This week I had the fun as a gift from my wife to see one of my most favorite artists in concert: VMV Nation. The venue was a bit out of the ordinary, a former church in Millvale, PA. Churches converted to other uses seems to be the recent thing for many churches. Back in 1990 Buffalo, NY was a buzz when Ani DeFranco Started a record label in an old church in the downtown area. It also served as a music hall for her as well.

While enjoying the show I did have some sadness in seeing the church the way it was compared to what it became. It was just around 10 years ago that people were attending worship services there, getting baptized, getting married, and funerals were being held there too. Now it serves the concert goers as a venue that nobody ever expected it to become just 10 years ago.

On this facebook group page I shared a statistic that many religious people in recent times have chosen to stay home rather than go to church and feel that that is acceptable worship. I have done that in the past and it can be, but if there are other ways to bring people together for worship they often are better for the purpose God has in mind.

Bringing people together outside the home is a loving thing. It is a neutral ground that everyone can learn to love each other despite their differences. We saw this at the concert. Many people of different ages and backgrounds brought together to enjoy music. it was fun and you felt the closeness in the 200 plus there. Then you realize it was the same in that church 50 years ago, only they were there to worship God.

Never forsake gathering as it says in Hebrews 10:25. Not only do people benefit from you being there with them but you may also benefit too. Even though churches may close there still should be a desire to meet those who love God as much as you do. In- home worship does not always give that same experience in a common setting. 

Happy Sabbath!

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig