When we read the New Testament we’re looking through a window into the past almost 2,000 years ago. The four gospels don’t mention the church as it hadn’t been established yet.
We see in Acts 2:38 the church is first established. There is no list of instructions giving in acts or the Epistles when to come together for a church service, what to do in the service, etc. What we find is examples.
The two scriptures giving us examples.
Acts 20:7 (KJV)
- 7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (KJV)
- 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
- 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that
- there be no gatherings when I come.
There are many other examples on church proceedings of Paul preaching in the different churches at that time.
So what we have learned from these examples the local church service has come about. In locals churches Christians come together on the first day of the week to worship, Partake of the Lords Supper, To sing spiritual songs, Pray and to be edified by a sermon preached on a particular subject. A collection is taken from attendants for the support of the church.
There are countless Christians oriented churches which have added to the Sunday services and week day gatherings, presenting a point of view on politics, a invited guest giving a lecture on a subject recommended by church leaders, straying away from the preceding paragraph example of a Sunday church service.
Rather than stray from a New Testament following of a church service it could be announced where these lectures could be attended or a note pinned on the church bulletin board.