There are more Christians gathered together during any single week of the year in China than there are Christians gathered on any given Sunday in North America. Where are they gathered? In house churches. I have ministered in them, and will be doing so this weekend. While attendance at many churches in North America are in decline, attendance in house churches and the multiplication of those house churches have increased substantially in the last few years. They do so under severe persecution in many places.
And I believe it may be persecution that forces the American church underground.
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.)
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.
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I hate to see you frown. So wear a bag over your head until you cheer up!
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.
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.
I was thinking about ministers who make their living from preaching (which has biblical merit in my opinion). Certainly if a pastor were to house church a membership of 12 - 20 mature saints, who believed in tithing, they would produce enough funds to support their pastor quite well. Without all the projects, building funds, and other expenses there would be enough money to financially support their pastor, do significant benevolence, and produce tracts, invites, websites and other evangelistic tools.
As for kids, I think they can be allowed to participate and listen, color, read, go to another room and play, or even go outside. As they mature I believe they would be drawn in.
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"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (English Standard Version)
My wife and I have been seriously considering starting a local house fellowship. (We are fairly new in this small community.) From my past experiences in doing this, I know of two things that we want to avoid.
One is the member without clear bible understandings, yet has a strong personality and ends up trying to teach and dominate. Most usually this is a person that should be learning and not letting every thought spill forth. These are often people that become greatly offended when gently asked to allow others, especially others more mature in the Word and in the walk, to share.
Secondly, we have ended up detesting home fellowships that revolve around studying a particular book. These most often do not allow for the Holy Spirit to move with any real freedom. Additionally, they rarely allow for true fellowship, except briefly before or after the bible/book study.
My wife and I have been seriously considering starting a local house fellowship. (We are fairly new in this small community.) From my past experiences in doing this, I know of two things that we want to avoid.
One is the member without clear bible understandings, yet has a strong personality and ends up trying to teach and dominate. Most usually this is a person that should be learning and not letting every thought spill forth. These are often people that become greatly offended when gently asked to allow others, especially others more mature in the Word and in the walk, to share.
Secondly, we have ended up detesting home fellowships that revolve around studying a particular book. These most often do not allow for the Holy Spirit to move with any real freedom. Additionally, they rarely allow for true fellowship, except briefly before or after the bible/book study.
Walk
2 excellent points.
It would seem that one might have a fairer level of success working with the unchurched rather than the de-churched.
There are a people out there who love truth and love God's word and finding them is a rewarding experience.
There are instructions in the word for dealing with these things too. Mark them that cause division among you etc.
Hybrid Mode
