House Church - How It's Done.

[Digging4Truth]

Do any of you currently hold housechurch services?

How does an average service go?
Any pointers?
Do you break bread etc?
How often do you meet?


I would be very glad to hear any comments from those who may have some experience in this area.

Thanks

[Pastor Keith]

Do any of you currently hold housechurch services?

How does an average service go?
Any pointers?
Do you break bread etc?
How often do you meet?


I would be very glad to hear any comments from those who may have some experience in this area.

Thanks

We have weekly House/Cell/HFG meetings every week.

Our format includes but is not limited to the following:

Food/Refreshments

Welcome-Prayer-Icebreaker to get people talking

Worship-sing a couple of songs, either by Ipod or Acapella, but in the past we have had piano or guitar led services.

Word-Short scipture based teaching with discussion and question and answer time.

Works-Seek the Lord through prayer and the operation of spiritual gifts. Very powerful!

I try to have these end within 2 hours, but often we go 3 hours if the Lord moves mighty, we let it go on.

[Digging4Truth]

Do you feel there is any correlation between the food/refreshments and what we call the Lord's Supper?

It seems sometimes in the word that what Jesus instituted was a fellowship rather than some major solemn occasion.

What are your thoughts along this line?

[COOPER]

We have weekly House/Cell/HFG meetings every week.

Our format includes but is not limited to the following:

Food/Refreshments

Welcome-Prayer-Icebreaker to get people talking

Worship-sing a couple of songs, either by Ipod or Acapella, but in the past we have had piano or guitar led services.

Word-Short scipture based teaching with discussion and question and answer time.

Works-Seek the Lord through prayer and the operation of spiritual gifts. Very powerful!

I try to have these end within 2 hours, but often we go 3 hours if the Lord moves mighty, we let it go on.

How big is your house and how many attend?

[Digging4Truth]

Great question Coop... I also have another question...

Once a housechurch gets established what is the norm for the food/refreshments? That the host family provide it or that each family/individual bring a little something?

Also... do you use the concept of multiplying out and forming an additional housechurch when your particular group reaches around 20 or so?

[Esther]

We have weekly House/Cell/HFG meetings every week.

Our format includes but is not limited to the following:

Food/Refreshments

Welcome-Prayer-Icebreaker to get people talking

Worship-sing a couple of songs, either by Ipod or Acapella, but in the past we have had piano or guitar led services.

Word-Short scipture based teaching with discussion and question and answer time.

Works-Seek the Lord through prayer and the operation of spiritual gifts. Very powerful!

I try to have these end within 2 hours, but often we go 3 hours if the Lord moves mighty, we let it go on.


What do you do for icebreakers?

[Esther]

Just started.

Give us some time to learn. :)

[Digging4Truth]

Just started.

Give us some time to learn. :)

How's it going by the way?

You guys having a good time?

[Pastor Keith]

Do you feel there is any correlation between the food/refreshments and what we call the Lord's Supper?

It seems sometimes in the word that what Jesus instituted was a fellowship rather than some major solemn occasion.

What are your thoughts along this line?

My thoughts about the Lord's supper have changed, at this time I am in flux, I realize now that what we commonly call communion today, in scripture it was clearly a meal with great significance. I am not sure how to apply all what I have learned in this setting. But I feel now that communion is definetly under utilized.

[Esther]

How's it going by the way?

You guys having a good time?

Yes we are.

We have had wonderful messages and a very good response. We average from 6-10 and never the same ones it seems. :)

[Pastor Keith]

How big is your house and how many attend?

We just moved into a larger house, we rented it just because of its size for small groups. It is 2700 sq. feet. Two living areas, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and large kitchen set up for entertaining. I have anywhere between 15-50 people show up. This year we focusing much more on small group/House church than ever before, I am trying to raise our awarness and leaders who can take it and run with it.

[Pastor Keith]

Great question Coop... I also have another question...

Once a housechurch gets established what is the norm for the food/refreshments? That the host family provide it or that each family/individual bring a little something?

Also... do you use the concept of multiplying out and forming an additional housechurch when your particular group reaches around 20 or so?

I will ask everyone to bring something, last week we had potluck, Carne Asada and everyone brought something.

The whole point about groups is everyone participates, so the expectation is that everyone needs to bring something to the meeting, ie, food or a spiritual gift.

[Digging4Truth]

My thoughts about the Lord's supper have changed, at this time I am in flux, I realize now that what we commonly call communion today, in scripture it was clearly a meal with great significance. I am not sure how to apply all what I have learned in this setting. But I feel now that communion is definetly under utilized.

Yes sir... I am in much the same place.

I have no hard and fast feelings about it but it is something that I feel is important for me to search out and find more about the original intent and usage.

Until then... I just keep praying and studying.

[Pastor Keith]

What do you do for icebreakers?

Think of general question that goes with the main teaching.

For example if we are teaching on spiritual gifts, then I might start with this icebreaker question.

What is the greatest gift anyone ever gave to you? And Why?

[Pastor Keith]

Yes we are.

We have had wonderful messages and a very good response. We average from 6-10 and never the same ones it seems. :)

Glad to hear, sometimes its better when you have to work it out for yourselves.

[Digging4Truth]

Once a group reaches 20 or so and you multiply into 2 groups... Do you have any guidance for the elder who started the group as to...

how to help the new group become established
how much/how little they should be involved as the new group gets on its feet

etc

[Digging4Truth]

This isn't a "how do you do it" question but... once a housechurch multiplies to 2 and 2 to 4 etc and the initial elder (along with others) is assisting the newer works as the need arises....

Do you see this as similar to the role of an apostle?

[Michlow]

Can a house church have just 1 member? (or counting my dog...2 ?)

[Digging4Truth]

Keith4Him...

This may not be something that you are comfortable with but I thought I would put the thought out there anyway.

Have you ever recorded a housechurch service? Whether audio or video.

It would be a great resource to see one actually happening.

[SDG]

If you are looking for some resources ...

I've posted some on the net ... that I received from House2House (http://www.house2house.net) ... a site dedicated house churches

Here is .pdf ... it is a guide that will help you plant a house church ... AWESOME (http://respiracreative.com/gettingstarted.pdf)

Watch a video showing the explosive growth world wide of house churches (http://respiracreative.com/housechurch.wmv)

[Praxeas]

Great question Coop... I also have another question...

Once a housechurch gets established what is the norm for the food/refreshments? That the host family provide it or that each family/individual bring a little something?

Also... do you use the concept of multiplying out and forming an additional housechurch when your particular group reaches around 20 or so?
It should be light snacks and the Host usually does it or you can rotate. You might decide to all have a dinner together occasionally, but really it's intended to be light not a full course meal.

Though in my experience it ended up being meals like pizza and enchiladas etc etc ...I would often have some fruit and cheese and crackers

[Praxeas]

My thoughts about the Lord's supper have changed, at this time I am in flux, I realize now that what we commonly call communion today, in scripture it was clearly a meal with great significance. I am not sure how to apply all what I have learned in this setting. But I feel now that communion is definetly under utilized.
perhaps it was more like a cedar celebration

[Pastor Keith]

Keith4Him...

This may not be something that you are comfortable with but I thought I would put the thought out there anyway.

Have you ever recorded a housechurch service? Whether audio or video.

It would be a great resource to see one actually happening.

We are in the process of getting it recorded both video and podcast. The podcast will be done on Thursday. The video sometime soon, this move has set us back a bit with the video situation. But it will come soon. I will post the podcasts on myspace site.

[Praxeas]

We are in the process of getting it recorded both video and podcast. The podcast will be done on Thursday. The video sometime soon, this move has set us back a bit with the video situation. But it will come soon. I will post the podcasts on myspace site.

Got link?

[Pastor Keith]

Got link?

Let me talk to Jeanie, she is setting it up for me, the less I have to do with myspace the better. So she will be running it for me.

[Praxeas]

cool....BTW when is she gonna show up? :heeheehee

[Digging4Truth]

We are in the process of getting it recorded both video and podcast. The podcast will be done on Thursday. The video sometime soon, this move has set us back a bit with the video situation. But it will come soon. I will post the podcasts on myspace site.

Fantastic....

Do give us a heads up over here as well please.

[Nahum]

We are in the process of getting it recorded both video and podcast. The podcast will be done on Thursday. The video sometime soon, this move has set us back a bit with the video situation. But it will come soon. I will post the podcasts on myspace site.

Keith, would you let me know when this is ready?
I am very interested in this concept.

[Garfield]

I attended a house service this week. There were about 60 in attendance.

[Digging4Truth]

I attended a house service this week. There were about 60 in attendance.

In one home?

[Nahum]

I attended a house service this week. There were about 60 in attendance.


No way!!!!!!! :bliss

What city?

[Sister Truth Seeker]

This is so timely for me...I just attended my first home church meeting last Saturday evening...it was so wonderful...it was just their second one so they are working out the format...mostly they are seeking God's leading each time...there were about 12 already, I think it is going to grow quickly...there is such a need out there for God...more fully...the gifts of the spirit, true faith...

I am still attending my UPC church, and have no plans of leaving at this time, but I am putting myself in God's hands and He will lead me...

I will check out that web site....

I will be watching this tread also...thanks for the info and guidence...

The home we have been blessed with is perfect for home church and we are hoping it will expand here....

[Akellyman]

Our church family currently holds sevice every sunday in our home. We start off with a lesson, give praise, worship & testimonies (w/ the help of windows media player) lol, then my father (UPC) preaches. The only issue is space (a good issue?) like this past Easter Sunday. We're going to need a building soon.

the impression people get is feeling relaxed more, you be the judge on weather thats good or not, but over all there are no regrets.

[jaamez]

Our church family currently holds sevice every sunday in our home. We start off with a lesson, give praise, worship & testimonies (w/ the help of windows media player) lol, then my father (UPC) preaches. The only issue is space (a good issue?) like this past Easter Sunday. We're going to need a building soon.

the impression people get is feeling relaxed more, you be the judge on weather thats good or not, but over all there are no regrets.

This sounds great! I'm not sure this is the same as a house church, though. This sounds more like a traditional church that just happened to start in a home, with visions of moving to a dedicated "church building" someday.

The house church model is more focused on everyone participating equally, each member of the body bringing a testimony or a word/study from God's Word or a song, with no one person ever having the pre-eminence or being the focus (such as with a sermon being preached to a passive audience). It's more about participatory fellowship and mutual ministry than the traditional model with a clergy doing the bulk of ministry.

I'm not saying either is more correct than the other, but there is a difference.

[rava61]

I believe we will the 'the house fellowship' more and more, especially with the decline in the economy. Also, there seems to be more people who are loosing their faith in 'the ministry' - too many who have failed God and failed their congregations.

[Digging4Truth]

I believe we will the 'the house fellowship' more and more, especially with the decline in the economy. Also, there seems to be more people who are loosing their faith in 'the ministry' - too many who have failed God and failed their congregations.

Indeed...

When God designs something he put together a model that will work in all economies and in every situation.

God is not one known for failure to plan well.

[Aquila]

The house churches I've attended were very simple models. One person hosted the group meeting in their home. There wasn't an official "pastor" in the sense that we understand it. The office of "pastor" is a calling... not a political position in the group. Therefore out of a group of 15 people 3 men or more might have the calling of "pastor" on their lives. This means that they work together as "elders" to spiritually shepherd the believers attending. Everyone's calling is acknowledged. Everyone was encouraged to search the Scriptures and bring what they felt the Spirit leading them to bring. All were encouraged to bring edifying messages. Rebukes were to be dealt with privately unless the individual continued in sinful rebellion. Everyone took turns sharing their "insight" or "message". The messages weren't intended to be very long or "profoundly entertaining". They were very short... but STRONG. There was little need for using drawn out illustrations or timed humor. It was just people sharing the Word and opening up together.

Something else struck me... there wasn't a push for "members". There was just a push for "sharing Jesus" with everyone. They weren't focused on building a congregation and getting a building, but instead the focus was "the Kingdom of God." This is why they didn't mind seeing new faces every week. They looked at it like they were opening their home and ministry up for all to freely visit and receive something from God. Individuals could stay or go as they pleased, their prayers were simply that the individual grew in their walk with Jesus and became more firmly rooted in "the Kingdom". They were strongly encouraged to have an "elder friend" they could turn to for spiritual advice and counsel. But for the most part it was really just a service to all who could come and go as they felt led.

It was really neat.

[jaamez]

The house churches I've attended were very simple models. One person hosted the group meeting in their home. There wasn't an official "pastor" in the sense that we understand it. The office of "pastor" is a calling... not a political position in the group. Therefore out of a group of 15 people 3 men or more might have the calling of "pastor" on their lives. This means that they work together as "elders" to spiritually shepherd the believers attending. Everyone's calling is acknowledged. Everyone was encouraged to search the Scriptures and bring what they felt the Spirit leading them to bring. All were encouraged to bring edifying messages. Rebukes were to be dealt with privately unless the individual continued in sinful rebellion. Everyone took turns sharing their "insight" or "message". The messages weren't intended to be very long or "profoundly entertaining". They were very short... but STRONG. There was little need for using drawn out illustrations or timed humor. It was just people sharing the Word and opening up together.

Something else struck me... there wasn't a push for "members". There was just a push for "sharing Jesus" with everyone. They weren't focused on building a congregation and getting a building, but instead the focus was "the Kingdom of God." This is why they didn't mind seeing new faces every week. They looked at it like they were opening their home and ministry up for all to freely visit and receive something from God. Individuals could stay or go as they pleased, their prayers were simply that the individual grew in their walk with Jesus and became more firmly rooted in "the Kingdom". They were strongly encouraged to have an "elder friend" they could turn to for spiritual advice and counsel. But for the most part it was really just a service to all who could come and go as they felt led.

It was really neat.
BEAUTIFUL example! And (IMO) how it should be.

[shag]

The house churches I've attended were very simple models. One person hosted the group meeting in their home. There wasn't an official "pastor" in the sense that we understand it. The office of "pastor" is a calling... not a political position in the group. Therefore out of a group of 15 people 3 men or more might have the calling of "pastor" on their lives. This means that they work together as "elders" to spiritually shepherd the believers attending. Everyone's calling is acknowledged. Everyone was encouraged to search the Scriptures and bring what they felt the Spirit leading them to bring. All were encouraged to bring edifying messages. Rebukes were to be dealt with privately unless the individual continued in sinful rebellion. Everyone took turns sharing their "insight" or "message". The messages weren't intended to be very long or "profoundly entertaining". They were very short... but STRONG. There was little need for using drawn out illustrations or timed humor. It was just people sharing the Word and opening up together.

