Dr. Tom Wadsworth's research emphasizes the New Testament as the most reliable source for understanding early Christian assemblies. While the Didache offers a glimpse into post-apostolic church practices, its late discovery, uncertain authorship, and potential redactions limit its reliability compared to the well-attested New Testament documents. Wadsworth's work underscores how early church practices evolved, as detailed in his video series and research papers.

Dr. Tom Wadsworth challenges the notion that early Christian gatherings were directly based on synagogue worship, explaining that no biblical evidence supports this claim. His research highlights that early Christians met in homes rather than synagogues and that synagogue meetings of the first century were not “worship services” as modern readers might imagine. Instead, early Christian assemblies were centered on shared meals and fellowship, with their practices detailed in the New Testament.

Dr. Tom Wadsworth advises seeking a local church and connecting with a small group within it for Bible study and fellowship. These groups can meet anywhere—homes, parks, or restaurants—and provide opportunities for mutual edification and spiritual growth. He also recommends his video Worship #7: What Do We Do Now? for further guidance.Dr. Tom Wadsworth advises seeking a local church and connecting with a small group within it for Bible study and fellowship. These groups can meet anywhere—homes, parks, or restaurants—and provide opportunities for mutual edification and spiritual growth. He also recommends his video Worship #7: What Do We Do Now? for further guidance.Dr. Tom Wadsworth advises seeking a local church and connecting with a small group within it for Bible study and fellowship. These groups can meet anywhere—homes, parks, or restaurants—and provide opportunities for mutual edification and spiritual growth. He also recommends his video Worship #7: What Do We Do Now? for further guidance.

Dr. Tom Wadsworth explores whether New Testament verses about church practices are prescriptive or descriptive. While some verses give clear commands, others simply describe first-century church activities. He highlights cultural context, such as Paul's instructions on greetings and women’s head coverings, suggesting these may have been influenced by Greco-Roman and Jewish values. Wadsworth emphasizes the importance of understanding context and focusing on what modern churches may be missing in their practices, rather than labeling them as right or wrong.

Tom Wadsworth discusses the term "worship" in Acts 13:2, where some translations use the Greek word λειτουργούντων as "worshiping," but he argues that this is a mistranslation. Instead, he suggests the term should be understood as "ministering" or "engaging in priestly service." He explains that the term is rarely associated with worship in the New Testament or the Septuagint and aligns more with priestly service. Wadsworth concludes that the five individuals in Acts 13:1-2 were likely involved in prophecy and teaching rather than worship in the modern sense, emphasizing that modern interpretations should avoid anachronisms.

Tom Wadsworth's journey from a Lutheran upbringing to involvement with the Churches of Christ and further theological study has shaped his unique perspective on church assemblies. With degrees in biblical studies and New Testament theology, Wadsworth challenges traditional views by emphasizing edification as the purpose of the assembly rather than worship. His research focuses on understanding first-century practices without defending any specific church's approach.