The common element of these and similar reasons is that, even if the problem was corrected, they are not good enough for anyone to stay in the assembly. To put it another way, if you are at your assembly because of the young people, the preaching, the activities, the numbers, and then you have a shaky foundation for assembly fellowship. Sooner or later you will become disappointed in at least one of these things.   This helps to explain why people who appear to be committed to their assembly will often, when they move, abandon the assembly for the local evangelical church. The basis of their fellowship was weak in the first place.  

The central truth of the New Testament church is that Christ is the centre of gathering. He will never disappoint us. Everything about the assembly flows from this.   For example, the diversity of gift means that no single member is prominent or upon whom the assembly is vitally dependent. Plurality of elders assures that no shepherd is in charge, but all work together in the care of the flock. If the assembly fails to recognize this, it has failed completely. “He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.” (Col. 1:18)

If we cannot see Christ as pre-eminent in our gathering then the assembly will easily disappoint us. My commitment to the local church should be because He is there. If our loyalty to the local church is based on its social benefits, quality of preaching, amount of activity, youth programs or even success at evangelism, then that loyalty is a frail thing indeed. This is not to minimize the importance and value of all these things. In fact, an assembly that sees the Lord as pre-eminent should see evidence of spiritual growth and activity, which manifests itself in sound preaching, evangelism, and happy fellowship among the believers. But these things are the fruit, not the root.

The first mention of the church is from the lips of our Lord Himself when He said, “I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt.16:18). He will build. It will be His church. It will be His success. Nothing in the assembly is to honour man. “The lamb is all the glory of the Immanuel's land,” The Lamb is all the glory of the church as well.

Paul would   write to the Ephesians and point them to God's grand objective among His people, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto it a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried   about with every wind of doctrine,   the sleight of men,   and cunning   craftiness,   whereby they lie in wait to deceive;   But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things,   which is the head,   even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined   together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph4:13 – 16).

The book of Revelation points us to a sad downward picture of the church. In Ephesus, the first church mentioned, the charge is, “Thou hast left the first love” (Rev. 2:4 ) In Laodicea, the last church mentioned, the picture there is   Christ outside the church patiently seeking admittance, “Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Rev.   3:20 )

Unhappily today we must admit that in many church systems, Christ is no longer pre-eminent and He is outside the door. Programs, preachers and psychology have moved to the forefront. We also must acknowledge that there are many fine and godly believers in these systems, but through failure of their shepherds they have not been taught the scriptures.  

In the assemblies today we need to recognize and to demonstrate that Christ is the centre of our gathering.   His character should be seen in our conduct. If He is there, then no one will leave. In everything you do in your assembly make sure “that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.”

By Brian Gunning from Counsel