The idea of house churches in the modern evangelical church in the West is new and alot of questions come up. We ran across this website: Big life that promotes church planting movements in the 10/40 window and had some wonderful FAQ Questions answered that we thought would be helpful to saints here:
Q: WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN? (Will they have special classes?)
A: Some house churches will choose to have children’s meetings separate from youth and adults. Some will all meet together. This decision is up to the individual church to seek the Lord as to how to meet the needs of the children who attend.
It is surprising how much little children learn just being with youth and adults. The implication behind this question is that the children are going to lose out if there is not an array of formal children’s programs to teach and take care of them. The assumption is that the “Sunday School” program provided by traditional churches is the best way to raise up spiritual kids. The fact is, the majority of children raised in these programs exit the youth group after high school (if they have lasted that long) and do not become regular church-goers. This is not to say that something of value didn’t take place, but it does point out that we are not getting the “results” that we hope for.
A change of our mind-set is required here. Children are our responsibility to raise, both spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Children should be involved and engaged in worship, prayer, Bible study, and missional living, in an atmosphere where they discover and employ their spiritual gifts. It can be messy at times and takes creativity, but the return is well worth the investment.
There is potential in the house church for far better results. Children will spend more time with their families in worship and seeing their family members involved in spiritual activities. Even sociologists tell us that the #1 factor in determining whether a child will thrive in society is if they have deep, personal friendships with non-relative adults. It is vitally important that our children experience real fellowship among mature believers.
Q: WHY HOUSE CHURCHES?
A: We plant house churches for the following reasons:
- our goal is not just to start a church, our goal is to start a church planting movement. We believe that can best be accomplished by focusing on the simplest and most reproducible form of church planting. The house church meets that need.
- we believe that the house church strategy is the best way to train leaders, empower the Body, and discover and put into ministry the spiritual gifts given to each believer.
- we believe that it is the best way to foster and build authentic relationships, to experience true community within the Body of Christ, and to engage missional living as a lifestyle.
- it is the best way to encourage the Body to minister to the Body
Q: HOW DO YOU INVITE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A HOUSE CHURCH?
A: Share your personal vision and call to begin a house church and watch for signs of their interest. Like the Apostle Paul, people will follow you as you obediently follow the Lord Jesus Christ in that vision.
Q: ISN’T THE HOUSE CHURCH THE SAME AS A CELL GROUP OR HOME BIBLE STUDY?
A: NO! A cell group or home Bible study is seen as a part of an outreach or growth strategy of another church. In other words, the cell group/home Bible study is always “tethered” back to the “mother church”. A house church is an independent, autonomous church in itself and carries out the biblical functions of a church.
Q: HOW CAN YOU DEVELOP A FULL CHURCH PROGRAM IN A HOUSE CHURCH?
A: We believe that if you focus on the strategy and the DNA of BLM (detailed in the “HOW” section of “BIG LIFE @ HOME” which is available upon request), that the Lord will enable us to meet the needs of the individuals and families who attend. The Holy Spirit is able to make us innovative in our approach to ministering to those who will come to the house churches. Some may determine their need to attend churches with the ability to present more diverse programs. We are not in competition with other churches. We are working together with them to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Q: HOW OFTEN DO HOUSE CHURCHES MEET?
A: Once or twice a week is common, but the decision will be made by the people of each church.
Q: DO YOU ALWAYS MEET IN THE SAME HOUSE?
A: We are held together by the bonds of relationship and not by the meeting place, so it is safe to move about. In fact, once you begin meeting on a regular basis, we encourage a rotation among member’s homes.
Q: WHERE WILL YOU GET THE PASTORS TO LEAD THESE CONGREGATIONS?
A: The true qualifications for elders (pastors) are found in two places in the New Testament: Titus 1:6-9 and I Timothy 5:1-7. God has provided plenty of humble, teachable, Godly men and women right in our churches who are capable of leading. We strongly encourage empowering others and “every member participation”. The mentor-apprentice method is the best method for training leaders!
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Gospel Fellowships ( - )
“Christianity was birthed in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and will only continue as we have this empowering from above. God is always looking for the willing vessels that will trust Him afresh for the impossible.” from: Principles for the gathering of Believers under the Headship of Jesus Christ.Since 2012, a growing group of believers in North America started to warn of coming persecution to western countries. This message was shared in a variety of ways. One of the responses to this was to compile a book taking principles from underground Churches around the world of how they thrived under pressure and persecution. The volume, Principles for the Gathering of Believers, had in a short time over 50,000 downloads in ebook format and much interest was shown. Some new house churches started through this and other existing groups were encouraged.