THE GATEKEEPER PROTECTED THE FLOCK FROM INTRUDERS

The Biblical model of worship looked very different from today's Greek model of spectator Churches.  The Hebraic model was small, 8-12 members who gathered in homes.  They were called Kehilats and enabled the five-fold ministry* to emerge as the dancing hand of the Holy Spirit anointed the exact person that God chose 

The role of "Pastor" was that of a shepherd.  He comforted the hurting members; visited the sick and infirmed; spent time in fellowshiping one-on-one with the shut-ins and elderly.  The Pastor never brought a prepared sermon according to the principles of Hermeneutics!  Worship was not led with a rock band of performers and entertainers.  Rather, individuals who were inspired with a psalm, hymn or spiritual song led in worship.*

A very important member of each Kehilat was the "Gatekeeper." (שׁוֹעֵר Shoer) The role of the Gatekeeper was to ensure that only the close-knit, known members of the Kehilat could enter the home sanctuary.  This protected the gathering of believers from spiritual as well as physical intruders ...

• “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.  The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  The Gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out."    ~ John 10:1-6

The Greek model of worship adopted by the western world originated during the 4th Century with the institution of the Basilicas under the leadership of Emperor Constantine.  This is the venue that consists of one person speaking for all, standing in the Bema (Pulpit), usually lofted above the arena of spectators.  Today's model has evolved to include musical performances, entertainment, Worship Cafes with food, drink, socializing, book stores and merchandise, etc. This Westernized form of worship also includes wide open doors and let all who wants to enter, do so.  Such a far cry from the Hebraic model of gathering together for worship as outlined in the Bible.  The sanctuary was for Believers with knitted hearts--not a venue for evangelization and altar calls. "For what fellowship has light with darkness?" **

In the New Testament (Brit Hadashah), there are at least 10 Kehilats (קְהִלָּה assemblies (Kehilats)--all located in the homes of the Believers ...

• Priscilla and Aquila - Romans 16:3-5
• Philemon - Philemon 2
• Nymphas - Colossians 4:15
• Chloe - 1st Corinthians 1:11
• Ephesus - Elders teaching house-to-house - Acts 20:17,20,28
• Stephanos - 1st Corinthians 1:16
• Aristobulus - Romans 16:10
• Narcissus - Romans 16:11
• Cenchrea (Phoebe's house) - Romans 16:1
• Lydia's House at Thyatira - acts 16:15

Why such small gatherings?  Because the Hebraic model of worship was intended to encourage intimacy and a safe haven for every member to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Kodesh).  Imagine any member of the Kehilat stepping forth with a "psalm, a hymn or spiritual song" *** in a contemporary mega-multi assembly?  The members were known by the others.  You didn't bring strangers or unbelievers into the sacred space reserved for the Bride to worship the Bridegroom. 

God is calling a return to his House of Worship as He designed in the original model.  Perhaps we should consider that call and just maybe, the headlines will not be gruesome accounts of church tragedies.

*    Ephesians 4:12-13
**  2nd Corinthians 6;14
*** Ephesians 5:19