View Full Version : House churches vs Traditional
Encryptus
05-20-2008, 02:26 PM
Which is better and why?
Is either more scriptural or spiritual?
Can they co-exist or are they by nature exclusionary?
Praxeas
05-20-2008, 02:27 PM
Which is better and why?
Is either more scriptural or spiritual?
Can they co-exist or are they by nature exclusionary?
I think a system of "house" churches that regularly meet together as a whole would be awesome
Encryptus
05-20-2008, 02:29 PM
I think a system of "house" churches that regularly meet together as a whole would be awesome
Can you define system?
And at what point would such a system begin to resemble a traditional church that also has small group ministry?
I like the idea of a mix between the two. If, for example, all the apostolics in any given city were to meet in homes for their "regular" services, then meet once a month for a city wide gathering to enjoy some corporate worship then I think we'd have much more unity.
Jack Shephard
05-20-2008, 02:32 PM
Which is better and why?
Is either more scriptural or spiritual?
Can they co-exist or are they by nature exclusionary?
I do not think one is better than the other in every area of the country. Some very large churches are against cell groups, but some very large churches have gotten large numbers because of them. I think that they can co-exist. I feel that in the pastor of the church should know the area enough to know if it will work. The UPC church I go to had them for a while and they fizzled out. The pastor said that the church 'WILL' do them in order to grow. But it might not work everywhere. In the Bible belt you might not have to do them cause some people are not against visiting a church where on the West Coast they might be (examples only). I have heard the the Manguns will not do them. Not too sure but going on second hand info. It all boils to is it profitable for your church. Sometime putting the wrong people in charge of a home group is bad cause they might try to lead the people away from that local church. I believe they can work, but I have not ever seen it personally work.
Jack Shephard
05-20-2008, 02:33 PM
I like the idea of a mix between the two. If, for example, all the apostolics in any given city were to meet in homes for their "regular" services, then meet once a month for a city wide gathering to enjoy some corporate worship then I think we'd have much more unity.
Bingo, but you know that would not fly in every area.
Rhoni
05-20-2008, 02:37 PM
I prefer mega churches. I like all the options, functions, and programs without the intimacy of having to be too close with people.
Bingo, but you know that would not fly in every area.
Could you imagine pulling something like that off in a really big city, like Los Angeles? Holy macanoli!!! Everyone would know about the apostolic church then! They'd be renting out football stadiums for church services on a regular basis!! It's blowin my mind just thinking about it. It's a shame something like what I've described has about the same chance that a snowball has in............well, ya know.
Praxeas
05-20-2008, 02:50 PM
Can you define system?
And at what point would such a system begin to resemble a traditional church that also has small group ministry?
I already defined it...a serious of house churches that regularly meet together as a whole...Not sure what you were asking for...
Basically it would be similar to a small group ministry
James Griffin
05-20-2008, 02:50 PM
Could you imagine pulling something like that off in a really big city, like Los Angeles? Holy macanoli!!! Everyone would know about the apostolic church then! They'd be renting out football stadiums for church services on a regular basis!! It's blowin my mind just thinking about it. It's a shame something like what I've described has about the same chance that a snowball has in............well, ya know.
I would respectfully disagree that it's not viable.
It would take a special pastor. In my opinion many traditional Oneness churches do not grow because the pastor feels he needs to be in control of everything and is afraid to delegate.
From a purely evangelistic POV it makes sense. Smaller groups would make more individuals involved, and develop their own personal gifts.
Occasional large gatherings in my opinion are also necessary, there is an special atmosphere when hundreds or thousands gather. Large gatherings could also make sure the "network" for lack of a better word stayed on the same page as far as vision and doctrine.
The problem is, and always will be balance. How much control to be centralized and how much in the hands of the house leaders.
Praxeas
05-20-2008, 02:52 PM
I do not think one is better than the other in every area of the country. Some very large churches are against cell groups, but some very large churches have gotten large numbers because of them. I think that they can co-exist. I feel that in the pastor of the church should know the area enough to know if it will work. The UPC church I go to had them for a while and they fizzled out. The pastor said that the church 'WILL' do them in order to grow. But it might not work everywhere. In the Bible belt you might not have to do them cause some people are not against visiting a church where on the West Coast they might be (examples only). I have heard the the Manguns will not do them. Not too sure but going on second hand info. It all boils to is it profitable for your church. Sometime putting the wrong people in charge of a home group is bad cause they might try to lead the people away from that local church. I believe they can work, but I have not ever seen it personally work.
