“Gospel FlashMob”– Guest Writer

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Aug 18, 2011 in Christian Living, Guest Blogger | 1 comment

“Gospel Flashmob”

By Mark T. Tonkery

One of the trends in today’s culture is something called a “flashmob.”  For those who do not know what a “flashmob” is it is a group of people who use social media, cell phones, or email to assemble suddenly in a public place.  They then do an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, for the purpose of entertainment, and then disband.   Recently “flashmobs” have taken on a new nature where there has been a “flashmob” announced for people to go to some convenient store or mall for the purpose of robbing it.

This new craze gave me an idea; what if instead of entertaining, or robbing people, we as Christians would “flashmob” area congregations.  We could converge at a local congregation’s worship service, gospel meeting, Vacation Bible School, or other event.  Instead of causing havoc we could bring fellowship, encouragement, and moral support to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Romans chapter 16 the Apostle Paul listed a number of Christians he asks to greet each other.  Some scholars believe that Paul is asking the Jewish Christians to go and greet the Gentile Christians and vice versa.  Whether that is true or not, we may never know, but we do know that Paul wanted these Christians of various house churches to greet each other.  As Christians today we still need to continue to obey the commanded to “greet one another” (Rom. 16:16).

Often when I go to a gospel meeting, or some other Christian event I hear different Christians from various congregations say, “boy this is nice getting together, we do not do enough of this.”  It is true in today’s society we have become very isolated from one another.  We do not visit, or fellowship other Christians like we once did.  This has led to disunity, division, and other problems.  Although we are autonomous congregations we are still brothers and sisters in Christ who must fellowship and encourage one another.  What better way to greet one another than going and “flashmobing” another congregation with our love, encouragement, and fellowship.

By the way “flashmob” this Sunday at the Laings, OH Church of Christ at 9:45 a.m.; bring your love, encouragement, and fellowship!  If you cannot make it, go to your home congregation they could use your support as well!!  Be there!

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb 10:24 -25)

by Mark T. Tonkery, Evangelist

Laings Church of Christ

Mark has been preaching for 17 years.  He has been preaching at the Laings, Ohio Church of Christ, near Woodsfield, Ohio for the past 3 years.  Mark is currently teaching at Ohio Valley University this fall as an adjunct teacher.  He was born in Fairmont, WV and graduate from Ohio Valley University.  Mark has been married for 13 years to Laura (Keplinger) Tonkery of Columbus, Ohio and they have two daughters Breanna and Samantha.