bible daily. I think if pastors would spend more time reading the Bible and less time preaching, God would strengthen His CHURCH to reach the world with The Good News of salvation through Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord. But how many pastors actually spend more time reading God’s Word than babbling on? Some pastor are cute, some funny, some very articulate, some great speakers and entertainers, but I am sick of the babbling. I learn more by reading the Bible on my own than wasting my time at a “ church service”. I’ve been a Christian for 25 years. I have attended and visited many different denominations trying to figure why the churches don’t function according to what the Bible teaches. So nowadays, I attend only a church service only on Sunday mornings . What’s your thoughts Paster Paul ?

[@mahoneychris17]

I do agree. 1 Tim 4:13 states that we need teaching and preaching but another point is the public reading of the scriptures. The preachers now seem to have the other two down, but have neglected the public reading of the word. We have lost this due in part to everyone has a bible nowdays and would just say I can read it on my own, which most are lying and never even know where their bible is most of the time. I think we are blessed greatly to have the bible so we can read whenever we can, but the bad part is now the church uses that as an excuse not to read the scriptures. Which is another reason why so many Christians are so lost and divided.

[@n9wff]

Because man believes it can improve on God's ways. The modern American Church does not resemble the NT example. Worship, prayer, service, and reading of the Word has been replaced with "programs." We'd rather follow programs, just in case God doesn't show up, which He hasn't for a while.

[@alfzepo9976]

I usually attend youth group on Wednesday evening

[@John3.36]

Of course the Genevan churches under Calvin were strictly enforced by rule of law of the state. So, if you missed a service, you were in danger of being punished harshly.

[@Jared-im4gl]

Also let's not forget that another reason to have so many sermons back then was that the average person was not literate and did not have a copy of God's Word.

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

@@Jared-im4gl and let's not forget the lack of biblical literacy in today's Christianity.

[@Gablesman888]

The harsh punishment was a fine.

[@mrs.manrique7411]

“Tell me about your church. How many people come to your church? What is the strength of your church?” “The test of the church, in terms of its hunger for the word of God, is in the evening service.”

[@pastorjimbob]

Hi Emily, Our church is in a poor area of Glasgow where churches have been closing down. Unfortunately good Scot's preachers like Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson have their ministries in USA and would probably not receive the support they get there if they returned here. We have about 30 at our evening service and about 30 adults and 30 children/youth at our morning service. We preach the gospel.You can listen to our preaching via www.springburnaog.org.uk to check that out but there is a great falling away in this land of Scotland. Although we have a great Christian heritage the National Presbyterian church here (the church of Scotland) has apostatised and is now holding gay weddings and having gay ministers. There are still many faithful ministers (with their churches) in this denomination who do not hold to this but remain in the denomination This is the church which Dr Sinclair Ferguson trained and ministered in for many years. The Baptist church in Scotland , which nurtured Alistair Begg, is holding on in affluent areas of the country but the influence and presence of the Baptist church and other evangelicals is at a low ebb. We have pockets in Scotland where there are big churches bucking the trend mostly in University areas but the rural town influences throughout the nation needs revived. Pray for us. Maybe you know some folks who would want o come over and help us. Bless you..

[@pastorjimbob]

Sample/ this is our last am Sunday service kzbin.info/www/bejne/oanWcpWwrq9_bq8 Jesus in Malachi Sunday am 31st March 2019 preaching after open worship & breaking of Bread.

[@n9wff]

I want to see not only their prayer meeting but HOW they pray. If their meeting is led by a few and everyone else remains quiet, it's not good. There is little teaching on it and less trust. I avoid man made groups that the Holy Spirit no longer leads.

[@magicelliotth]

I would strongly recommend Allstair’s book “pray big.”

[@sanjoserock1]

Its the LORD’S DAY!!!!!! Not morning or afternoon or night! From sun up to sundown he is worthy of our praise and worship. Only people complaining about night service are those who refuse to put God first complaining about they have to get ready for work and they have to get the kids ready for school. Every person has six days to do what they want and need to do why is it so hard to give God a full 24 hours on His day?

[@chrisford9045]

Yes, all 24 hours are the Lords

[@CPTBlackDragon07]

Our Church has an eveing Bible Study. My Home Church where I grew up in has evening Bible Study, and then a Worship Service as in the morning. 😎👍✝️❤🙏

[@CPTBlackDragon07]

@Greg Jacques I'm an Ordained Baptist Pastor and Chaplain. JWs are a damn Cult.

[@CPTBlackDragon07]

@Greg Jacques Damn comes from the word damnation. You are a moron...God have mercy on you.

[@CPTBlackDragon07]

@Greg Jacques 1. Not a child 2. I'm a man in my 40s 3. Don't start crap with me

[@CPTBlackDragon07]

@Greg Jacques You sound like a dumb 20 year old who has no clue.

[@jvo3777]

Get right with God friends, many end times prophecies of thousands of years ago are playing out as we speak! Accept the free gift of salvation, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-10, repent of your sins, and you will be saved! 🎺

[@wesleyhite8203]

God has never ever answered any of my prayers. Not even one. If someone else prays for me, will that help.

[@hankshooter3383]

“And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure. And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:3, 6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Don’t try to make God a liar with that statement. Your prayers go unanswered because you come before God with pride.. instead of with a humble and faithful attitude. Of course your prayers barely reach the ceiling when you come before God. Don’t make God the liar.. because you are the liar. God is always true.

[@BaconPizza]

All you’re prayers are answered. They may not seem answered, but they are.

[@franciscoscaramanga9396]

You should probably humble yourself. When's the last you fasted?

[@anessarodriguez1320]

Is there faith in your prayers? Have you been continuing in His word and applying it in your life? There are many reasons why prayers can go unanswered, whether it be to test our faith or to examine how we're living out our faith! Here are a few scriptures that may help :) Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you." 1 John 5:14-15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything *according to His will*, He hears us. And if we know He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." Luke 18:1 "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart."

[@n9wff]

Strange how everyone had an answer without fully knowing the question. More information is needed before this could be answered righteously.

[@rlyle5804]

Professing Christians (PC's) are too busy. All Jesus is going to get is an hour on Sunday. If the pastor preaches too long, they leave. That golf course wont play itself.

[@marylamb6063]

Traditions of men. The "Sunday Evening Service." No wonder the church is going down fast.

[@normgardner4560]

Or Wednesday nights?

[@christophercunningham5434]

Look at the back of the heads in this video, most of the people are older. Not knocking the younger generations, I’m knocking the ones who raised them.

[@brianbannon6746]

John 6:47; Romans 4:5

[@rlyle5804]

Matthew 7:21

[@don-michealbell6303]

Sounds like Mr. Begg

[@jdaze1]

Traditions of men.

[@luboshcamber1992]

Evening service is a nice tradition. And that's what it is. No need to make it as being "a test". It is not a bad tradition but it's nothing more. He qutoes Geneva church, not the Scriptures. Tradition. We are to walk with the Lord every day, there might be milions going to 2 services and their hearts are far away from the Lord and they are not able to recall one verse from the Scriptures. On the other hand, there are faithful Christians that belong to church with one service. Nothing wrong with one, nothing wrong with two. It is wrong though to argue for two as if we are better Christians if we go to two services.

[@toddpurvis9621]

I think over time people came to recognize that family, and family time comes before going to church. Ask any preacher's kid, who had to share their parents with the church during their formulative years.

[@toddpurvis9621]

Hi Ryan. Yes God comes first. Then family, then going to church. God and going to church is not the same.

[@davidward5225]

If Sunday is the sabbath (which it is not), isn’t the sabbath supposed to be a day of rest? I can tell you from years and years of being in church all morning and then several hours at night that Sunday was no day of rest.

