House Churches
 

In the interest of Forum unity and brotherly love, I wanted to start a thread that Esaias and Aquilla can agree on...

Seriously though, having never been part of a house church, I have a few questions for the members that have, or currently attend a house church. These questions are not meant to offend or start an argument. This is purely to satisfy my curiosity.

What do you like most about attending house church?

What do you miss about attending a corporate church congregation?

Do house churches have a pastor?

Is there a set schedule of services and order of service?

Do you take up any tithes or offering?

What if your group outgrows its current house location?

Re: House Churches
 

One does not "attend house church", although one does attend meetings. The best thing about house church is just that - it isn't just attending meetings, its about BEING the church. Interaction with the brethren goes beyond just the meetings, and yet everything is "church" because church is the people. Which in turn leads to open participatory meetings instead of spectator services.

You mean an institutional church meeting/service? A Hammond B3 with a player who knows how to make it do its thang.

Yes, sometimes more than one. But they are usually pastors because they shepherd and teach, not because they have a title.

Meetings are held regularly (schedule). EVERY church has a liturgy or "order of service" because every church does certain things when they hold a meeting. The order may vary from church to church, may be simple or complex, etc, but there is an order of service nonetheless. House churches tend to have an order of service that invites more participation in the service from each member than in institutional churches, but really it all depends on the group. Some are very minimalistic, some are a bit more comprehensive. Most follow a similar (if not the same) format as found in institutional churches (greeting, prayer, singing, teaching, prayer, dismissal, in that order) but may include a fellowship meal (we just about ALWAYS have a meal as part of the meeting). Our particular order of service is probably a bit... different... than what most folks on this forum are used to (house church or not) but it has worked for us better than the "standard, common" service format.

Most house churches either have no budget or work strictly on voluntary offerings, although there are a few that use a tithe-based system. Speaking personally, offerings might be taken for specific purposes like to help an evangelist, to help someone in need, or similar. House churches really have WAY smaller budgetary needs.

Usually in house churches that get too crowded for the host's house, several members will voluntarily split off and a second assembly comes into being, and the growth process is repeated. That's the usual (and ideal) model that most house churches follow or strive for.

Re: House Churches
 

Really though, house church has become somewhat of a fad, here in America at least. The larger "house church movement" in America seems to be more oriented towards a "group therapy" mindset rather than an intentional effort to be genuinely "apostolic" ie following the example and teaching of Jesus and His apostles. The real issue has to do with organization and purpose, not merely "location". A Biblical house church is not a coffee klatch. The meeting site (one another's homes, etc) is a means to an end, not the end itself.

Re: House Churches
 

Esaias,

Thank you for the responses. All great information. I particularly liked the comment regarding a Hammond B3 organ. Some guys can just make that thing hum!

Re: House Churches
 

BTW, just wanted to say this: if you are familiar with real, apostolic, pentecostal church services, and you visit a genuine apostolic house church meeting, you will still feel more at home than you would visiting ANY non-apostolic meeting. The music might be simpler, the space might be smaller, but if you've ever had a Holy Ghost prayer meeting at a brother or sister's house then you already know what to expect.

:)

Re: House Churches
 

That my family and I are in the will of God to do so, and that meeting from house to house is the Apostolic pattern presented in the Holy Scriptures of the New Covenant.

I can't really think of anything I miss.

The LORD is my shepherd...

The Bishop and Chief Shepherd of our souls...

Our church has a plurality of elders (not a title or position, just a reality) who are apt to teach, given to hospitality, lovers of good men, etc. No one is called or really thought of as the Pastor. Instead, gifts are recognized in people, and so, people are given room to grow and use their gifts accordingly. Some have been graced by God to be given to the church as those who "tend like a shepherd", and that gifting is recognized and appreciated.

Not for us. About the only thing that gets ordered is whether or not we are having a meal, in which case, the hosts or those who have prepared the food kind of set the timeframe (whether we dine before or after, for example).

Otherwise, apart from the invitation to gather at a home at a certain time, once we have gathered, there is no particular order of doing things.

