Rethinking the Multisite and Multiservice Church Models
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the way we gather as churches has been drastically altered. With many churches unable to meet in person, the question of what constitutes a church gathering has taken center stage. Jonathan Leeman, author of “One Assembly: Rethinking the Multisite and Multiservice Church Models,” argues that the multisite and multiservice church models are unbiblical and undermine the unity of the church.
Leeman asserts that the Greek word “ekklesia,” translated as “church,” refers to a physical gathering of believers. He contends that the Bible uniformly presents the church as a single assembly, citing examples from the early church in Jerusalem and Corinth. In contrast, multisite and multiservice churches divide the assembly, either geographically or chronologically, and therefore do not constitute a true church gathering.
Leeman’s argument is not just theoretical; he believes it has practical implications for the life of the church. When a church gathers together, believers can see, hear, and touch one another, fostering a sense of community and accountability. In contrast, multisite and multiservice churches can lead to a lack of connection among members and a diminished sense of responsibility to one another.
One of the primary objections to Leeman’s argument is that it would limit the reach of the gospel. However, Leeman counters that this thinking is short-sighted and prioritizes short-term gains over long-term faithfulness to Scripture. He argues that a biblical approach to church gatherings will ultimately lead to greater fruitfulness in evangelism and discipleship.
Leeman’s book has sparked important conversations about the nature of the church and its gatherings. While some may disagree with his conclusions, his arguments are worth considering, particularly in light of the current pandemic. As believers, we must carefully evaluate our practices in light of Scripture and seek to prioritize faithfulness to God’s Word, even when it challenges our assumptions and traditions.
In this season of separation, Leeman hopes that Christians will come to appreciate the value of the assembly and recognize the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life. As we navigate these uncertain times, may we be led to a deeper understanding of what it means to be the church and to a greater appreciation for the importance of gathering together as believers.
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