Something else struck me... there wasn't a push for "members". There was just a push for "sharing Jesus" with everyone. They weren't focused on building a congregation and getting a building, but instead the focus was "the Kingdom of God." This is why they didn't mind seeing new faces every week. They looked at it like they were opening their home and ministry up for all to freely visit and receive something from God. Individuals could stay or go as they pleased, their prayers were simply that the individual grew in their walk with Jesus and became more firmly rooted in "the Kingdom". They were strongly encouraged to have an "elder friend" they could turn to for spiritual advice and counsel. But for the most part it was really just a service to all who could come and go as they felt led.

It was really neat.



Man Aquila, that was a fantastic post!
Matter of fact, I'm gonna go ahead and read it again!-lol
focusing on being "firmly rooted in the Kingdom" -- Yes sir!:thumbsup



Keith, I'd like to see your video'd service as well.

[Aquila]

Man Aquila, that was a fantastic post!
Matter of fact, I'm gonna go ahead and read it again!-lol
focusing on being "firmly rooted in the Kingdom" -- Yes sir!:thumbsup

Keith, I'd like to see your video'd service as well.

It's exactly what Paul did...

Acts 28:30-31 (NIV)
30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now consider...

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

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[Timmy]

:meetya

[commonsense]

We had church in our home when we started in Home Missions over 30 yrs ago.
We tried to rent a building for Sun morning but the cost was too much for a beginning congregation.
We set up 1/2 of our basement with pews etc. We had fewer visitors in the house format.


Several years later we rented a store front in another city. We had a congregation this time and it was on a busy street but still had limited visitors.

You'll get more "drop" in visitors in a traditional building. People aren't comfortable opening the door to a "home".

[commonsense]

If we're discussing cell groups, I've seen this in a few churches. Then it's the format Keith described. Food and fellowship and short Bible discussion with ?'s.

The downside in some I observed was the "pastor" programming. There were several groups meeting on same night.
The topic was written out and meant to be followed. It seemed to limit participation and freedom in following gifts.

[Digging4Truth]

We had church in our home when we started in Home Missions over 30 yrs ago.
We tried to rent a building for Sun morning but the cost was too much for a beginning congregation.
We set up 1/2 of our basement with pews etc. We had fewer visitors in the house format.


Several years later we rented a store front in another city. We had a congregation this time and it was on a busy street but still had limited visitors.

You'll get more "drop" in visitors in a traditional building. People aren't comfortable opening the door to a "home".

This is the view that many have of house churches. The view that this is an interim venue until we can get a building rented somewhere.

That isn't a house church really. It is church in a house... until we can get a building. House church is more of a paradigm shift than that.

House churches have the intent that this is the way they are going to do church. When the local house church reaches 20+ members (depending on the size of the home etc) then the house church will send it's most qualified leader and a few of the best families (and also families that live near the new leader) and start a new work elsewhere. Then when those 2 works reach the multiplying point they will break into 4 works etc.

There is a constant need to build leadership in people and there is a constant outward multiplying of works and each work will need to develop more leaders so that it can birth other works. There is, of course, a continuing mentorship between the works as needed. As time goes on the fruit of ones labors increases yet their own personal work remains relatively constant.

IMO... what makes a true house church a house church is less where they meet and more the paradigm that they possess in how they will go forward as the work grows.


If we're discussing cell groups, I've seen this in a few churches. Then it's the format Keith described. Food and fellowship and short Bible discussion with ?'s.

The downside in some I observed was the "pastor" programming. There were several groups meeting on same night.
The topic was written out and meant to be followed. It seemed to limit participation and freedom in following gifts.

Agreed. Cell groups and houses churches have their location in common and little else.

[Aquila]

We had church in our home when we started in Home Missions over 30 yrs ago.
We tried to rent a building for Sun morning but the cost was too much for a beginning congregation.
We set up 1/2 of our basement with pews etc. We had fewer visitors in the house format.

Several years later we rented a store front in another city. We had a congregation this time and it was on a busy street but still had limited visitors.

You'll get more "drop" in visitors in a traditional building. People aren't comfortable opening the door to a "home".

You are right, house churches tend to have fewer drop in visitors. But for house churches the push is "personal evangelism" for every member. The Gospel is only shared as individuals share their testimonies and the message with other individuals. Sometimes I've seen tracts used, but it's typically encouraged that you speak and invite people by word of mouth.

House churches are often very disenchanted by the corporatized advertising of the church. Churches are typically trying to get lit signs, brochures, radio spots, and all this hoopla that the Apostles never used, all to attract visitors. House churchers believe that the best method is the simplest method... just have individuals share their stories, present the Gospel, and invite folks. Often house churchers get people's curiosity going by telling folks it's fine to be a Christian but don't go to church, be the church. Also house churchers emphasize that the house church rarely wants any money.

I believe there is a place for both traditional churches and house churches. However, I believe that house churches are far more biblical. Perhaps the very best model for America at this point is a traditional church with a cell group approach that is freestyle.

[Godsdrummer]

We had church in our home when we started in Home Missions over 30 yrs ago.
We tried to rent a building for Sun morning but the cost was too much for a beginning congregation.
We set up 1/2 of our basement with pews etc. We had fewer visitors in the house format.


Several years later we rented a store front in another city. We had a congregation this time and it was on a busy street but still had limited visitors.

You'll get more "drop" in visitors in a traditional building. People aren't comfortable opening the door to a "home".
Commonsense

Don't mean to imply that you feel the way I am going to state. but this last coment you made makes me think that most people don't want to take the gospel to the world just open the doors and wait for them to come to them. True Christians are to take the gospel to the world and reach as many as they can. Lip service say here I will just put in the offering plate and bask in the spirit of God on Sunday. The kingdom of God needs to get back to the basics of living for God. We don't need all the traditions and outside doctrines that have piled up in the churches today. Lets get back to faith in Christ and furthering the kingdom of God. In a spirit of love.

[SOUNWORTHY]

[/I][/B]
Commonsense

Don't mean to imply that you feel the way I am going to state. but this last coment you made makes me think that most people don't want to take the gospel to the world just open the doors and wait for them to come to them. True Christians are to take the gospel to the world and reach as many as they can. Lip service say here I will just put in the offering plate and bask in the spirit of God on Sunday. The kingdom of God needs to get back to the basics of living for God. We don't need all the traditions and outside doctrines that have piled up in the churches today. Lets get back to faith in Christ and furthering the kingdom of God. In a spirit of love.

Of course you have a good point but if I was invited to someone's house for church and I didn't know them I wouldn't go. There are too many churches available. The time may come too soon that we are driven to homes ansd other places to worship but not now.

[Aquila]

Of course you have a good point but if I was invited to someone's house for church and I didn't know them I wouldn't go. There are too many churches available. The time may come too soon that we are driven to homes ansd other places to worship but not now.

I think the average person is more likely to attend a house church than go to a church. It's more like a participative Bible study than a church service. There's food, fun, games, fellowship, prayer, Bible reading, participative discussion, etc. It's nothing like a traditional church. Most people I've witnessed to were open to a Bible study at my home or their home. However, they are skittish about attending a traditional church.