[@CometoRedeemer]

"Rest" in the biblical sense is ceasing from the mundane ("of the world") tasks which consume our lives in order that we may then direct our energy exclusively toward godly thoughts, practices, and deeds. Thus one entire day each week has been mandated by God in Scripture for this purpose. As for the argument that Sunday is not the sabbath, I would refer you to John Owen's commentary on Hebrews 4 where the Old Testament Sabbath rest (the Seventh Day) was changed in the New Testament when, in his resurrection, Christ's works were finished (he rested) and the believer in Christ enters into His rest (Hebrews 4:10). Therefore the New Testament Sabbath is the First Day of the Week when Christ was raised from the dead. I'm not interested in arguing the point. I won't be responding to your expected reply.

[@brandonmalone5758]

““If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:13-14‬ ‭

[@nicford1486]

I wish some of these people would go work construction, then tell me rest on Sunday does mean actually REST. The sabbath was made for man. Not man for the sabbath.

[@chickenheart896]

@@nicford1486 I am assuming from you statement that when you "rest" on Sunday you stay in the house, Perhaps you lie on the couch or in bed or you may sit in an easy chair. Resting. You don't go fishing. You don't play golf. You rest. You don't toss the football around in the yard or turn on the tv to watch sports (that is not exactly restful is it...what with all the emotional ups and downs of rooting for your team). You don't go out to eat, you don't play video games or surf the net. You just rest. Sure you do.

[@elizabethhartley8987]

I don’t think you understand

[@wannafly85]

This is opinion piece, not scriptural, but that’s fine… My opinion is we would be further ahead spiritually, if we could teach the American church what a true Sabbath rest looks like, instead of trying to perpetuate a cultural tradition…

[@dwashington1333]

Sunday Night Football.

[@JBM101]

Herein lays a possible answer ... people work so many hours or are involved in the lay work of the church ... they dont want to go to "another service". Some thier only day off is Sunday ... that is due to the capitalistic bent Western world has ... So get more creative, get more innovative ... I know this is 3 years old video but it is still vaild point I make.

[@craigyerger203]

Well, when you tell people that Jesus did away with the Law so that they are "free in Christ" to work 24-7, it means that you can forget about the working class having access to the local church. They are too busy making the tacos that you eat after church. Since "doing to others as you'd have them do to you" is legalism and doesn't apply to you anyway because Jesus said that, "before the Cross," you may now go mistreat the waitress.

[@Jared-im4gl]

And yet, in those arguments - no Scripture used to back it up. Because in the end, it's just his opinion - not Scripture. Might as well have been a TED talk. Most churches that have done away with the evening service have a Sunday School hour and a mid-week service as well. Many of those churches also have small groups in people's home's throughout the week. He mentioned the arrogance of assuming that we have the right way of doing things - yet he is projecting that same sentiment towards other churches that have no formal evening service.

[@mscottster444]

And there is no argument for holding less services as well. It’s a matter of opinion. Frankly I agree with him. I would love to have a Sunday night service. But frankly (in this he or most likely right) not many people would go.

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

Keep the Sabbath holy. Meaning the whole day will be dedicated to worshipping God. There is your scripture.

[@chickenheart896]

Problems with small groups. (1) They are amorphous and shape-shifting, One week people come and the next week half don't show. The following week the host home is suddenly not available. Then the small group leader decides his time for leading is up and it's somebody else's turn. (2) People tend to "small group" with their set. Parents with young children want to be in the "young family" small group. Young single adults want to hang with their peers. Nobody wants to get stuck in the old people small group. (3) Small groups divide the church body into ever smaller units. Because Christians do not want to attend an evening service on Sunday, (and pastors don't want to go to the trouble of preaching another sermon) they think they have found an out with the small group paradigm. But the small group model is detrimental to thinking holistically about the Body of Christ. There is no substitute for the meeting together of the WHOLE church. Old, young, men, women and children. Tragically, meeting together on Sunday evening is just too much of a sacrifice.

[@ProfFrank]

I'm willing to take an adverse position. An evening service on Sunday is entirely a matter of church tradition. It has no biblical basis. In fact, a morning service has no biblical basis. Worship on the Lord's Day does have a biblical basis, but no one has the biblical authority to dictate or lord it over another person or church as to when, how, and how long, worship on the Lord's Day should be. The Lord's Day is NOT the sabbath. It is not the Christian sabbath. No Old Testament rules about observing the sabbath apply to the Lord's Day. Any church or minister who attempts to measure the Christian faith, character or godliness of another church by imposing sabbath-like standards on it is engaging in the kind of legalism that the apostle Paul condemned in Galatians 4:10 and elsewhere.

