Should I visit congregations that are changing how things are done?
Question:
My question concerns the Sunday order of service and slightly different services. I was added to the body about two years ago. Sometimes I like to visit the services of other churches of Christ. After one such visit, I mentioned to someone that the church I visited had communion after Bible class. I felt awkward because this was something I had never experienced. I was told that the order of service was wrong (citing Matthew 26:26-30) and I should not visit that particular church. Another church I visited had coffee and rolls in the entry hall directly behind the pews. I personally felt this was wrong. I grew up in a time (50's) that whatever church we visited, the services all seem to be in similar accord. I have also been told about a church of Christ with a choir. Could you please speak on this matter? Would it be wrong for me to go to these churches? When I say wrong, I am referring to how it is in the eyes of God.
Answer:
The Lord's Supper is part of a congregation's worship service (I Corinthians 11:20). It should not be connected to Bible study. However, the Bible does not set whether the worship service comes before or after a Bible class or is held at a different time of the day. It must be held on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), but when it is held on Sunday, it is up to the local congregation.
Serving food when a congregation is gathering for worship directly violates what Paul stated. "What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you" (I Corinthians 11:22). "But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come" (I Corinthians 11:34). It has nothing to do with what you or I feel about the matter. God stated what He wanted.
Choirs change the command for everyone to speak to one another in song (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). See Choirs and Solos.
A congregation violating God's commands is not worth visiting again.
