In the latest Broken Wharfe podcast, John-Mark and Oliver welcome Joey Tomlinson, pastor of Deer Park Fellowship in Newport News, Virginia, to discuss his children’s board book "Why We Gather" and its connection to the resource "Gathered for Glory". Tomlinson argues that Christians must prioritise gathered worship because Christ is worthy, God commands it, and it is spiritually good for believers, warning against replacing corporate worship with individualised “worship in all of life.” He outlines a biblical-theological case for the Lord’s Day as the Christian Sabbath rooted in creation, Christ’s resurrection and Pentecost, and the New Testament’s corporate assumptions (including preaching, church oversight, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper). The conversation emphasises teaching children that Sunday worship is the “best day,” cultivating anticipation through weekly rhythms, and practicing hospitable, multigenerational services where children learn and are confronted by the means of grace.