There is a bank bag brought to every meeting, and those who desire to give financially can do so by placing their gift into the bank bag. We do not practice tithing, as far as the official stance goes, but whether or not a financially contributing member actually is giving a tenth of their income or not, is not something I am aware of, or even want to be. Not my business.

We don't have a single "house" location. All member homes can be and are utilized if any of the members choose to open their home. Some have more room than others. For us, we don't make it a thing that every member ought to be at every meeting, all the time. The expectation is that we are living life in the Spirit, and are ministering to people in our community, at work, in the neighborhood, or etc., right where people are at. We don't necessarily try to get people to come to our meetings and fill up space (even though we do invite people to come) so much as we make ourselves available to serve anyone in need and anyone who would like to come are welcome to do so.

For example, a coworker recently asked me and my wife to teach her the Holy Scriptures, and so, she is coming over to our house next week. She is welcome to our meetings, too, if she would like to come, but that's not the main thrust of what we are doing. The goal is to help unite her with the Lord in whatever capacity she needs, to whatever level of ability God grants to us, and then, as Jesus determines, He will place her wherever He wants her to be, so long as she obeys Him and yields to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

If that means He desires for her to be apart of our local assembly, if she submits to that desire, she will do so, naturally. But we aren't going to try to force or coerce her into doing so, no matter how much we might want for her to do so.

When I was part of a traditional church organization, it was almost always assumed that anyone who came to a meeting, received the Holy Spirit and/or was immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus, would automatically become a member of our local 501c3 LLC. So, when God saved someone, and then, that someone eventually moved on down the road, for whatever reason, people were dismayed and discouraged, and felt like they had lost what had just been found. Sometimes desperate attempts were made to get them to "Come back, Shane!".

Now, we might say, it's a brand new baby in Christ, and they've finally found truth, so they're supposed to have our church as their default setting. But that's not true. No one is baptized into this local congregation or that one. They are immersed into the Body of Christ. They are adopted by the Holy Spirit, not by the ministry. They don't automatically lose sonship in the Gospel, just because they don't show up at a predetermined location at set times of the week, regardless of whatever some set of by-laws state.

Frankly, I'm just of the opinion that these things can't be forced. We are to persuade, not manipulate or guilt-trip.

So, in this way, we aren't in it for the numbers (not saying anyone else is). We are not trying to grow our assembly so we can split up and start the process all over again. We evangelize and make disciples, teaching whatsoever the Lord has commanded us. If this leads to a numerical increase in total membership, then, that's great. But it's not the goal. The goal is to become like Jesus, and reflect Him, as Head of the Body, to each other, and to anyone else with whom we live and move and have our being.

Re: House Churches
 

Don't know that I can improve upon what already has been said but here are some additional thoughts.

What do you like most about attending house church?


The absence of religion. Every individual can minister and be ministered to.


What do you miss about attending a corporate church congregation?

Nothing


Do house churches have a pastor?


Yes. Sometimes multiple.


Is there a set schedule of services and order of service?


Yes a set schedule of services. No order of service. Who wants to be in rut?


Do you take up any tithes or offering?


Offerings as needs arise. This could fall under what I like about house church too. There is zero overhead. 100% of any offering goes toward the intended need. And there are no strings attached as with any 501c3 institution.


What if your group outgrows its current house location.

We multiply.

Re: House Churches
 

House church, because building a place of worship was illegal for 300 years.

Re: House Churches
 

This is such a very positive and warm post. I want to thank you for your questions and your desire to see unity and brotherly love.

I want to start out by saying that I in no way condemn "traditional church" structures or customs. I am leery of "institutionalized organizations" due to the politics and money involved. But this doesn't make them inherently evil. It's merely my concern.