I think small groups don't work with a church that is still too dependent on the "big show"
rgcraig
05-20-2008, 02:52 PM
Could you imagine pulling something like that off in a really big city, like Los Angeles? Holy macanoli!!! Everyone would know about the apostolic church then! They'd be renting out football stadiums for church services on a regular basis!! It's blowin my mind just thinking about it. It's a shame something like what I've described has about the same chance that a snowball has in............well, ya know.
Wouldn't ever happen because they all believe a little something different. That's why there are so many small churches of the same kind everywhere.
Praxeas
05-20-2008, 02:53 PM
I prefer mega churches. I like all the options, functions, and programs without the intimacy of having to be too close with people.
interesting. I don't understand how a church can BE a church without the intimacy of being "too close" with people. The programs and stuff seem nice to me but I think they ultimately take the place of real ministry unless of course those programs are centered around ministry.
rgcraig
05-20-2008, 02:54 PM
Small groups are great for creating relationships in the church. Meet on Sundays corporately, then have small groups on Wednesday nights.
James Griffin
05-20-2008, 02:55 PM
I think small groups don't work with a church is still too dependent on the "big show"
True I was recently affiliated with a church which "pushed" small groups, but the leadership mantra was "It's all about Sunday morning"
Small groups where not a ministry in and of themselves their job was to funnel into the main sanctuary Sunday morning.
James Griffin
05-20-2008, 02:56 PM
interesting. I don't understand how a church can BE a church without the intimacy of being "too close" with people. The programs and stuff seem nice to me but I think they ultimately take the place of real ministry unless of course those programs are centered around ministry.
I'm sure Rhoni was TIC, she just left it off.
I have often thought of starting a home group, but I have to be honest with myself. I don't have what it takes to get something like that off the ground.
Praxeas
05-20-2008, 03:00 PM
I have often thought of starting a home group, but I have to be honest with myself. I don't have what it takes to get something like that off the ground.
No house?
Jack Shephard
05-20-2008, 03:01 PM
Could you imagine pulling something like that off in a really big city, like Los Angeles? Holy macanoli!!! Everyone would know about the apostolic church then! They'd be renting out football stadiums for church services on a regular basis!! It's blowin my mind just thinking about it. It's a shame something like what I've described has about the same chance that a snowball has in............well, ya know.
You said it. It is a pipe dream of sorts. The thought is great. It might happen in our lifetime. I just think that there is and will be too much of the judging each other going on there. Look at Youth Congress and even GC. People can not go without trying to point out others problems. It is sad but true.
A side note about the house churches....
They are a good idea to cultivate immature christian believers. They are a fairly good way of talking about doctrine too. Not as a debate set up. I have thought in the past it would be good to have a group of the newbies met so you can do kinda like a new converts class. In this one you could start real basic and even use that one as an outreach method. You could also have others for the more mature believers. Those are some ideas. There are people that would go to home groups and not to a church building per se.
Jack Shephard
05-20-2008, 03:05 PM
I think small groups don't work with a church that is still too dependent on the "big show"
This is true. I can not remember if it was Rick Warrens church or someone elses, but there is a big church, like top five in size in the nation big, that was built doing cell, life, home groups-whatever you call them. I think that many of the large churches have a big church talk with a small church mentality. The thought is good cause it can work very well.
No house?
Hehehe. Yes, I have a house. It's the getting it organized and such that I wouldn't be any good at. Whoever starts something like that would almost inevitably be its leader and be relied upon for some things I wouldn't be any good at.
Michael Phelps
05-20-2008, 03:18 PM
I prefer mega churches. I like all the options, functions, and programs without the intimacy of having to be too close with people.
Rhoni, I'm just curious.......why wouldn't you want to develop a close relationship with people in your church?
Truthseeker
05-20-2008, 03:32 PM
I prefer mega churches. I like all the options, functions, and programs without the intimacy of having to be too close with people.
Defense mechanism?
