The Idea of Assembly

Another old popular church song declares, “When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.” The hymnwriter got the idea for the song when he was calling the attendance roll for his Sunday school class and an absent student failed to answer. He thought, “Oh, God, when my name is called up yonder, may I be there to respond!”

Assembly is central to the church’s identity. The church is not a building but the gathering of those who have been joined to Jesus Christ by faith. Paul implies with the phrase “when you come together as church” (1 Cor. 11:18). Not every group of Christians automatically constitutes a church, but Christians should have the intention of joining a community of worship.

The idea of the assembly of God’s people originates in the Old Testament with the congregation of Israel. Today’s passage describes how Israel balked at the prospect of entering the land promised to them by God (Num. 13:31–33). Intimidated by the report of some who had returned from a reconnaissance mission and reported that the inhabitants were too powerful for them, the congregation tried to appoint new leadership and return to Egypt. The Lord interrupted their congregational meeting and threatened to destroy them. This threat seems to have been intended to incite Moses to intercede for the congregation.

Much in this incident feels familiar. Churches today have disagreement about mission, resistance to leadership, accusations against others, and conflict. Israel’s experience is a reminder that God sets the direction for the church. He gives the church its marching orders. Israel’s resistance is a sobering reminder that congregations sometimes have a mind of their own. They do not always “get with the plan.”

Pray with Us

Every year our students participate in the Spiritual Enrichment Week—a time solely devoted to exploring the depths of God’s Word with renowned speakers. As this year’s week starts today, please uphold our students in prayer. May they always seek God first!

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.