It's like a spiritual family and not a club in which you must gain membership. There's great food and fellowship. The Lord's Supper is typically weekly. You become intimately acquainted with one another and the various elements of your lives. It is informal. No dressing up, and the "best face" slowly fades. House churches welcome imperfections and confession. Our elder always says, "If you're perfect and have no problems or issues, perhaps this kind of church isn't for you." The informality lends itself to an authenticity. Also, gatherings are participative. A brother or sister can bring a song, a poem, a message, or anything inspired by the Holy Spirit to edify the gathering. I've seen brothers and sisters read poems, show artwork, write songs, etc. to share at the gatherings. Kids are involved. They are allowed to listen in on and participate in most discussions. Interestingly enough, God often uses children to simplify things. I've seen children request to share a children's song (Oh Be Careful Little Eyes) and the Holy Spirit move over the group, bringing adults to tears, and prompting repentance or rededication. In gatherings wherein a mature topic is going to be addressed, we have "children's church" wherein the kids hear and discuss a Bible story, color, and play outside. After the elder shares initial thoughts on the main passage of the evening, the floor is opened for discussion. Questions are asked, insights are shared, understandings and interpretations are compared. In this process, you often gain respect for positions that differ from your own. For example, you might learn why those who believe in Predestination are blessed by the interpretation and why those believing in Free Will are blessed by that interpretation. Unity is one of love and Spirit, it isn't based on needing to agree on every point. One of the things I love most about house church is how older saints often take the floor and lay down such deep and powerful wisdom for us. In a traditional service, most of them would be sitting politely in a pew and trying to share their wisdom in quick snippets with those who might talk to them before and after service. Also, the elders will share an insight and ask the older saints their thoughts on it. Some of the best gatherings have been when an older brother or sister unloads decades of wisdom and understanding concerning how a passage has guided them in their Christian walk. I've seen the elders weep with tears as they surrender the gathering to an older saint because their words and wisdom is so anointed, tried, and true. Women have a voice. Every month we have gatherings that are gender specific. But in most gatherings women are permitted to share their understanding, insight, and revelations in prayer. Every member contributes to the beautiful tapestry that is being woven together by the Holy Spirit. No one is left with their music still inside them. Those with special gifts or anointing are clearly seen in their participation. Those with deeper knowledge and understanding are readily recognized. There is plenty of opportunity for one's spiritual gifts to make room for them. Also house churches can choose to gather in parks, campgrounds, at pools, beaches, coffee shops, and restaurants. We've even gathered in a local tavern with great food once. Our house church emphasizes street preaching and evangelism. Those who feel called to preach not only have opportunity to speak in gatherings, but they are also not focused on establishing a pulpit. Especially when there are thousands of street corners in so many cities just waiting for a preacher. Also, people with awesome personalities and faith often come to a house church before a traditional church. I've met some rather interesting people who due to wealth or position didn't feel comfortable attending a traditional church. Did I mention the food? A full meal followed by the breaking of bread and passing of the cup. It's very intimate and profound. There's something that is bonding when meals are shared together. House church gatherings are like weekly family reunions. I could go on and on.

The music! In house church it isn't abnormal to sing hymns and simply popular songs a Capella. If a gathering is blessed to have a saint or two who knows how to play a guitar it can become very precious and intimate. So, it's often no big surprise that house churches aren't built around their praise and worship music. But the talent and musical ability to produce concert quality song in a corporate church congregation can be very powerful. I really miss it sometimes. I also miss being able to say that I'm a part of a rather easily identified or known house of worship. It gets tiring explaining what a house church is every time someone asks you where you go to church. On occasion I miss a place to pray that isn't someone's personal home. This is small, but for me to settle into a dimly lit prayer room that was designed for the purpose is a fond memory of mine. But its' not that bad if the lights are dimmed and everyone has a comfortable spot in a home to pray. It can be just as powerful. It's just a fond memory.

TO BE CONTINUED....

Re: House Churches
 

CONTINUED...

Ours have "hosts" and "elders". The hose is often the one who lives where we gather. In many cases the elder is the host, but not always. In our house church, elders are more like mentors. They are not authoritarian. We have a primary elder who typically leads discussion, but we have other elders too. Elders are individuals who have demonstrated a greater degree of spiritual gifting, insight, and knowledge than the average saint attending. Elders guide meetings and will lovingly correct those with ideas that are contrary to our articles of faith.