Isn't the fellowship about getting close?
rgcraig
05-20-2008, 03:34 PM
Rhoni, I'm just curious.......why wouldn't you want to develop a close relationship with people in your church?
Don't you know - this way she can slip in late, leave early and not be missed if she wants to skip church!!!!
Esther
05-20-2008, 03:45 PM
I would respectfully disagree that it's not viable.
It would take a special pastor. In my opinion many traditional Oneness churches do not grow because the pastor feels he needs to be in control of everything and is afraid to delegate.
From a purely evangelistic POV it makes sense. Smaller groups would make more individuals involved, and develop their own personal gifts.
This is very true. Too often we rely on someone else to do it. :)
Occasional large gatherings in my opinion are also necessary, there is an special atmosphere when hundreds or thousands gather. Large gatherings could also make sure the "network" for lack of a better word stayed on the same page as far as vision and doctrine.
The problem is, and always will be balance. How much control to be centralized and how much in the hands of the house leaders.
Small groups are great for creating relationships in the church. Meet on Sundays corporately, then have small groups on Wednesday nights.
You are right. It is very difficult to build relationships with a large group.
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 03:46 PM
I don't see cell groups as Biblical... House churches that start organically are Biblical, but they take more time and commitment than having a pastor say, "Ok, group B meets on Tuesday at 7 at the Jones, and group C meets Thursday at 7 at the Smith's." Relationships have to build and the LORD will work to build bonds of fellowship between the saints in an assembly. This has to be a GOD-thing, it has to be organic.
Also, as for megachurches or renting out stadiums... What is the need for the church to be showy? I understand inter-assembly fellowship and things, but GC or Youth Congress or big stadiums, they just don't seem like something the apostles would have done... The pride that spews forth from those on the stage who "preform" is obvious, and it's what turns off so many unbelievers.
Lastly, as for pastor's who need to have too much control, and they hinder inter-assembly fellowship and house church meetings, I highly recommend a book my pastor gave me to read, "The Upside Down Church". It completely changed the way I looked at church leadership, and it put in me the desire to, one day, be the type of pastor who understands myself at the bottom of the pyramid supporting, uplifting and seeing the perfecting of the saints, rather than being at the top of the pyramid being supported by everyone and barking out orders. Delegating authority--- I see what happens when it takes place, and it is great, it gives every saint a piece of ownership and responsibility of the assembly, it trains leaders and it takes the burden off the pastor(s)/elder(s).
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
Esther
05-20-2008, 03:48 PM
I have done this for the past year.
It takes a LOT of dedication for all involved. Towards the end of the year folks want to start having "family time". Nothing wrong with that per se but once you make a committment you need to be faithful to the committment. That is not to say you can't adjust the schedule so family time and special occasions can be handled.
We didn't see a lot of growth until towards the end of the year. About the time you are ready to say this isn't worth my time anymore. But we shouldn't discount the one family that you may be working with for a period of time.
God is in control and He knows best!:happydance
I don't see cell groups as Biblical... House churches that start organically are Biblical, but they take more time and commitment than having a pastor say, "Ok, group B meets on Tuesday at 7 at the Jones, and group C meets Thursday at 7 at the Smith's." Relationships have to build and the LORD will work to build bonds of fellowship between the saints in an assembly. This has to be a GOD-thing, it has to be organic.
Also, as for megachurches or renting out stadiums... What is the need for the church to be showy? I understand inter-assembly fellowship and things, but GC or Youth Congress or big stadiums, they just don't seem like something the apostles would have done... The pride that spews forth from those on the stage who "preform" is obvious, and it's what turns off so many unbelievers.
Lastly, as for pastor's who need to have too much control, and they hinder inter-assembly fellowship and house church meetings, I highly recommend a book my pastor gave me to read, "The Upside Down Church". It completely changed the way I looked at church leadership, and it put in me the desire to, one day, be the type of pastor who understands myself at the bottom of the pyramid supporting, uplifting and seeing the perfecting of the saints, rather than being at the top of the pyramid being supported by everyone and barking out orders. Delegating authority--- I see what happens when it takes place, and it is great, it gives every saint a piece of ownership and responsibility of the assembly, it trains leaders and it takes the burden off the pastor(s)/elder(s).