Oh... one other thing. You typically don't invite interested people to a house church. If at all possible you set up a small meeting at their home, like a home Bible study. That keeps them on their turf and gives them a sense of control. The members bring the grill, their meats, etc. (House Church meetings are typically built around a meal wherein the Lord's Supper is observed.) Ideally, if the person is converted, you use their home as a the foundation of another house church. Then you teach them the Bible, train them, etc. (if they show the gift to teach), or you teach them how to host meetings and have other elders lead the group. I've met more people who are interested in this sort of thing than those interested in a traditional church. That's why traditional churches are reporting a drop in attendance while house churches and research groups are showing an increase in more home based forms of worship.

It's beautiful when a house church get's really flowing with everyone bringing a song, a text, a thought, a poem, a lesson, etc. It's amazing to watch as the songs chosen, the poems read, the thoughts shared, and passages discussed, all are connected to a central theme. It truly demonstrates that God is in the midst of his people.

[Digging4Truth]

Of course you have a good point but if I was invited to someone's house for church and I didn't know them I wouldn't go. There are too many churches available. The time may come too soon that we are driven to homes and other places to worship but not now.

Yes... and if, hypothetically, your feelings represent 100% of oneness believers then that leaves 99%+ of the nation still out there.

If, hypothetically, your feelings represent 100% of those in the US who attend church on a regular (at least weekly) basis then that leaves 80% of the nation still out there.

Your point is true. There are those... the "churched" of America... of which most would probably prefer the church model we have grown up with.

But there are FAR more who appear to not have such a preference. This may well be what many of the 80% of Americans who do not attend church regularly are looking for. They current popular model may be exactly what they are fleeing

I think one main point that is often missed in this type of conversation is that, while many feel that the people they know and associate with might not prefer a house church, those who do go to a church with a steeple on a regular basis are in the vast minority in this nation.

There is a definite field for this type of work and it is huge.

[nahkoe]

I really, really miss the home church I was a part of when I was younger. :(

It was a pretty cool deal. I'm not sure when, or where, it started (I suspect one family over the rest, but I never asked). There were multiple meetings a month, on different nights, in different homes. Usually they followed a set pattern, every other Friday at 7, every Tuesday at 5, things like that. But not always. It was one group of people, but we very rarely all met together at once.

[Digging4Truth]

I really, really miss the home church I was a part of when I was younger. :(

It was a pretty cool deal. I'm not sure when, or where, it started (I suspect one family over the rest, but I never asked). There were multiple meetings a month, on different nights, in different homes. Usually they followed a set pattern, every other Friday at 7, every Tuesday at 5, things like that. But not always. It was one group of people, but we very rarely all met together at once.

Yes'm... I need to start one here where I am. It is 20 miles any direction to a oneness work and there isn't a oneness church in this town at all.

So far I have taken the easy route and worked to help an already established church about 20 miles away.

[GodsBabyGirl]

The house churches I've attended were very simple models. One person hosted the group meeting in their home. There wasn't an official "pastor" in the sense that we understand it. The office of "pastor" is a calling... not a political position in the group. Therefore out of a group of 15 people 3 men or more might have the calling of "pastor" on their lives. This means that they work together as "elders" to spiritually shepherd the believers attending. Everyone's calling is acknowledged. Everyone was encouraged to search the Scriptures and bring what they felt the Spirit leading them to bring. All were encouraged to bring edifying messages. Rebukes were to be dealt with privately unless the individual continued in sinful rebellion. Everyone took turns sharing their "insight" or "message". The messages weren't intended to be very long or "profoundly entertaining". They were very short... but STRONG. There was little need for using drawn out illustrations or timed humor. It was just people sharing the Word and opening up together.

Something else struck me... there wasn't a push for "members". There was just a push for "sharing Jesus" with everyone. They weren't focused on building a congregation and getting a building, but instead the focus was "the Kingdom of God." This is why they didn't mind seeing new faces every week. They looked at it like they were opening their home and ministry up for all to freely visit and receive something from God. Individuals could stay or go as they pleased, their prayers were simply that the individual grew in their walk with Jesus and became more firmly rooted in "the Kingdom". They were strongly encouraged to have an "elder friend" they could turn to for spiritual advice and counsel. But for the most part it was really just a service to all who could come and go as they felt led.

It was really neat.

That sounds refreshing. These days people need to go somewhere where there is no pressure or complication. We have made fellowshipping so complicated in an attempt to draw more people, we have strayed away from the simplicity of the gospel.

Jesus didn't reach sinners in the church; He met them where they were. Wherever there was a need.

He only went into the church(es) to announce his ministry and to rebuke the religious.

Gives us all something to think about, uh?

Love & peace...

[GrowingPains]

We just moved into a larger house, we rented it just because of its size for small groups. It is 2700 sq. feet. Two living areas, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and large kitchen set up for entertaining. I have anywhere between 15-50 people show up. This year we focusing much more on small group/House church than ever before, I am trying to raise our awarness and leaders who can take it and run with it.

Probably a good tax write-off too if you're using it for church purposes?

[GrowingPains]

You are right, house churches tend to have fewer drop in visitors. But for house churches the push is "personal evangelism" for every member. The Gospel is only shared as individuals share their testimonies and the message with other individuals. Sometimes I've seen tracts used, but it's typically encouraged that you speak and invite people by word of mouth.

House churches are often very disenchanted by the corporatized advertising of the church. Churches are typically trying to get lit signs, brochures, radio spots, and all this hoopla that the Apostles never used, all to attract visitors. House churchers believe that the best method is the simplest method... just have individuals share their stories, present the Gospel, and invite folks. Often house churchers get people's curiosity going by telling folks it's fine to be a Christian but don't go to church, be the church. Also house churchers emphasize that the house church rarely wants any money.

I believe there is a place for both traditional churches and house churches. However, I believe that house churches are far more biblical. Perhaps the very best model for America at this point is a traditional church with a cell group approach that is freestyle.

"Compell them to come."
If Apostles were here today, you think they'd ignore such effective tools?

[GrowingPains]

Those that do House Church, do you see a need for a once each quarter or month corporate worship setting or activity? It's always encouraging and refreshing to see a mass body of believers.

[Aquila]

Probably a good tax write-off too if you're using it for church purposes?

Nope. Most house churches don't have official clergy or religious incorporation. They don't collect tithes and free will offerings are made specifically for the needs of it's members. I've never never known or read about a house church elder (pastor) who didn't work a full time job to support their family. There's absolutely no money in it.

[Aquila]

"Compell them to come."
If Apostles were here today, you think they'd ignore such effective tools?

Growing, America has more churches than almost any other nation on earth. However, church attendance is steadily dropping. Fewer Americans are in church today than ever before and the number is growing every year. The traditional church is loosing America. Tell me... why is this so if these "effective tools" are so effective?

Think about it. My friend Scott started a house church with 7 individuals in his home. About a year later hey had grown to about 20 and divided into two different groups in two different homes. That was a little over years ago. He now has 6 groups meeting in different homes, each with over ten adult members. That's sixty people. Each church plans on multiplying again by the year's end producing an estimated 12 house churches with approximately 10 members each. And if after a years time these churches can multiple we're talking 24 different home groups with around ten members each. (So far 15 is the steady average). These groups will be spread throughout the city in nearly every quarter. If this growth continues. in 5 years their footprint will be larger than any church in town.

