A few years ago my good friend Alan Knox wrote an interesting blog post entitled Why I’m Not A House Church Proponent. Alan offers some good thoughts that generated quite a few comments.
Alan and I agree on many things regarding Christ's church. However, we don't see eye-to-eye on this particular point. I most certainly am a house church proponent/cheerleader/advocate.
Today's post is not meant as a rebuttal of what Alan has written. Rather, I'm simply discussing reasons why I believe gathering in homes is the best general pattern for churches to follow. Six factors stand out:
1. House church follows the most common biblical pattern.
Churches in the New Testament generally gathered in homes. There were exceptions to this, but it was the normal practice. The apostles were present with the early church and gave approval to assembling in homes. We must have good reason before departing from what we see approved in scripture.
2. House church is inexpensive.
No mortgage payments. No rent. No electric bill. No insurance. No budget. Etc.
This frees up all sorts of money to give to people in need here and overseas. It also paves the way for much giving in support of international missions work.
3. House church offers a relational atmosphere.
Families live in homes. Homes are generally relaxed settings. The physical structure and layout of homes offers good potential for much conversation and resultant edification. Real life happens in homes. Homes are set up perfectly for eating together as community.
4. House church keeps numbers low.
Homes can only be so big. This sets an automatic limit of the number in any gathering. Smaller numbers are normally more conducive for familial-types of activity.
5. House church can be rotational in nature.
Depending on the families/people involved, it may be that several different homes can be gathering places. This means that no one family has to host all the time. This is beneficial all the way around.
6. House church promotes the priesthood of all believers.
Although I've heard of house churches with traditional pastors, this is not the norm. For the most part, house churches are composed of folks who realize they are all priests. No one stands above anyone else. All are equal before Christ.
There it is. It's not the most comprehensive post (I've left out a good amount of detail because longer posts are not read as much as shorter ones). To summarize, I am a house church proponent because I'm convinced it is the best model of gathering as the body of Christ. If you are interested in reading any posts in my series on the house church, click here.
Let me close with a brief aside. House churches do not form a monolith. There is wide variety within house churches. This post is based on generalities. Exceptions abound.
So, what do you think? Agree, disagree, or somewhere in between? Why?
10 comments:
Eric,
I agree with your points. In fact, I believe that meeting in homes can be a very good thing for the church. I'd love to see gathering in homes as more of the norm today.
As you know, the reason that I said that I was not a house church proponent is that meeting in homes does not guarantee that we are meeting for the right reasons. Meeting in homes does not guarantee that we are building up one another. If we can build up one another meeting in a different location (other than a home), then I'd prefer to focus on that than on the meeting location.
-Alan
Alan,
Thanks for commenting. The irony is that we actually agree on many things related to this issue.
What occurs (edification) is much more important than where it occurs. Homes have, as you said, potential. There's nothing automatic about it. I just believe that homes have the best potential, as far as settings are concerned.
I am encouraged that more and more traditional churches are embracing the idea of meeting in homes in smaller groupings as a supplement to their big gatherings. This is a wonderful step in the right direction.
Alan, you said "meeting in homes does not guarantee that we are meeting for the right reasons." I agree with you. But how do we overcome that mentality of meeting for the wrong reason? What is the cure then? I've been in numerous house churches where it is basically an institutional church stuffed into a home. Same issue. Been wondering how to break out of that rut. You have any ideas?
Seth,
I'm sorry, but I didn't see your comment earlier. You asked, "Been wondering how to break out of that rut. You have any ideas?" Funny you should ask...
Seriously, most of the stuff that I write on my blog is meant to answer that very question. I think it would help to begin by asking the question (like you've done), then turn to Scripture for answers. There are only a few examples of the church gathering together in Scripture, but the descriptions are very similar to each other (and, unfortunately, very different from the way the church typically gathers today).
I think the church should gather together for mutually edify one another. Of course, that statement has to be unpacked and understood and put into practice. But, if we start with Scripture, then seek to understand and live it out, we will go a long way.
I can tell you, though, that it is extremely difficult for people to set aside beliefs and practices that they hold very dear and which they connect directly to their relationship with God (whether the beliefs and practices are beneficial or not).
-Alan
Love the concise post here. From my experience it takes a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit to realign ones thinking to be able to embrace home gatherings, organic church et al. It is quite a bit like being reborn, considering how programmed we are, even under the best of circumstances. Two important things I would emphasize:
1. Not having gatherings in the same home all the time. We rotate between 3 different homes. This helps to avoid ownership of the church...the church in my house can easily evolve into... I am the pastor...as well as relieving the burden of hospitality.
2. The avoidance of noted hierarchy. This assures dependence on the Holy Spirit and can help to avoid over analyzing the content of the meeting. So much of the work done, the edification of one another, is a matter of trusting the Spirit, patience, and each member accepting the responsibility for what they take away from a meeting. Looking back after at least a year of meeting will invariably show evidence of what God has done in hearts and minds.
Rita,
Thank you so much for your comment. I agree with you wholeheartedly. It truly is the Spirit who opens eyes to what Christ's church can be. I've at times tried to convince folks of what I believe about church. This has only led to frustration. I cannot make the change, but the Spirit certainly can.
As for leadership, it certainly needs to avoid all sense of hierarchy. Biblical leadership is servanthood. Christ alone is the head. No clergy is needed or wanted.
Thanks again!
When I was led by the Holy Spirit to the liberty I found in organic church, mostly through the testimony of a friend and her recommendation to read Pagan Christianity...I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. I could not fathom that folks were not in awe of being delivered from man's traditions like I was. Experience has taught me that one has to be prepared by God Himself to be one that "...hath ears to hear...". And that not all will be chosen to walk the path that God has chosen for me. So I treasure the fellowship I have with the few others who share my sense of release who live near enough to gather in that aspect of God's Kingdom. I appreciate brethren who do not or cannot share that perception but love the Lord and walk a different path and live uprightly before God. But it is with great joy that I partake of home church gatherings and I count myself blessed indeed to have been led and prepared to fully embrace the change. We think we control more of our life than we actually do and God truly does have a plan for each life that yields to Him.
Rita,
I read "Pagan Christianity" as well and it had a huge impact on me. I was an institutional pastor at the time. When I reached the part about preaching I put the book back on the shelf for six months. However, God led me to eventually pick it back up again. It was part of the reason I ended up resigning. Thank God for his grace!
There are many brethren in Christ, all so different and all so precious, but how sweet it is to touch base with a kindred soul.
Rita,
Amen!
Post a Comment