The royal service

The next time you see an elegant, white-robed minister standing before a professional-quality choir, be sure to thank (or blame) Constantine.

Constantine was emperor of the Roman Empire in the fourth century, coming to power after having a vision or dream where heard a command, “by this sign, you will win.” He put the sign of Christ on the shields of his army, and proceeded to beat back the opposition.

It was under his reign that Christianity changed from a persecuted religious sect to a state-endorsed religion.

Before Constantine, most church gatherings were simple meetings in homes. But a religion worthy of an emperor needed the pomp of an emperor.

Constantine financed the building of many imposing basilicas and instituted ornate robes for the ministers. He paid for professional choirs and introduced incense, grand gestures, and special signs. Processionals, just like the royal processional to the throne, now began the worship time.

Congregations transitioned. Where once they participated, now they became the audience.

The Christian church structure changed. We can debate the effects of state approval on church services, but we must remember one thing: many of our common traditions today come not from a biblical directive, but from Constantine’s hunger for style.

Tradition is not wrong unless it shields us from God’s commands. The challenge for the church throughout history is to focus on God's commands. The church must mandate what God mandates – nothing more and nothing less.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47