Yep. Sundays (sometimes Saturdays) we gather at 3pm at the elder's home. We socialize and wait until about 3:15 or 3:30 until we start prayer. We join hands and pray and take prayer requests. We then close this with a blessing for the food. Then we go into the kitchen to get a plate of food and drink (typically around 4:00 or 4:30). This is our "Agape Feast". We sit at the table or if packed wherever we can find a seat and we eat. During the meal we tell, "Jesus Stories", which are essentially testimonies about what God is doing in our lives or the lives of people we know and love. Prayer requests are also welcome during this time and its not uncommon for us to stop eating to pray for a need that is weighing on someone's heart, especially when prompted by a Jesus Story. Seconds are allowed and there is dessert. Once people are finished eating, we take a single loaf and a single cup (grape juice) and the elder retells the story of the Lord's Supper and blesses the bread and cup. It's real important in our house church that there be a SINGLE loaf and a SINGLE cup. A time of prayer and personal reflection is offered. We then pass the bread and everyone tears a piece off for themselves. Then we pass the cup and as the cup is passed we pray for the one partaking as they dip the bread into the juice and consume the body and blood of Christ. We do open "communion". So, anyone can participate. After all have partaken that desire to partake we close in prayer and sing a few songs of worship. Sometimes, if there is the need, a few brothers or sisters will help clean up the kitchen and get it back in order. After the songs and worship we move to the finished basement and prepare for the message. Once downstairs, the elder will typically ask of anyone has anything they would like to bring before the church. This is where special songs, poems, artwork, messages, etc. can be shared. After this sharing the elder directs us to a passage that was laid on his heart and the elder reads the passage and shares what God put on his heart. Sometimes the elder will ask for one of us to do the reading. It's not like a typically sermon, but it does have a primary point and the elements found in most sermons. Then the elder leads us in prayer and the discussion begins. We can then ask questions, make comments, share insights, stories, and testimonies relating to the passage. Often what was presented before the elder began the message is strangely perfect in relating to the message the elder prepared. We then have a time of prayer and reflection, much like an altar call, were we pray where we're sitting, and openly confess our sins (it can be general or detailed, whatever the individual feels is necessary to get the guilt and shame of their hearts), we pray with one another and "pray through" seeking God's grace. We're big on grace and frown upon legalism. We believe that love covers a multitude of sins. We are very progressive in that we do permit women to speak, we do not discriminate based on race, income, sexual preference, or current circumstances in one's life. All are welcome. However, we do teach that while justifying grace brings one to a point wherein they stand before God as though they never sinned, sanctifying grace will bring them to spiritual maturity. This means that while Jesus loves people enough to save them regardless of their sin conditions, He will not leave them in a given conditions. There will be a marked change in the believer's life as the Spirit prunes them and leads them to let go of various things that are not of God. We also believe that this is typically a process and that it isn't instantaneous. So we offer much patience and grace to all saints who are pressing towards being conformed into the image of Christ, our only true standard.

Regarding holiness we believe that holiness is essential to salvation. (Hebrews 12:14) Man is made holy by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in his life. Holy, consecrated, prayerful living should characterize the life and walk of every born-again saint of God. Therefore, God requires that one must forsake the ways of the wicked (2 Corinthians 6:17) and cleanse oneself from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Holiness is not predicated upon adhering to the Law of Moses or church standards (Galatians 3:10-13; Romans 7:7-9; Colossians 2:16-17; Galatians 3:24-25; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:1-3). A life of true holiness is marked by living a life of divine love towards God and others (Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8).[/INDENT]
Our elders are "tentmakers", meaning they have jobs in the real world. All offerings are taken to support projects, trips, or to relieve the burden of the saints.

We believe that the practice of tithing was an Old Testament law which was necessary for supporting the Old Testament priesthood. With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the veil in the temple was torn in two by the hand of God. This resulted in a new covenant in which the priesthood and its financial support structure was abolished and a new Priesthood of all Believers was established. God’s financial plan for the church today is called "giving," not tithing. (Romans 12:13; I Corinthians 16:1-3; II Corinthians 9:6-7)

We appoint an elder (or elders) to open a new house church hosted by himself or a family of the gathering. Individuals can choose to attend either, or both, if schedule allows. Saints aren't "members" with any expected loyalty to a given house church. We're hear simply to assist them by providing teaching, fellowship, and prayer as they progress along in their journey with Christ.