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
You're good at spitting out what's wrong. Let's hear what you have to say about some solutions. Exactly how would Alex go about it?
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 03:52 PM
I have done this for the past year.
It takes a LOT of dedication for all involved. Towards the end of the year folks want to start having "family time". Nothing wrong with that per se but once you make a committment you need to be faithful to the committment. That is not to say you can't adjust the schedule so family time and special occasions can be handled.
We didn't see a lot of growth until towards the end of the year. About the time you are ready to say this isn't worth my time anymore. But we shouldn't discount the one family that you may be working with for a period of time.
God is in control and He knows best!:happydance
Don't you love it when that's the case? Did you all meet on Sunday after service? That's how the house church group I meet with does things, and it works really well. There's about 15 of us and it works well.
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
I have done this for the past year.
It takes a LOT of dedication for all involved. Towards the end of the year folks want to start having "family time". Nothing wrong with that per se but once you make a committment you need to be faithful to the committment. That is not to say you can't adjust the schedule so family time and special occasions can be handled.
We didn't see a lot of growth until towards the end of the year. About the time you are ready to say this isn't worth my time anymore. But we shouldn't discount the one family that you may be working with for a period of time.
God is in control and He knows best!:happydance
You have a home church? Cool! I am sure you mentioned before, but I have a hard time keeping up with who is doing what. How did you get it established? Was it just you and your family at first? How did you get more people involved? How big is the group? Questions and more questions. :)
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 03:57 PM
You're good at spitting out what's wrong. Let's hear what you have to say about some solutions. Exactly how would Alex go about it?
If you're an active part of an assembly, why not start by inviting some people over, and keep inviting them over and be consistent. Have good food, but make the gathering more than just that. Sing before the meal, pray, have communion, while you all eat, get a Bible discussion going, pose a question, answer others questions, discuss what you've read lately in the Bible. Invest yourself in the people that are apart of your house church. Maybe have another family, who has been in the church for a while help you, maybe have another family or a small group of new believers come, they'll appreciate the fellowship you give them, and they'll get to see apostolic Christianity in practice. Grow together as a group, and see what the LORD will do!
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
If you're an active part of an assembly, why not start by inviting some people over, and keep inviting them over and be consistent. Have good food, but make the gathering more than just that. Sing before the meal, pray, have communion, while you all eat, get a Bible discussion going, pose a question, answer others questions, discuss what you've read lately in the Bible. Invest yourself in the people that are apart of your house church. Maybe have another family, who has been in the church for a while help you, maybe have another family or a small group of new believers come, they'll appreciate the fellowship you give them, and they'll get to see apostolic Christianity in practice. Grow together as a group, and see what the LORD will do!
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
You can do all that without leaving the church building. That's what the fellowship hall is for.
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 04:07 PM
You can do all that without leaving the church building. That's what the fellowship hall is for.
If an assembly does this sort of thing on a weekly basis- great! And I'm not a house OR traditional church person, I'm a house AND traditional church person. But there is something to be said for meeting in small groups, mentoring people, and having that intimacy that you can't get in an assembly of 30, 70, 100 or 1000. I personally like groups of 10-15, this makes everyone an active participant. If you can do this sort of thing in a larger group, then great, but as someone who's part of a house church that sometimes even gets to be at 20 or so, if other people tag along, the intimacy is lost in that setting. My pastor has considered expanding his kitchen for a greater dinner table for house church, but everyone agrees that the answer is not to add more people, but to pray that other house churches get started so that the house church experience is not lost.
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
If an assembly does this sort of thing on a weekly basis- great! And I'm not a house OR traditional church person, I'm a house AND traditional church person. But there is something to be said for meeting in small groups, mentoring people, and having that intimacy that you can't get in an assembly of 30, 70, 100 or 1000. I personally like groups of 10-15, this makes everyone an active participant. If you can do this sort of thing in a larger group, then great, but as someone who's part of a house church that sometimes even gets to be at 20 or so, if other people tag along, the intimacy is lost in that setting. My pastor has considered expanding his kitchen for a greater dinner table for house church, but everyone agrees that the answer is not to add more people, but to pray that other house churches get started so that the house church experience is not lost.