Simple Churches (also known as house churches) will start a church wherever they can find an accommodating roof. You can find them in houses, condos, half doubles, and large apartments. Some even meet in parks and public recreation facilities. They are dedicated to never owning "church property". You tell me which model has the greatest potential to reach America's inner-cities and suburbs. Also the mission of a house church isn't to gain "members". It's to train leaders and multiply by forming additional house churches. Scott once said that the vision he has from God is that every attendee attending house meetings become a host and perhaps an elder of a house church. Hosting is considered a BIG ministry. Some house church pastors pastor their groups in the large home of a hospitable attendee. This "gift of hospitality" is greatly cherished in the movement. If you own a large home... even if you're not called to teach or preach the Gospel, you can be a foundational part of the Kingdom of God by opening your home.

[Aquila]

Those that do House Church, do you see a need for a once each quarter or month corporate worship setting or activity? It's always encouraging and refreshing to see a mass body of believers.

Some do. I'd encourage renting a facility to meet as a corporate body at least once a quarter. These meetings could be like a revival weekends with speakers from the fellowship speaking Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday Evening, and Sunday Morning. House churches could then resume meeting in their designated homes Sunday night.

This way house churches will ever loose sight of the larger body of Christ.

[Aquila]

A powerful poem I found:

The Church and The World

The Church and the world walked far apart
On the changing shores of time:
The world was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
“Come, give me your hand”, cried the merry world,
“And walk with me this way.”
But the good Church hid her snowy hand,
And solemnly answered “Nay!”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space”,
Said the world with a kindly air,
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
“My path, you see, is a broad, fair path,
And my gate is high and wide;
“There is room enough for you and for me
To travel side by side”,

Half-shyly the Church approached the world
And gave him her hand of snow;
The old world grasped it and walked along,
Saying in accents low:

“Your dress is too simple to suit my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear;
“Rich velvet and silk for your graceful form
And diamonds to deck your hair.”
The church looked down on her plain, white robes
And then at the dazzling world,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.
“I will change my dress for a costlier one”,
Said the Church with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the world gave her in place
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
And roses, and gems and pearls;
And over her forehead her bright hair fell,
Crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain”, said the proud old world,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace,
And furniture ever so fine.
And he bought her a costly and beautiful home;
Splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there,
Gleaming in purple and gold.
And fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the world and his children were there;
And laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church,
And whispered, “I know thy sin.”
The Church looked back with a sigh
And longed to gather her children in.

“Your preachers are all too old and plain”,
Said the gay old world with a sneer.
“They frighten my children with dreadful tales
Which I like not for them to hear.
“They talk of brimstone and fire and pain,
And the horrors of endless night;
“They talk of a place that should never at all
Be mentioned in ears polite.
“I shall send you some of the better stamp,
Brilliant and gay and fast,
“Who will tell them that people may live as they list,
And go to heaven at last.”

“The sons of the world and the sons of the church walked closely,
Hand and heart,
And only the Master Who knoweth all
Could tell the two apart.
Then the church sat down at her ease and said,
“I am rich and in goods increased;
“I have need of nothing, have nought to do
But to laugh and dance and feast.”
The sly world heard her and laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said aside,
“The church is fallen, the beautiful church,
And her shame is her boast and pride.”

[Aquila]

A powerful poem I found:

The Church and The World

The Church and the world walked far apart
On the changing shores of time:
The world was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
“Come, give me your hand”, cried the merry world,
“And walk with me this way.”
But the good Church hid her snowy hand,
And solemnly answered “Nay!”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space”,
Said the world with a kindly air,
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
“My path, you see, is a broad, fair path,
And my gate is high and wide;
“There is room enough for you and for me
To travel side by side”,

Half-shyly the Church approached the world
And gave him her hand of snow;
The old world grasped it and walked along,
Saying in accents low:
“Your dress is too simple to suit my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear;
“Rich velvet and silk for your graceful form
And diamonds to deck your hair.”
The church looked down on her plain, white robes
And then at the dazzling world,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.
“I will change my dress for a costlier one”,
Said the Church with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the world gave her in place
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
And roses, and gems and pearls;
And over her forehead her bright hair fell,
Crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain”, said the proud old world,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace,
And furniture ever so fine.
And he bought her a costly and beautiful home;
Splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there,
Gleaming in purple and gold.
And fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the world and his children were there;
And laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church,
And whispered, “I know thy sin.”
The Church looked back with a sigh
And longed to gather her children in.

“Your preachers are all too old and plain”,
Said the gay old world with a sneer.
“They frighten my children with dreadful tales
Which I like not for them to hear.
“They talk of brimstone and fire and pain,
And the horrors of endless night;
“They talk of a place that should never at all
Be mentioned in ears polite.
“I shall send you some of the better stamp,
Brilliant and gay and fast,
“Who will tell them that people may live as they list,
And go to heaven at last.”

“The sons of the world and the sons of the church walked closely,
Hand and heart,
And only the Master Who knoweth all
Could tell the two apart.
Then the church sat down at her ease and said,
“I am rich and in goods increased;
“I have need of nothing, have nought to do
But to laugh and dance and feast.”
The sly world heard her and laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said aside,
“The church is fallen, the beautiful church,
And her shame is her boast and pride.”

[shag]

How exactly do house churches keep from disputes over doctorines? .....Do the elders in charge draw the line on what is or isnt open for dispute?

[TJJJ]

A powerful poem I found:

The Church and The World

The Church and the world walked far apart
On the changing shores of time:
The world was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
“Come, give me your hand”, cried the merry world,
“And walk with me this way.”
But the good Church hid her snowy hand,
And solemnly answered “Nay!”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space”,
Said the world with a kindly air,
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
“My path, you see, is a broad, fair path,
And my gate is high and wide;
“There is room enough for you and for me
To travel side by side”,

Half-shyly the Church approached the world
And gave him her hand of snow;
The old world grasped it and walked along,
Saying in accents low:
“Your dress is too simple to suit my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear;
“Rich velvet and silk for your graceful form
And diamonds to deck your hair.”
The church looked down on her plain, white robes
And then at the dazzling world,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.
“I will change my dress for a costlier one”,
Said the Church with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the world gave her in place
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
And roses, and gems and pearls;
And over her forehead her bright hair fell,
Crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain”, said the proud old world,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
Carpets of Brussels and curtains of lace,
And furniture ever so fine.
And he bought her a costly and beautiful home;
Splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there,
Gleaming in purple and gold.
And fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the world and his children were there;
And laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church,
And whispered, “I know thy sin.”
The Church looked back with a sigh
And longed to gather her children in.

“Your preachers are all too old and plain”,
Said the gay old world with a sneer.
“They frighten my children with dreadful tales
Which I like not for them to hear.
“They talk of brimstone and fire and pain,
And the horrors of endless night;
“They talk of a place that should never at all
Be mentioned in ears polite.
“I shall send you some of the better stamp,
Brilliant and gay and fast,
“Who will tell them that people may live as they list,
And go to heaven at last.”

“The sons of the world and the sons of the church walked closely,
Hand and heart,
And only the Master Who knoweth all
Could tell the two apart.
Then the church sat down at her ease and said,
“I am rich and in goods increased;
“I have need of nothing, have nought to do
But to laugh and dance and feast.”
The sly world heard her and laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said aside,
“The church is fallen, the beautiful church,
And her shame is her boast and pride.”

