Elders must give account for the flock (Hebrews 13:17). Must the flock also give account? According to Romans 14:12, each Christian will give account of themselves to God.
Each Christian must be an active member of the body (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12), and each member must give consideration to and be responsible to the rest of the body (Hebrews 10:2425). A Christian who makes an active decision not to assemble with the church does not obey God’s instruction and will someday give account.
Unforeseen circumstances may occasionally cause us to miss services. However, persistent absence from the assembly (“the habit or manner of some”) is against God’s will. One may rationalize they are spiritually okay and do not need to attend services – they not only forsake others, but they deceive themselves. We have a responsibility to our brethren to be in the assembly for them as much as we do for ourselves. How else will one be individually edified and also fulfill the scripture to edify others?
We miss our members who are not engaged with the rest of the church family. And we are sad when they no longer feel the importance of being with brethren.
The shepherds encourage every member to do their part to encourage and edify one another. The shepherds encourage every member to do their part to help restore the erring.
DO – commit to being at Karns for each assembly. DO – commit to knowing your brethren outside your own family. DO – commit to edifying and encouraging your brethren. DO – commit to allowing yourself to be encouraged and edified by your brethren. DO – commit to checking on someone missing and encourage them (e.g. call, visit, card).
I am very thankful for the Karns congregation and those who faithfully serve God. Imagine the impact the church can make if every member was actively doing their part to ensure a fully functioning body!
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
For the elders, Terry Clark