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
I am very much in favor of cell groups, house churches, weekly meetings in the fellowship hall; anything that works towards edifying and empowering God's people.
Some ideas I have been tossing around this afternoon:
Sing a few songs
Pray for each other
Find some good Bible studies at the Christian bookstore for discussion
Watch some good preaching from online sources
Pick a local charity to support, maybe a food bank or something
What do you guys think? I have a family in mind who might be interested in doing this house church thing. What other ideas do y'all think might help to make it interesting?
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 04:45 PM
Some ideas I have been tossing around this afternoon:
Sing a few songs
Pray for each other
Find some good Bible studies at the Christian bookstore for discussion
Watch some good preaching from online sources
Pick a local charity to support, maybe a food bank or something
What do you guys think? I have a family in mind who might be interested in doing this house church thing. What other ideas do y'all think might help to make it interesting?
GREAT! We don't watch online sermons, but if it would work for you all, then that could be a good idea. And if I could put in another idea... communion- try it! If you do it reverently, I think it's a great thing to do in a house group setting. We discussed the fact that the apostles has the LORD's Supper during their fellowship dinners, and we see it like a part of saying grace over a meal. Just some suggestions- I'm excited for you and your trying out house church. I would also, HIGHLY recommend gloriouschurch.com, they have a lot of good info there.
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
bethola
05-20-2008, 05:59 PM
We had Home Friendship Groups for several years at our church. In fact, my husband and I were Zone Leaders. But, they just didn't really "catch on" so to speak. We live on the Buckle of the Bible Belt and most people prefer to have church...well...at church!
I DO think that they can be and are more effective in urban areas where people must travel long distances to get to church.
Beth
Scott Hutchinson
05-20-2008, 07:22 PM
I think house churches and meeting in church building are both acceptable.
Scott Hutchinson
05-20-2008, 07:23 PM
I think house churches and meeting in church buildings are both acceptable.
DanielR
05-20-2008, 08:47 PM
I have often thought of starting a home group, but I have to be honest with myself. I don't have what it takes to get something like that off the ground.
Don't sell yourself short. I thought that once, until I had a small convention dumped on my lap to take over. (this was never before done in my area so I ended up building the whole works myself) Small as in about 20 attending, but lasting all weekend. I didn't think that I could do it (and I was right, but I had the Lord's help) but it came off great. I'd like to start a home group now, but my problem is my job keeps me away from home to do it.
DanielR
05-20-2008, 08:51 PM
There are people that would go to home groups and not to a church building per se.
My wife is like that. She can't sit still for very long so she won't go to Church so that she doesn't cause a distraction, but she would go to a home Church because that is less of an issue.
Rhoni
05-20-2008, 09:20 PM
interesting. I don't understand how a church can BE a church without the intimacy of being "too close" with people. The programs and stuff seem nice to me but I think they ultimately take the place of real ministry unless of course those programs are centered around ministry.
It is not that there isn't intimacy but you can choose who you want to be intimate with. I feel myself closing off somewhat. I don't let everyone into my world. Got my walls/boundaries up.
Blessings, Rhoni
Sept5SavedTeen
05-20-2008, 09:36 PM
It is not that there isn't intimacy but you can choose who you want to be intimate with. I feel myself closing off somewhat. I don't let everyone into my world. Got my walls/boundaries up.
Blessings, Rhoni
Boundaries are good... walls- not so much... :)
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
James Griffin
05-20-2008, 09:39 PM
It is not that there isn't intimacy but you can choose who you want to be intimate with. I feel myself closing off somewhat. I don't let everyone into my world. Got my walls/boundaries up.
Blessings, Rhoni
Sorry to hear that, if you ever need to talk about it you know how to reach me.
ChristopherHall
05-20-2008, 09:50 PM
Which is better and why?
Is either more scriptural or spiritual?
Can they co-exist or are they by nature exclusionary?
They can and should co-exist. Some will prefer house churches others traditional churches.
However, house churches are closer to the model found in the Bible and have less overhead cost. Being a "church without walls" a house church can meet in a home, at a cafe, a library, a park, a town square, ...anywhere. That also means they can essentially take church to the lost as opposed trying to convince the lost to come to the church.