That is an awesome post! I wil cutand paste that one!

Thanks

[Aquila]

How exactly do house churches keep from disputes over doctorines? .....Do the elders in charge draw the line on what is or isnt open for dispute?

Different house churches do it differently. Some have not issue with attendees having different doctrinal ideas because of their different religious backgrounds. Others establish an "articles of faith" early on and these serve as the non-negotiables. I've considered using the Christian Development Courses 1 & 2 by Pastor Crawford Coon to root elders in Apostolic doctrine. A general statement of beliefs could be as follows to set specific doctrinal tenants:

What we believe...

We believe that the Bible in its original languages is uniquely the infallible, unchangeable, divinely inspired Word of God by which all believers are to order their lives. (2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 119:89; Matthew 7:24-27)

We believe that there is one God, who is Creator of all things and Lord over all creation; that He is an eternal, invisible, omnipresent, almighty Spirit; that He is holy; that He is merciful and good; and that He is the author and arbiter of all Truth; and that God is ONE. (Isaiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11; Matthew 11:25; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; Jeremiah 23:24; Genesis 17:1; John 4:24; 1 Peter 1:16; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:9; Deuteronomy 32:4; 6:4)

We believe that God was manifest in flesh as the Man, Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Son of God, the Christ, and our Savior; that in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and that the name JESUS is the only personal name of Deity given among men whereby we must be saved. (1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:3; Matthew 16:16; John 4:42; Colossians 2:9; John 5:43; Hebrews 1:4; Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12)

We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was fully human; that He was begotten of the Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, was crucified for our sins, rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, poured out the Holy Spirit, gave ministerial gifts to the Church, and is coming again to reward all human beings according to their works. (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:16; Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9-11; 2:1-4; Ephesians 4:7-11; Revelation 22:12).

We believe that salvation was purchased for all by the blood of Jesus Christ, but is effective only in those who repent, believe, and obey. (2 Corinthians 5:14; Luke 13:3; Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 5:9)

We believe that salvation is based solely and entirely upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but that salvation is received through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ, which must be expressed by baptism in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (or forgiveness) of sins; and that those so doing are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is initially evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6; Acts 2:1-4)

We believe that all believers must follow on to know the Lord, to keep His commandments, to perfect holiness, to love their neighbors as themselves, and to live in a manner that reflects a total commitment to the principles and standards of Christianity as set forth in the Bible—and that anything less than this will ultimately result in a departure from the faith, a falling away, and a fearful expectation of judgment. There is no unconditional eternal security. (Hosea 6:3; 1 John 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Matthew 22:39; Titus 3:12; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-27)

We believe that there will be a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust; that all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that all who have been faithful will live forever with Jesus Christ; and that all who are unbelieving and unfaithful will be destroyed in the lake of fire, which God has prepared for the devil and his angels. (Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15; Romans 14:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:12-15; Matthew 25:41)

Some house churches simply hold to the Apostle's Creed....

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
(translation by the International Consultation on English Texts)

*Please note: The Creed, although having a Trinitarian structure, is not explicitly Trinitarian. The Creed began to be developed before the Trinitarian controversy arose, and the Creed (unlike the Nicene Creed) was not an attempt to correct a specific heresy.

[shag]

Yes'm... I need to start one here where I am. It is 20 miles any direction to a oneness work and there isn't a oneness church in this town at all.

So far I have taken the easy route and worked to help an already established church about 20 miles away.


Well, did ya yet?

[shag]

The house churches I've attended were very simple models. One person hosted the group meeting in their home. There wasn't an official "pastor" in the sense that we understand it. The office of "pastor" is a calling... not a political position in the group. Therefore out of a group of 15 people 3 men or more might have the calling of "pastor" on their lives. This means that they work together as "elders" to spiritually shepherd the believers attending. Everyone's calling is acknowledged. Everyone was encouraged to search the Scriptures and bring what they felt the Spirit leading them to bring. All were encouraged to bring edifying messages. Rebukes were to be dealt with privately unless the individual continued in sinful rebellion. Everyone took turns sharing their "insight" or "message". The messages weren't intended to be very long or "profoundly entertaining". They were very short... but STRONG. There was little need for using drawn out illustrations or timed humor. It was just people sharing the Word and opening up together.

Something else struck me... there wasn't a push for "members". There was just a push for "sharing Jesus" with everyone. They weren't focused on building a congregation and getting a building, but instead the focus was "the Kingdom of God." This is why they didn't mind seeing new faces every week. They looked at it like they were opening their home and ministry up for all to freely visit and receive something from God. Individuals could stay or go as they pleased, their prayers were simply that the individual grew in their walk with Jesus and became more firmly rooted in "the Kingdom". They were strongly encouraged to have an "elder friend" they could turn to for spiritual advice and counsel. But for the most part it was really just a service to all who could come and go as they felt led.

It was really neat.



Aquilla,
Do you still attend, and if so how is it going?

[Digging4Truth]

Well, did ya yet?

As of this moment. No sir. I haven't. But I am getting closer and closer all the time.

There really is a need here and I keep feeling the call more and more.

[shag]

As of this moment. No sir. I haven't. But I am getting closer and closer all the time.

There really is a need here and I keep feeling the call more and more.



If/when you do, please post (or let me know) how it goes.

[Digging4Truth]

If/when you do, please post (or let me know) how it goes.

Will do.

We have been discussing it more and more here lately and we have decided that the first step would be to have house "services" here in our home with our family. That way we could develop some level of familiarity with the process.

[shag]

Will do.

We have been discussing it more and more here lately and we have decided that the first step would be to have house "services" here in our home with our family. That way we could develop some level of familiarity with the process.


Sounds like a good place to start.
This week we're planning to start having home bible study, 1 day a week, w/ just our imm. family. We've done so before, but this time we're gonna try to add more time w/'family prayer" before bible study. We have people(other denom.) that want to do hb studies in our home w/us, so in a few weeks, we'd like to start that(probably in replacement of our immed.)....as a multi-family thing. Small kids may be an issue. 1 goal is to tie in plenty of "corp." prayer w/ bible study. Singing together is unlikely to take place immediately atleast, maybe later on if things lead that way. So far at this time, this is not to replace attending where we do, but only in addition to attending our local assembly. We'll see how it goes.

[Digging4Truth]

Sounds like a good place to start.
This week we're planning to start having home bible study, 1 day a week, w/ just our imm. family. We've done so before, but this time we're gonna try to add more time w/'family prayer" before bible study. We have people(other denom.) that want to do hb studies in our home w/us, so in a few weeks, we'd like to start that(probably in replacement of our immed.)....as a multi-family thing. Small kids may be an issue. 1 goal is to tie in plenty of "corp." prayer w/ bible study. Singing together is unlikely to take place immediately atleast, maybe later on if things lead that way. So far at this time, this is not to replace attending where we do, but only in addition to attending our local assembly. We'll see how it goes.

It sounds like we have the exact same plan in mind.

We have decided that we will continue to attend where we attend until we reach such a place that we feel that the house church is everything that we need.

We also have several families nearby who have also expressed an interest in being involved in a Bible study with us.

Will you also please post your progresses & struggles so we can all benefit from one another's experiences?

[shag]

It sounds like we have the exact same plan in mind.

