"Home Church" Question? - Page 3

shazeep · #21 01-09-2014, 12:00 PM

ok, i'm finding it passing strange--at least--that Aquila has not weighed in here? My current pastor happens to run a home church; and would be offended at the idea of money being inserted into the equation. I found that significant, as i had just finished a study that was fairly compelling in presenting the idea that a sign that satan is intruding or trying to intrude in a situation is when money is presented in some facet of it.

Aquila · #22 01-09-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

WHO receives the tithes?

House churches are as varied as regular churches. Some believe in tithing while others don't. Either way, the hosting elder typically receives the tithes and/or offerings. Sometimes they only take a percentage for themselves to cover some of the personal expenses of the house church. The rest will go to the ministry or a benevolence fund to help members, friends, and family who might be in need.

The house churches that I'm familiar with do not believe in tithing. However, they do believe in vows. Vows are made in accordance to what a person has determined in their hearts to give. It's handled much like pledges. However, a vow is binding between the individual and God. Every year vows are renewed or modified. The principle of sowing and reaping comes into play in this model. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.

n david · #23 01-09-2014, 12:40 PM

My Pastor last night said we'll be starting home meetings in the next few months. We'll still keep Sunday services and other special services at the building we rent, but he feels we should focus more on home group ministry.

KeptByTheWord · #24 01-09-2014, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david

My Pastor last night said we'll be starting home meetings in the next few months. We'll still keep Sunday services and other special services at the building we rent, but he feels we should focus more on home group ministry.

How do you feel about this?

KeptByTheWord · #25 01-09-2014, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila

House churches are as varied as regular churches. Some believe in tithing while others don't. Either way, the hosting elder typically receives the tithes and/or offerings. Sometimes they only take a percentage for themselves to cover some of the personal expenses of the house church. The rest will go to the ministry or a benevolence fund to help members, friends, and family who might be in need.

The house churches that I'm familiar with do not believe in tithing. However, they do believe in vows. Vows are made in accordance to what a person has determined in their hearts to give. It's handled much like pledges. However, a vow is binding between the individual and God. Every year vows are renewed or modified. The principle of sowing and reaping comes into play in this model. Those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly.

Great concept, I think.

Esaias · #26 01-10-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

I'm sorry that I couldn't do like you and read into "Distributing to the necessity of saints" anything about tithing. Also could you give a verse where Paul taught the church to not tithe. Thanks.

Show me a proper Levite and give me the mailing address to the Temple in Jerusalem, and I'll gladly send 10 percent of the increase of my herds and crops there. (I wonder if Fed-Ex would work? Would the cost of shipping be deducted from the tithe?)

Esaias · #27 01-10-2014, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david

My Pastor last night said we'll be starting home meetings in the next few months. We'll still keep Sunday services and other special services at the building we rent, but he feels we should focus more on home group ministry.

Slippery slope, brother. Watch out! Next thing you know he'll start talking about 'one cup and one loaf'...

KeptByTheWord · #28 01-10-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esaias

Show me a proper Levite and give me the mailing address to the Temple in Jerusalem, and I'll gladly send 10 percent of the increase of my herds and crops there. (I wonder if Fed-Ex would work? Would the cost of shipping be deducted from the tithe?)

n david · #29 01-10-2014, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

How do you feel about this?

I think small groups or home services are a necessary addition for a church body. It helps bring the body closer together. I've been involved previously with another church "cell" group, and saw the benefits of it; many visitors would come to the group sessions first before attending the services.

I'm excited about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esaias

Slippery slope, brother. Watch out! Next thing you know he'll start talking about 'one cup and one loaf'...

I started attending when this church was just beginning. I remember when we had the first communion service, the Pastor used real wine! First time I'd ever had real wine during communion.

That was the only time though. Could be due to the rush for leftovers at the end...

KeptByTheWord · #30 01-10-2014, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david

I think small groups or home services are a necessary addition for a church body. It helps bring the body closer together. I've been involved previously with another church "cell" group, and saw the benefits of it; many visitors would come to the group sessions first before attending the services.

I'm excited about it.

Yes, definitely home fellowship brings people into closer relationships with each other, and I believe with the Lord.