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

The Lord's Day is 24 hours isn't it? i didn't know that the Lord's day lasted only 1.5 hours on a Sunday morning.

[@Gablesman888]

God's command is straightforward: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Intimate obedience, coram Deo, takes time. Much time, unless someone takes God and His commands lightly. Read in Acts how often the early Christians worshipped during the week.

[@ProfFrank]

@@Gablesman888 You essentially make my case for me. There's no scriptural basis for requiring a Christian to go to this or that service. Suppose your church decides to meet on Monday night at midnight, in addition to all their other services. Does that obligate you to go? And take your own example. Are you willing to worship every day with your church, all the time, and would you impose that discipline on all other Christians? You'd have a tough time defending such a concept on a scriptural basis. Impossible, in fact. Loving God with your whole being doesn't necessarily translate into rigorously following one church's, one denomination's, or one pastor's idea of what that means.

[@Gablesman888]

​@@ProfFrank You missed the point. Coram Deo, what is your understanding of the requirements of the Shema? In other words, give your personal testimony of what you personally do . Give us your sage advice. No recitation of the days of the week is necessary.

[@jasonferguson6753]

ProfFrank Biblical basis and no further eh? Maybe meditation on the first commandment would be wise for you, unless 1or 2 hours a week will suffice you, true love for The triune has no boundaries, in this case "Biblical basis" is regardless of our measure of love and devotion to The Saviour, seems "biblical basis" is used alot as an excuse for inactivity. Always in the testimonies of saints who have experienced true revival in Church, they have said "time had stopped, they didn't regard it, they couldn't get enough of God, this is the way all saved sinners should think, revival or not.

[@MountCarmel007]

Please watch "Does the Bible Support Sunday Worship?" by Hope Through Prophecy

[@rodolfoelias4691]

You can have a hunger for the word of God and not go to an evening service. What is this all about? I go to an evening service, but I don’t know what other members of the church are doing during that service. They could be serving our community, loving on an elderly family member, who knows. Why does Calvinists and the reformed community add extra burdens on Christians?

[@TheShannontsmith]

Having church is great, going to church is a good thing. How many church goers can honestly say they worship at home, in their cars, at work, and any other time while not at “church”. If a church is not leading people to a relationship with God, it is nothing more than a Bible Walmart making a job for a preacher and maybe a couple more people. Now those that do have a relationship with God please don’t take offense. So if you desire to have an evening service, so be it. If attending an evening service or midweek service helps you in your walk with God, awesome. Just don’t let it become another opportunity to guilt people into “going to church”, make this an opportunity to teach more in-depth on how to have a relationship with God. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be for, teaching?

[@sanjoserock1]

Your statement is very offensive and you sound like an immature Christian to compare church to a Bible Walmart shows exactly where you stand…. there are blessings that can be had in the house of God that won’t happen in your house…. because we make our way to worship. How much praise and worship and preaching is going on in your house…. from your answer I bet very little.

[@TheShannontsmith]

@@sanjoserock1 you didn’t understand my post. I have a very strong relationship with God and my statement wasn’t intended to be offensive at all. I have attended many different churches in my time on earth and what I have found that most people have a desire to grow closer to God and if a church doesn’t help do this people move on. Problem is a large portion of people think that God is only in a church building and this is definitely not the case, simply attending church will not save your soul from torment only the blood of Jesus can do that. God is everything and everywhere, but if someone doesn’t understand this to be true they can grow away from the presence of God and become unbelievers. The gathering together of believers is a time for testimony and praise but even more than that a time for the elders to teach the young in Christ and show them how to walk with God everyday. I talk to God everyday and he has saved me from so many things and taught me more than I deserve.

[@JBM101]

I think alot of pastors are unrelatable to thier congregants lives ... marrieds, with kids, both workig full times, kids got activities after school, family time, marriage time, social time, etc ... this pastor and his circle are not in touch with people in the real world. If you are reading this Pastor do you agree?