Well, I have talked with this family about meeting in our homes and they are interested. I need to go visit a Christian bookstore and find some Bible studies. This is gonna be fun.
Esther
05-24-2008, 12:32 PM
Don't you love it when that's the case? Did you all meet on Sunday after service? That's how the house church group I meet with does things, and it works really well. There's about 15 of us and it works well.
GOD BLESS!
Bro. Alex
No we met on Friday nights. They have now changed it to Saturday's. Plus we would try and meet once a month on a Saturday for special prayer meeting for the meetings.
Esther
05-24-2008, 12:40 PM
You have a home church? Cool! I am sure you mentioned before, but I have a hard time keeping up with who is doing what. How did you get it established? Was it just you and your family at first? How did you get more people involved? How big is the group? Questions and more questions. :)
I discussed it with a core group that was willing to commit to it. I didn't want any one person being in "control" per se. I wanted it to be a group effort.
We held it at a friends new home that had a large living area. I planned who would be doing the speaking. Bro. Strange helped us get started and then he had to drop out due to the distance he was having to drive. Then the other gentleman that has been teaching bible studies at work for several years took over as being our primary speaker.
Then we decided to break it up and the main speaker would teach/preach the first week, I took the second week, and I had the third week for a special speaker. The fourth week, we would show a prophecy video.
We were trying to find out what would draw the people. We had one couple come for a prophecy night that wouldn't come for anything else.
When I left in March we were having an average of about eight. However, for the most part of the year it was the four/five of the core group with only one of the groups parents and sometimes his sister that came.
We finally got them to come to the "big" church and his mom was going to buy her some skirts to where to church. Then he got offended with his son and quit coming.
He is the type that really needs TLC.
Hope that helps.
P.S. I did run it by my Pastor before I began.
Which is better and why?
Is either more scriptural or spiritual?
Can they co-exist or are they by nature exclusionary?
Churches are better because it is so cotton picken hard to fit the entire choir, band, sound system, sound guy, and all of the other folks all in the living room and still have room for the congregation.:happydance
On the other hand house churches are great for folks who have problems submitting to anybody and want to go off and be a big chief (in a little tribe).
Also great for people of limited speaking or musical ability who will now have a chance to "minister" now that the pickings are slim.
Oh, I know there are some people doing home churches out of either conviction or neccessity if there is no established church where they are at but my somewhat flip comments above do apply to some who go this route.
Esther
05-24-2008, 12:59 PM
Churches are better because it is so cotton picken hard to fit the entire choir, band, sound system, sound guy, and all of the other folks all in the living room and still have room for the congregation.:happydance
On the other hand house churches are great for folks who have problems submitting to anybody and want to go off and be a big chiekf (in a little tribe).
Also great for people of limited speaking or musical ability who will now have a chance to "minister" now that the pickings are slim.
Oh, I know there are some people doing home churches out of either conviction or neccessity if there is no established church where they are at but my somewhat flip comments above do apply to some who go this route.
CC1 there is a lot of truth in what you say. However, not ALL do it for that reason. In fact, I would suggest you really, really pray about it before you begin.
It opens the door to spiritual warfare immediately! Besides that it is a lot of hard work to be the "chief" of such a small effort. ;)
I discussed it with a core group that was willing to commit to it. I didn't want any one person being in "control" per se. I wanted it to be a group effort.
We held it at a friends new home that had a large living area. I planned who would be doing the speaking. Bro. Strange helped us get started and then he had to drop out due to the distance he was having to drive. Then the other gentleman that has been teaching bible studies at work for several years took over as being our primary speaker.
Then we decided to break it up and the main speaker would teach/preach the first week, I took the second week, and I had the third week for a special speaker. The fourth week, we would show a prophecy video.
We were trying to find out what would draw the people. We had one couple come for a prophecy night that wouldn't come for anything else.
When I left in March we were having an average of about eight. However, for the most part of the year it was the four/five of the core group with only one of the groups parents and sometimes his sister that came.
We finally got them to come to the "big" church and his mom was going to buy her some skirts to where to church. Then he got offended with his son and quit coming.
He is the type that really needs TLC.
Hope that helps.
P.S. I did run it by my Pastor before I began.
