Gather

Has the church lost her meaning? In Gather, Tony Merida teaches about loving your church as you celebrate Christ together.

Gathering is a Gift

After a foreword by David Platt, Merida gives a clear and succinct summary of the beauty and importance of the local church gathering. At just under 150 pages, it is crucial entry in the “Love Your Church” series by The Good Book Company and Acts 29.

The book begins by stating that gathering is a gift. While the truths in this book are timeless, Merida writes with the background of the pandemic in mind, where meeting via Zoom and livestreaming worship services have become normal experiences. Merida is quick to say that this should not be the case, as God calls us to be an embodied community of believers.

Preaching and Singing

Preaching takes a primary spot in church gatherings.  All are called actively listen to, engage with, and respond to God’s word. Merida gives excellent action steps to show that preaching is not just the role of the preacher: (1) Prioritize the word read and preached, (2) listen to the sermon with your Bible open, (3) consider some practical ways to stay engaged in the sermon, (4) listen for the good of others, (5) listen with a view to putting truth into practice, and (6) listen to worship. The book is filled with these types of practical examples. 

Merida also gives excellent illustrations throughout. In Chapter 4, he writes in regards to singing: “Our aim should not be to produce a concert but rather a group of family members singing cherished songs with their arms around each other, or the feel of old friends at the pub singing local songs that they grew up with, or Boston Red Sox fans every eigth inning or England soccer fans before and after a game singing “Sweet Caroline” at the top of their lungs.”

Celebrate the Gospel

I was most challenged in Chapter 6, where Merida calls us to gather to celebrate the Gospel in the ordinances. I was reminded that baptism is an act of obedience, and a public profession of faith. On a specific Sunday, I saw how God had given me the opportunity to encourage others to be baptized — and I did not waste the opportunity. I remembered my own baptism, and I was moved to worship as I remembered God’s faithfulness throughout the years.

In a world that wants to become more entrenched in the digital realm, this book is a call to remember the role of local, practical, physical community. See your spiritual life strengthened as the local church is championed with Christ.

I received a media copy of Gather and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.