We have decided that we will continue to attend where we attend until we reach such a place that we feel that the house church is everything that we need.

We also have several families nearby who have also expressed an interest in being involved in a Bible study with us.

Will you also please post your progresses & struggles so we can all benefit from one another's experiences?

:thumbsup





My oldest son is almost 13. He's pretty sharp w/ the word. 4 years in bible quizzing....etc. I'm thinking of even letting him lead a couple of our family studies/discussions, if I can talk him into it. I think that would be good for him....confidence etc., if we handle it right. I feel that he's word knowledgeable enough that he can lead a thot/topic of biblical discussion...and after doing it a few times, in upcoming years he could also better(& more confidently) give biblestudies to other teenagers, if oppertunity arrises.

[Digging4Truth]

:thumbsup





My oldest son is almost 13. He's pretty sharp w/ the word. 4 years in bible quizzing....etc. I'm thinking of even letting him lead a couple of our family studies/discussions, if I can talk him into it. I think that would be good for him....confidence etc., if we handle it right. I feel that he's word knowledgeable enough that he can lead a thot/topic of biblical discussion...and after doing it a few times, in upcoming years he could also better(& more confidently) give biblestudies to other teenagers, if oppertunity arrises.

That sounds great. My oldest daughter is 17 and she and my son have had several years of bible quizzing as well. As well as years of living under my roof where we speak frankly and openly about the word.

My kids know enough about the Word of God to be critical thinkers... and know enough about the Spirit of God to not be critical people. I look forward to seeing them take part in studies.

But... I have also talked to them about when we expand to other families. They will need to make sure and keep a proper place among the adults there and speak when appropriate but save some stuff for family discussions later on.

[Digging4Truth]

Shag... Have you read "Houses That Change The World"?

If you have not and would be interested in doing so you can click here (http://www.outreach.ca/OC6-Resources/download/housechurch.pdf) for a pdf copy.

[shag]

That sounds great. My oldest daughter is 17 and she and my son have had several years of bible quizzing as well. As well as years of living under my roof where we speak frankly and openly about the word.

My kids know enough about the Word of God to be critical thinkers... and know enough about the Spirit of God to not be critical people. I look forward to seeing them take part in studies.
Good words.

But... I have also talked to them about when we expand to other families. They will need to make sure and keep a proper place among the adults there and speak when appropriate but save some stuff for family discussions later on.


Shag... Have you read "Houses That Change The World"?

If you have not and would be interested in doing so you can click here (http://www.outreach.ca/OC6-Resources/download/housechurch.pdf) for a pdf copy.

I havent, so I skimmed thru the pdf copy U posted. Looked good so I ordered it. (Wolfgang...hmmm).

[Digging4Truth]

I havent, so I skimmed thru the pdf copy U posted. Looked good so I ordered it. (Wolfgang...hmmm).

LOL... Yeah. Wolfgang Simson. Go figure huh?

I have a hard copy as well and I have enjoyed it very much.

Keep us in your prayers. There is a young lady we have been counseling through some hard times and her life just about blew apart last night.

The first thing that came to my mind was that she might end up living with us for a while. If so... this would really be a great time to begin the house church.

We don't know what will happen from here but I can see how things could fall together to begin now if things do go that way.

[shag]

LOL... Yeah. Wolfgang Simson. Go figure huh?

I have a hard copy as well and I have enjoyed it very much.

Keep us in your prayers. There is a young lady we have been counseling through some hard times and her life just about blew apart last night.


The first thing that came to my mind was that she might end up living with us for a while. If so... this would really be a great time to begin the house church.

We don't know what will happen from here but I can see how things could fall together to begin now if things do go that way.


Sorry to hear that for her. Nothing like going thru difficult times, and then taking an extreme hit on top of everything else. I'll pray for her, and God's will leading you and your family.

[missourimary]

A few questions, to which I assume there may be various answers depending on the home and group and city:

Where do you baptize people when you have converts?

Do most people who attend home churches start as oneness, or were they part of a denominal church, or were they unchurched?

Teens in many apostolic churches are afraid they will never meet anyone and get married. How is this prevented in the smaller house churches?

Is communion or breaking of bread with a communion orientation (sorry, terminology escapes me) open or closed?

Are women allowed to be active participants even if they aren't married? Can they host, for instance?

If those who are interested are asked to host a meeting in hopes they will start their own, how do house churches grow?

[Digging4Truth]

Wolfgang Simsons book "Houses That Change The World" can be found here (http://www.livingtruth.com/PDF/housesthat%20change.pdf).

I offer the following from his book on your question about communion.

The end of the Lord´s Supper
Another victim of this process was ”the Lord’s Supper”. Since it is quite difficult to feed a cathedral full of people with real food, it degenerated into a religious and symbolic ritual, offering microscopic sips of wine and a small wafer, often enough only to the ”clergy” while the masses looked on in pious amazement. This meant that the ”Lords Supper” was a supper no more, and lost it’s powerful meaning of a redeemed species doing the unheard of: people, irrespective of classes and caste, revolutionarily sharing real food with a prophetic meaning, having dinner with God, expecting his physical presence at any time just like after the resurrection. It thus became ”the Eucharist”, a pious and symbolic shell of the original meal of a tasty lamb that Jesus shared with his disciples. By AD 150 the eucharist and the love feast were two distinct parts of the Lord's Supper. Biblical commentator William Barclay says it like this: ”The celebration of the Lord’s Supper in a Christian home in the first century and in a cathedral in the twentieth century cannot be more different, they bear no relationship to each other whatsoever.”

[Aquila]

Missourimary,

You ask some very important questions. I’ll answer them as best I can; and your correct, there are various answers depending on the home and group that is gathering:

A few questions, to which I assume there may be various answers depending on the home and group and city:

Where do you baptize people when you have converts?

Many house churches baptize in natural water sources (rivers, lakes, and streams) near their homes. Others baptize in a pool or trough in their back yards. Still others have a working relationship with a local church that allows them to use that church’s baptismal. The house churches I’ve attended baptize using effusion (pouring). For example, when one is seeking to obey the gospel they are taken outside or they stand in a tub of water and have water poured over them. I used to not believe in “pouring” until doing some extensive study on the issue. For example, most say that a person has to be water baptized by immersion because it signifies being “buried with Christ”. Well, in saying this we assume that “burial” meant in Christ’s day what it means today. We imagine that people are put “under ground” so essentially a person should be put completely “under water”. However, baptism signifies being “buried with Christ”, not buried underground. Christ wasn’t buried in the sense of being put under dirt. When Christ died he was buried in “the manner of the Jews”. Which means they took his body and cleansed it with the “pouring” of water; then they anointed the body with oils and wrapped it in linen with fragrant spices. The pouring signifies the believer’s “burial” with Christ in that it represents Christ’s own burial process and the cleansing of uncleanness (remission of sins). It’s a really deep study and an issue of personal conviction so you’ll see a wide variety of ways house churches facilitate water baptism.

Do most people who attend home churches start as oneness, or were they part of a denominal church, or were they unchurched?

Again it varies. Most house churches have “charismatic” or “Pentecostal” roots. However, there is a growing number of people from various denominations choosing this form of church. Most house churches are not started by the “unchurched” unless they began attending in a house church.

Teens in many apostolic churches are afraid they will never meet anyone and get married. How is this prevented in the smaller house churches?