I see. Our main goal is to have a way for people to get together and learn from each other. We're not really looking to have speakers, per se. Our idea is to enjoy some worship with each other, do some Bible studies, pray for each other's needs, and maybe check out some online preaching on occasion. We'd also like to find a good charity to support, either by volunteering some time or giving some financial support. We're not really looking to start a "church" exactly, but one never knows what God has in store for the future. We're just going to take things one week at a time and see where it leads us.
Esther
05-24-2008, 01:04 PM
I see. Our main goal is to have a way for people to get together and learn from each other. We're not really looking to have speakers, per se. Our idea is to enjoy some worship with each other, do some Bible studies, pray for each other's needs, and maybe check out some online preaching on occasion. We'd also like to find a good charity to support, either by volunteering some time or giving some financial support. We're not really looking to start a "church" exactly, but one never knows what God has in store for the future. We're just going to take things one week at a time and see where it leads us.
That is good. Are you going to meet in the same home or move about?
We also had refreshments every week. That can get expensive as well as add a lot of extra work. But it is good fellowhip.
James Griffin
05-24-2008, 01:09 PM
Churches are better because it is so cotton picken hard to fit the entire choir, band, sound system, sound guy, and all of the other folks all in the living room and still have room for the congregation.:happydance
On the other hand house churches are great for folks who have problems submitting to anybody and want to go off and be a big chiekf (in a little tribe).
Also great for people of limited speaking or musical ability who will now have a chance to "minister" now that the pickings are slim.
Oh, I know there are some people doing home churches out of either conviction or neccessity if there is no established church where they are at but my somewhat flip comments above do apply to some who go this route.
CC
That was just wrong !!!
But funny.
That is good. Are you going to meet in the same home or move about?
We also had refreshments every week. That can get expensive as well as add a lot of extra work. But it is good fellowhip.
To be honest with you, I would prefer that we take turns hosting. The last thing I want is for this to turn into a one-man show, if you catch my drift. For now there is just my family and one other family interested, so we will probably take turns. If the group grows, I'd like to see different families take their turn at hosting.
Grasshopper
05-24-2008, 04:28 PM
The format of house church that I enjoy is when there is an elder that leads the group in prayer and presents a passage of of Scripture. The elder shares what the Lord put on his heart regarding the passage and then everyone takes turns speaking, explaining what they think about the passage, how they believe it applies to the Christian life, and what they've heard about the passage. It's not a one man show by any means, every one ministers to one another. We've had small group meetings like this and they can go on for three hours. Sometimes you can feel God guiding the conversation. I've seen people start crying and the whole group surround them and pray with them. It's beautiful.
The format of house church that I enjoy is when there is an elder that leads the group in prayer and presents a passage of of Scripture. The elder shares what the Lord put on his heart regarding the passage and then everyone takes turns speaking, explaining what they think about the passage, how they believe it applies to the Christian life, and what they've heard about the passage. It's not a one man show by any means, every one ministers to one another. We've had small group meetings like this and they can go on for three hours. Sometimes you can feel God guiding the conversation. I've seen people start crying and the whole group surround them and pray with them. It's beautiful.
What we are talking about doing is similar to that. Our idea is to find Bible studies that are designed for groups. Once we read a passage, it will be open for discussion, open for anyone to share their thoughts on it. I've seen this method work before. I used to belong to a group from a church I used to go to that met on Friday nights. The group had a moderator, but he was by no means the only one doing all the talking. Every session we had would take on a life of its own, and we all liked that. We never knew who it would be the Lord would use to minister to the rest of the group. Sometimes the passage we were discussing would speak directly into someone's situation, they'd open up about it, and then we'd pray for that person. It was really neat the way the Spirit was free to flow during those Bible studies. No agenda involved. No one trying to shine above the others in the group. Just brothers and sisters in the Lord trying to help each other grow.
I just finished reading this book called The Glorious Church. It deals with this home church issue to a certain degree. I was very surprised to find out it wasn't about home church over traditional church as it was about the structure of the Church in general. The authors basically advocate a hybrid of home meetings and congregational meetings. They place Christ as Head of the church and then elders to act as overseers of an assembly comprised of several home groups.
I posted this on another thread and then remembered we had a discussion going on this topic.
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