How Then Shall We Gather
Posted by appolus on July 17, 2026
Over many years I become convinced that many of our assumptions about church life deserve to be re-examined, not in light of tradition, but in light of Scripture.
The New Testament draws a distinction between office and gift. Elders (or overseers) are appointed to oversee the flock, guard sound doctrine, and ensure the health of the church (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5β9; 1 Timothy 3:1β7; 1 Peter 5:1β3). Deacons serve in practical ways so that those entrusted with spiritual oversight are not diverted from prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1β4).
By contrast, Ephesians 4:11β16 and 1 Corinthians 12β14 describe the ministry gifts Christ has given to His Body. The emphasis is not on one man performing nearly all the ministry, but on the whole Body functioning under the headship of Christ. “Each of you has⦔ (1 Corinthians 14:26) presents a gathering in which believers contribute according to the gifts Christ has distributed, with everything being done decently and in order.
One of the striking features of the New Testament is that the most detailed description of a church gathering is found in 1 Corinthians 14. Paul concludes the chapter by saying, “The things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). If that is so, then the pattern deserves careful attention.
Today, the vast majority of Protestant churches follow a liturgy centred on a single speaker, often leaving little or no opportunity for the participatory ministry described in 1 Corinthians 14. Yet nowhere does the New Testament explicitly replace that pattern with a sermon-centred gathering led by a “senior pastor.” The expression “senior pastor” itself does not appear in Scripture, while elders and deacons are plainly appointed.
This raises an important question: have we gradually exchanged the apostolic pattern for one shaped more by later history than by the Scriptures themselves?
The issue is not whether preaching is biblicalβit is. The issue is whether the gathered church is meant to be the ministry of one gifted man, or the orderly ministry of the whole Body under the oversight of faithful elders.
If the New Testament itself has altered the apostolic pattern, then let us gladly submit to that. But if it has not, then surely our responsibility is not to defend tradition, but to return to the Scriptures and allow them to shape the life of Christ’s church.
A Call To The Remnant 
Michael Ferguson said
Hello Frank.
I just want to thank you for your ongoing contributions to the body of Christ- which are evidently prompted by the Holy Spirit in you.
Over and over I’m encouraged by your thoughts and words, for the reason above, but also because I am your fellow traveler on the very same road.
I remember many years ago when I was despairing of all the church related practices which so rarely echoed what I read in the New Testament, and kept thinking over and over, “Why are we doing these things,” or even more, “Why are these leaders teaching us these things.” Many more years passed before I finally decided that only My Father could answer these questions and that’s where and when I really started to see.
I have been on this road (outside of religious institutionalism for some thirty years now) and like you still write about these things. Father has had to make some adjustments within me (I’m slow to learn) but I’ve never seen more clearly then I do at this present time. As you know, on one hand this is a wonderful thing, and yet we know with much wisdom comes much sorrow. It is as you say a very narrow road and so few upon it. After many years of sitting in the shadows, I’m only now once again “coming out of my cave” and hoping to become more involved with the Fathers business through me.
I don’t have many friends, don’t make much of a friend at that (way more of an introvert than extrovert) but I know sound words of encouragement when I read or hear them. It was only recently I heard of a man called Austin Sparks (whom I’m quite sure you’re familiar with) and marvel how much of what He taught rings true in my own life. I suppose the same could be said of you. I read online this morning his book, “As it was from the beginning” and subsequently ordered a bunch of copies online to give to others I know who are new in the faith. I really believe that’s where our impact can be made the most, reaching out to those still in their sins. Sure, I care about those Christians still caught in the jaws of the NAR or even extreme reformed views, but I tire of arguing with people who can’t stop defending their cherished manmade constructs despite Jesus being so much better than them all.
Anyway, just wanted to say hello. I pray for you as I receive your emails and am glad to have you traversing a little while longer after your recent health trial. We’re destined for this, be it hard or harder, but Jesus Himself is up to the task is he not?
Press on brother, and keep sharing what the Father reveals to you. There are still a few beyond the obvious who are listening.
Michael
appolus said
God bless you, Brother Michael. It certainly can be a lonely walk at times.
I know T. Austin-Sparks well. He was a marvelous writer. He, along with Tozer and Chambers, has been a great blessing to me over the years.
I do not argue with people anymore, and have not done so for a long time. The Lord has called me rather to write to and encourage the remnant. Every now and then I will contend for the faith, but only if I truly feel led of the Lord to do so. In a world such as ours, there is always the danger of casting our pearls before swine.
I have found that there are many who simply do not have ears to hear, and I would rather spend my time encouraging those whom God is drawing deeper unto Himself.
It is good to hear from you, brother. May the Lord continue to strengthen and encourage you in your walk.
God bless you.
Bro. Frank