Last month, we began quietly “muting the feed” during sacraments and reception of new members, in line both with our child-protection policies and with a desire to dignify our communion at the Lord’s Table in particular.
Today, we are introducing a password to the livestream/webcast feed, by order of the Session at our most recent meeting. This password will change regularly, and will be made available to members and friends of the church by-request only.
In the future, homebound church-members should contact their designated “Pastoral Care Group” elder for the password, as needed. Other friends of the church can request the password by sending an email to info@antiochpca.com. Please note that granting of the password will be on a case-by-case basis.
The rationale for introducing a password to our livestream involves several considerations, chief of which is the Session’s conviction that the spiritual dangers of offering an unrestricted livestream (i.e., facilitating consumerism and absenteeism among Christians both locally and around the world) outweigh the potential benefits (e.g., providing a way for potential visitors to preview a worship service). In making this decision, two passages from Hebrews (among others) weighed heavily on the elders:
– Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
– Hebrews 13:17 – Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (emphasis added)
We will continue to make recordings of our sermons, adult Sunday School lessons, and other special messages available for review at sermonaudio.com/antiochpca and antiochpca.com/sermons.
When you are traveling out of the area, we strongly urge you to identify a Reformed and Presbyterian Church where the Word is preached and taught, and where the ordinary means of grace are faithfully prosecuted in God-glorifying worship. Please feel free to contact us for recommendations and other help in identifying such churches.
