House Churches: What are your thoughts?

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Yes ma'am.

It seems to be a God given part of who we are sometimes.

Yes...see my thread though in our church we were not allowed to do that...while I loved all in my church...I didn't feel comfortable with everyone...even in familys we are closer to some than others...

[RandyWayne]

Many churches are already dipping their big toe into this with the growing concept of cell groups. Our own church has a single Sunday morning service then a couple (Tuesday and Thursday) night cell group meetings.
(There is also a prayer and youth nights on other evenings at the church as well, but only one "official" church service.)

[tamor]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Many churches are already dipping their big toe into this with the growing concept of cell groups. Our own church has a single Sunday morning service then a couple (Tuesday and Thursday) night cell group meetings.
(There is also a prayer and youth nights on other evenings at the church as well, but only one "official" church service.)

My ex-bil used to live in AL and went to a large AOG church down there. They did this approx 15 years ago and it was very much a success there. They had Sunday morning and mid-week service at the church. They had cell group meetings on Sunday night and off nights for folks who couldn't make it to church on Wed.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Many churches are already dipping their big toe into this with the growing concept of cell groups. Our own church has a single Sunday morning service then a couple (Tuesday and Thursday) night cell group meetings.
(There is also a prayer and youth nights on other evenings at the church as well, but only one "official" church service.)

When the cell groups are born out of a "regular" church there is sometimes a push to pull an offering out of these operations and quite often the end goal is for the cell group to simply be a transition spot with the end goal that they would attend the "regular" church services.

This is where actual house church and cell groups differ.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

When the cell groups are born out of a "regular" church there is sometimes a push to pull an offering out of these operations and quite often the end goal is for the cell group to simply be a transition spot with the end goal that they would attend the "regular" church services.

This is where actual house church and cell groups differ.

I wasn't saying they are the same thing, just that it is an avenue to introduce that form of organization.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I wasn't saying they are the same thing, just that it is an avenue to introduce that form of organization.

Yes sir... Understood.


Just making the distinction.

No problem.

[lad]

Originally Posted by Kae

We attended a house church. We have 7 children ranging from the ages of 11-1, not once did they run around and play, in our home or in anyone else's home. They participated just like anyone else. Children can sit still if trained to do so.

I totally agree! I'm just speaking from experience in dealing with some of the issues in our "vineyards".... not everyone is as conscientious.

[lad]

Originally Posted by Sister Truth Seeker

If it was good enough for old days why not today! I think small groups are going to bond closer, with a good group your going to focus more on the goal...it seems big church get so tied up in programs for everything, fund raiser constantly it really takes away from the bible study, fellowship, and unity. As to the children running around the house....if the children are included which they should be, it is church even in someones home, and not free for all!

I knew when I posted that (about children running around) -- that these comments would come up.... I think the issues some of our people have had were not during the actual "service" but afterwards during the fellowship -- and they wanted the fellowship. I think technically, that sometimes it has just been the weekly pressure of it.... Some groups are now rotating homes to help with this.

I know it is not a major problem.... it was just an observation.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by lad

I knew when I posted that (about children running around) -- that these comments would come up.... I think the issues some of our people have had were not during the actual "service" but afterwards during the fellowship -- and they wanted the fellowship. I think technically, that sometimes it has just been the weekly pressure of it.... Some groups are now rotating homes to help with this.

I know it is not a major problem.... it was just an observation.

In our home friendship/fellowship groups, one of the obligations of being involved is that everyone has to be willing to open their homes. So they automatically rotate. (not the visitors, of course) Also, for the younger children, each group arranges for childcare with someone from outside that group, they watch the children in another part of the house and everyone pitches in to pay for it.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

In our home friendship/fellowship groups, one of the obligations of being involved is that everyone has to be willing to open their homes. So they automatically rotate. (not the visitors, of course) Also, for the younger children, each group arranges for childcare with someone from outside that group, they watch the children in another part of the house and everyone pitches in to pay for it.

During the study/service?