We have made the decision to move our Sunday gathering from 5pm to 11am. Not much else will change. We will still eat together, learn together, listen together, and live sent together. But there are several reasons we have decided to make this move:

1. Many attend another church on Sunday mornings.

Nothing wrong with visiting other churches. However, we think this leads people to not being committed to either. Plus our covenant states that members of Matthew’s Table will not function as members of another church. Some push back on this, but it seems that God takes covenant very seriously or it wouldn’t of consisted of men cutting a piece of flesh off. Simply stated, one way our relationship with Jesus is reflected is through our commitment to a local church. This includes the giving of our time, talents, and treasure to the mission of God in the world.

2. A cultural expectation in the South.

I cannot tell you how many conversations I have had with people that have never darkened the door of any church in their lifetime and even despise the church, yet still expect the church to gather on Sunday mornings. This cultural norm seems to be deeply ingrained into the Bible belt.

3. People get lazy.

I do not mean that in a negative way . . . well maybe a little bit. What I do mean is that by the time 4:00 rolls around, families are usually settled into whatever they happen to be doing and then must change course in order to attend a church gathering at 5:00 and they get lazy. In other words, it becomes a hassle.

4. It will free us up for missional activity the rest of the day.

Meeting at 11am rather than 5pm will give us the opportunity to spend the afternoon and evening together engaging in missional activity. Our worshipping together should compel us to mission, right?

Anyone a member of a local church that gathers at an off time? What advantages/disadvantages did you find?

What are some of the advantages/disadvantages you see with gathering in the morning?

I would like to hear your thoughts . . .