[@freedomrider266]

Please show me in the NT where it says ANYTHING about evening or mid-week services? There's no command to even hold weekly services....All the NT says is to not forsake the assembling together (Hebrew 10:25)....As a man of God, it saddens me how many so called Christians can't seem to function without a formal weekly meeting, instead of ACTUALLY doing the things Christ has commanded us to do!

[@foroneanotherwinningtogeth1142]

I'm not so sure. I'm starting to think the whole idea of any sermon, where a paid professional spouts at people for 45 min with no true interaction and no chance for the people to personally explore what he is taking about is wrong. I sure don't think having to sit through it twice is better. I say this as a pastor, BTW. People don't sit silently for such long periods with no chance to reply, ask questions, and the like anywhere but in CEO addresses and pastor sermons. I don't think it's the right way any longer.

[@foroneanotherwinningtogeth1142]

@@DaphneMeetsClay what do you mean? Are you asking if the church I am at is dying? No, it's not.

[@foroneanotherwinningtogeth1142]

@@DaphneMeetsClay No dying churches. Several with members who were mis treated by pastors who had too much power, lost humility by being nearly worshipped and being allowed to "delegate" 100% of the less fun stuff (funerals, visiting the sick, etc) that pastors like to say is the reason they are so busy, and were not given any accountability checks. In other words, pastors who got to be professional orators and CEOs.

[@chickenheart896]

You're a pastor? And you don't think it's the right way any longer? So why don't you initiate a question and answer session after the sermon? And seriously, 45 minutes is too long? I dare say most sermons in most churches last about 30 minutes. If that. That's all the modern Christian can handle before they start looking at their smart phones. Class, can we all say "Laodicean."

[@guitartrashman]

Ask your Calvinist friends that all dress like theyre 15 and put on rock concerts at church to draw in the crowds.

[@BaconPizza]

What

[@katelynboone2933]

I don’t know any Calvinist churches like this or would even think of having that..that’s more progressive Christianity 😅.

[@clarkelaidlaw1678]

if I were a member of a human blood sacrifice cult I would be too embarrassed to tell anyone.incredibly some people still think it is something to be proud of.

[@jackadam1144]

I understand how it seems, but it really isn’t that - It’s a relationship with a loving, sovereign God that gives hope and peace to those who are in pain. I’m praying for you. Jesus wants you to be fully satisfied in Him, since that is the only way to be truly satisfied. God bless you

[@BaconPizza]

Well it’s the truth no matter how crazy it seems to you

[@scottfgrimm]

100% disagree on the evening service idea. Society itself has changed to a mobile society. The Sunday night idea was for those whose work hours couldn’t accommodate Sunday mornings. Please dear Pastor recreate Sunday night in a different way and stop trying to put the Jeannie back in the bottle, that ship has sailed and it’s not because people don’t believe or are not faithful. We are fighting the good fight in business everyday in ways you don’t seem to understand or won’t recognize. All in love of course, but this teaching seems guilt trip-ish and is flat mistaken.

[@chickenheart896]

You couldn't be more wrong. The majority of professing Christians use Sunday as a recreation day. Sunday morning service is just a pit stop on the way to the beach or the family's favorite restaurant. Sunday evening is reserved for watching football and other sports. Years ago, I had a college professor tell our class at the beginning of term that he did not accept any late papers. No excuses. He said, "You do what you WANT to do." And he was exactly right. People do what they WANT to do. And our Laodicean church wants to watch football.

[@philipbaker2894]

There are probably more people now whose work means they can’t go to Church on Sunday mornings, that would increase the need for a Sunday evening service. If you don’t want to go on a Sunday evening then it is a blessing to others that you do not attend unwillingly.

[@2wheelz3504]

You're right. Society has changed, and the church has changed right along with it. Unfortunately, the changes have not been for the better. In this free society (at least for the moment) we can do exactly what we want. The fact is we no longer want to go hear God's Word preached on Sunday evenings, and most pastors don't want to do it either.