House churches should maintain fellowship with one another and local traditional churches of like precious faith. Most house churches form loose networks and gather for conventions or larger worship services periodically (once weekly or once monthly, for example). Most seek to make contacts outside of their home churches in these larger meetings. Or they choose to get to know people who may be “Christian” but un-churched, forming relationship and bringing them into the movement. So as with the answers above, it varies.

Is communion or breaking of bread with a communion orientation (sorry, terminology escapes me) open or closed?

Again, it varies. Most house churches I know offer open “communion”. Due to the sacramental aspect of traditional “communion” most house churches refer to it as, “the Lord’s Supper”. However, I’m sure there are those who have closed “communion” for lack of a better term.

Are women allowed to be active participants even if they aren't married? Can they host, for instance?

Some house churches are VERY conservative and ask that women gather in a separate room for teaching when the men are teaching. Others allow women to attend the main gathering but admonish women not to teach or ask questions during the teaching. Yet those I’m familiar with allow open participation of women that “all may prophesy”. Many women in Scripture weren’t called to teach or preach, however, they were called of the Lord to host or blessed with a gift of hospitality. These women opened their homes for the Apostles and the brethren to meet. Nothing wrong with this at all.

If those who are interested are asked to host a meeting in hopes they will start their own, how do house churches grow?

House churching has an entirely different concept of “growth”. Most traditional churches view growth in terms of “membership”. House churches typically don’t. House churches view themselves as teaching centers along the path for those in the faith. A house church doesn’t have “members” they have brothers and sisters who frequent for teaching. Many house churches see semi regular attendees from traditional churches who are looking for deeper fellowship while still attending their traditional church. In a house church one opens their home to equip the saints. The goal isn’t to “grow” in terms of “members” but to grow in terms of strengthening the universal “body of Christ”. The elders, or pastors, of a house church envision every member becoming equipped to at least host a meeting in their own homes. The vision is to grow by the multiplication of house churches and families ministering to believers… not membership where most are merely spectators. One motto among house churches is the vision of, “Every House a Church”. Every home in the community should be a place of prayer and worship and saints of like precious faith should be allowed to freely fellowship as they desire.

It might be noted that the term “house church” often restricts the concepts that people have. A “house” isn’t even necessary. Some prefer the term, “Simple Churches”. This is because “house churches” often meet not only in homes or apartments, but also in coffee houses, parks, restaurants, town squares, civic centers, …wherever the group wishes to meet next. One meeting took place in a Boston Stoker’s. Maybe 7 families met for coffee and snack, had a moment of prayer, and opened their Bibles for teaching and discussion right there in the cafe. Some of the patrons and employees naturally listened in - and so a few even began to participate since it was “open” discussion and teaching. Others just listened to the group and the tenderness of the teaching. One woman who was listening began crying and a couple sisters offered to pray with her right there in the café. It was powerful.

House churches are dynamic and powerful because they can take church to the lost instead of trying to drag the lost to a big building out in the suburbs for a formal organized service. So the mission isn’t to “grow a house church”. It’s to multiply house churches, while touching and ministering to the community as loosely networked families serving the Lord. It’s not an “organized” or “systematic” approach to church. Instead of “attending church” believers are challenged to “be the church”.

Think of it as advancing a very real and present "kingdom" one household at a time... not expanding the membership of an organization or building.

Hope this helps.

God bless and keep you.

[missourimary]

Thank you for the answers, Aquila.

I have some background with some similar situations (college Bible study groups, family gatherings, my first church-which was just discussed in the "For all of us who are NOT pastors..." thread). I miss those aspects. I enjoy my regular church, but am homesick for the relaxed, giving, nonjudgmental atmosphere I enjoyed in those earlier settings.

I understand the growth concept of simple churches, but at the same time, I have read statements several times about simple churches splitting once the numbers reach into the 20s. If in fact each person who is interested starts a meeting in their home, "once the numbers reach" would never occur. That is the statement I'm trying to bridge with the original question.

Thank you for your answers.

[missourimary]

I've done some searching on the internet.
Are there many simple churches that baptize in Jesus' name?

[Aquila]

I've done some searching on the internet.
Are there many simple churches that baptize in Jesus' name?

Simple churches are a slice of modern Christianity, so most are probably more evangelical than Apostolic. But Apostolic house churches do exist. One Apostolic fellowship of house churches is known as Covenant Apostolic Churches International. Please note they are Seventh Day Apostolics.

http://www.covenantapostolicchurch.org/page4.html

[shag]

I'm currently watching this series of video's.......and am enjoying them and their points.(This particular video fits well with the tithing threads, and Scott's Laity/clergy thread...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxy7Bp-RaCo&NR=1

[Digging4Truth]

I'm currently watching this series of video's.......and am enjoying them and their points.(This particular video fits well with the tithing threads, and Scott's Laity/clergy thread...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxy7Bp-RaCo&NR=1

I started watching this series last week after you posted it but I was out of town all weekend.

I have enjoyed what I have heard so far and I hope to finish it today.

Thanks for sharing.

[shag]

hEY dIGGIN,


I've got a got a home bible study scheduled starting this Wednesday with 3 people. Husband, wife, and their friend, who say(atleast the husband did) He's ready to get his life on track with God and find His will for their life. It will be in their home. And yes, I'm even gonna miss Wed. night "church service" to do it. (or am I really-LOL?) Thinkin about thoughts pertaining to and about covenant relationship(in the Kingdom). I wanna 1st see primarily exactly "where they're at", in the 1 st setting. I'm open to you're thoughts and comments. :thumbsup

[Digging4Truth]

hEY dIGGIN,


I've got a got a home bible study scheduled starting this Wednesday with 3 people. Husband, wife, and their friend, who say(atleast the husband did) He's ready to get his life on track with God and find His will for their life. It will be in their home. And yes, I'm even gonna miss Wed. night "church service" to do it. (or am I really-LOL?) Thinkin about starting with thoughts pertaining to and about covenant relationship. I'm open to you're thoughts and comments. :thumbsup

My comments are as follows... FANTASTIC!!! That is so exciting to hear. I am happy for you. Be sure and share with us how it all went.

My only thoughts are... follow His leading. God can give you a thought that is relevant to what they are going through (whether you know about the thing(s) they are going through or not) and that is what is important. Most people who haven't been going to church and now seek to are looking for a relevance that they had not previously experienced. They instinctively know that God is where the answer is but what they have found so far hasn't turned out to be what they were seeking.

When the "preaching" turns into an open discussion is where you will have the most opportunity to speak to their specific concerns, fears & questions.

My prayers are with you for a productive meeting.

We all know what a minister is... as in a noun.

Do well and minister... as in a verb.

Minister
a) to give service, care, or aid; attend, as to wants or necessities.: to minister to the needs of the hungry.
b) to contribute, as to comfort or happiness.

[shag]

Thanks, I'll "think on those things".
I havent talked to this guy in 3 years, tho we was and still are, friends. Tried to get a study going then, but it never came to pass, per his busy schedule. Since then, he moved and got a different job, so I havent seen him in about 3 years. He called 2 days ago, "outta the blue", sayin he really wants to get that going now, (along with His wife and a friend). Great guy, but needs God. Says He's figured out that God has something for him in this life, and wants to find what it is.

[Aquila]

Shag, PRAISE THE LORD! I'll say a prayer for you guys!