As we hit the halfway mark in November I think it is safe to say that the holidays are officially upon us. For some, that is great news. For others, well, let’s just say you would not be upset if the world skipped Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Why the differing response? There are plenty of reasons one could point to, but for now I will highlight one: family. Quite simply, there are some who look forward to gathering with family, some who dread it, and others who don’t even have family to visit. Why do I bring this up? Well, during a season where the topic of family can bring to the surface such a wide range of emotions, I think it is appropriate for Christ followers to be reminded of the family they ultimately belong to–the church. This family is not perfect. And yet, Christ purchased it by His own blood, bringing together sinners from every tribe, nation, and tongue. All who have trusted in Christ are united together as brothers and sisters with God as our Father. 

As one might expect, this family gathers. The household of God meets every Sunday to hear, pray, and sing the Word of God. In our gatherings we love, serve, and pray for one another. Scripture also commands that we meet (see Heb 10:23–25). And yet, Sunday morning is not the only time that we gather. Complementing Sunday worship are spaces like Women’s Bible Study, Men’s Breakfast, and Prayer Gathering. Another example is our Member Gathering, a vital family meeting for Providence members that occurs quarterly. Why hold member gatherings? The answer is twofold. There are both theological and practical reasons, and my prayer is that by the end of this you would be encouraged to make these meetings a priority in your life. 

First, member gatherings are a theological outworking of who we are as Christians. We convene regularly as a theological extension of who we are as family members. Paul reminds the Galatians, “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Gal 3:26). Prior to this remark, Paul explained the purpose of the Mosaic Law in Israel’s history. One thing the Law did

was to mark out Israel as the people of God. They were a chosen nation in order to witness to all other nations of God’s holiness. Indeed, Israel was God’s son and represented Him to the world (see Exod 4:22). But now, Christ has fulfilled the Law and made sonship possible for anyone who would trust in Him. In other words, sonship no longer is reserved for the corporate nation of Israel but is extended to every individual who believes the gospel. 

The author of Hebrews elaborates, “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,” (Heb 2:10–11). Notice how Jesus calls those who have been sanctified, or set apart in holiness, “brothers.” Before this, however, we were not His brothers. Rather, we were “children of wrath” (see Eph 2:3). In other words, separated from Christ we were orphaned and estranged by our sin, but now, through faith, we have been adopted into God’s family. 

These passages remind us of who we are at a fundamental level: children of God. Our earthly families make it a point to be together, so how much more should our spiritual family? From holidays to simple meals, our natural families are intentional to meet. How much more should the brothers and sisters of Christ intentionally meet throughout the week? The Lord has been kind to sinners, adopting us into His family. The theological outworking of this is that we would regularly gather as a family. One opportunity for this is our quarterly Member Gathering.  

There are also practical reasons for attending these meetings. Important family matters need to be discussed that would not be helpful to divulge on a Sunday morning. Specific topics that don’t pertain to the non-member would not be conducive for the whole gathering. More importantly, Sunday morning is primarily for the proclamation of the Word of God (see 1

Tim 4:13). Thus, member meetings allow the elders to discuss things that are relevant and important for the church, but may be inappropriate to give attention to in our weekly gathering. 

Additionally, though led by elders, Providence is still composed of individual members who play a role in the maturation of the church. Member gatherings are a great chance for Providence members to speak the truth in love to one another, bear one another’s burdens, speak directly with elders, ask questions, share insight, and more. 

Lastly, there is the gift of receiving intentional care. What do I mean by that? James exhorts those who are sick to call for the elders of the church for prayer (see James 5:14). Elders are called to shepherd the flock of God among them, caring for the spiritual health of her individual members (see 1 Peter 5:1-5). Member gatherings afford a more intimate setting where members can receive the care that Scripture calls them to ask for from their pastors. 

Why does Providence hold member gatherings? As those who have been transformed by the gospel, we have been adopted into a greater family. As a result, we seek to meet regularly as family members who want to care for one another and spur one another on to Christlikeness. Alongside this theological reality are practical benefits: members discuss Providence-related issues, take responsibility for the church, and receive intentional care from elders. I hope this encourages you to join us November 16th as the family of God gathers, once again, as an outworking of who we are, for the glory of God and the joy of His people.

Get Involved:

• Join us at our next Member Gathering on November 16th.
• Not a Providence Member yet? Visit our Membership page to learn how you can take your next step in joining our church family.