Why House Church?
Let’s just say it, Martha. Somehow you spend more time worrying about events than people. This isn’t what you signed up for, and it sure isn’t the church you read about in the Bible.
Peter, you’ve never been a church leader, but you’re faithful in your fellowship, and people always seem to gather around you. To step into that larger role, though, with its budgets, sermon prep, and vision-casting? That’s intimidating.
Timothy, you’re young and passionate about your faith, and you feel called to something more. Yet, everyone tells you seminary comes first.
Do any of these sound like you? There’s a growing movement of believers finding God calling them toward something that might not look like the “church” they grew up with, but could be closer to what the Bible actually describes.
What makes homes different?
A home environment allows believers to travel light and focus on the important things. The intimate gatherings release and encourage everyone to build each other up with the gifts given to each member by the Spirit to full maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Demonstrating and proclaiming the Good News becomes connected to our everyday lives in everyday spaces. This means gathering as the church happens in the same place where we actually live ordinary life. And gathering in homes leaves much needed time, money, and energy to go out into the world to proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom to a hurting and broken world.
Real Churches
House churches are not to be confused with small groups, Bible studies, ministry groups, or affinity groups. A house church is a self-contained church. We believe it includes pastors and elders, deacons, communion and financial giving. The “real church” devotes itself to Acts 2:42 entirely and does not simply pick one piece to major on. We know there are differing views on some of these matters, and we don’t have to agree on every aspect to walk with you, but we’d love to start a dialogue about how we’ve come to these conclusions.
Accountability
It is commonly assumed that home groups slip into narrow ruts and unscriptural beliefs and practices. It does happen, but not as often as many people think. Error and unhealthy practices have crept into large denominations, into even large denominations with sophisticated accountability policies.
