Dec

Tuesday Town Hall 10…What’s Up With Those House Churches?

Posted by: Sonny in Body of Christ, Church, Fellowship, Townhall Tuesday

townhall-2 I found it a little more difficult to come up with this week’s discussion topic than usual. Usually I know what I want to discuss at least a week ahead of time but this time I could not narrow it down. There are still lots of questions in me but I am just not sure if they would interest you.

And current topic discussions seem to be a little heated to some but be assured, on my part, that they are just discussions. Part of the reason I wait to comment on this Tuesday thing I am doing is to get real responses because I know that sometimes I am going to be a little controversial. And I really value your input. So I wait.

Then it has a tendency to get a little deep sometimes but I love you guys, and these discussions.

But this week will be, I think, maybe just a little less opinionated and more thoughtful. But opinions are thoughts, so I don’t know really. So here we go.

I have been reading about the different church models many ministries are trying. Most seem to have the bigger is better mindset but there seems to be a growing movement based on the benefits of “house” or “home” churches. These seem to be smaller groups of Christ followers just getting together for scripture exposition, worship and prayer time, and fellowship in either a home or some other small establishment.

Some think that this is the proper model after studying the early church, especially as depicted in some parts of Acts.

What do you think?

Do we need large buildings with many members and paid staff?

Do we even need the small 100 member churches with a small building but as much of the traditional trappings of church as they can afford?

Can a house church do what Christ instructed us to do?

Love you all.

Tags: Christ, christ followers, Church, Discussion, Fellowship, Love, Prayer, proper model, scripture, town hall, Value

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 at 12:28 am and is filed under Body of Christ, Church, Fellowship, Townhall Tuesday. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

12 comments so far

Sabrina Walker

At this time my present church as less than 30 regular members. The teens are only able to show up Sunday night and maybe Wednesday. But we have have a wonderful church group and I believe we can make and do make a difference. We make a difference in our children that go there and the teens who have no one to go to, and most of them do not have a good home life. We make a difference in all of us that need fellowship with other believers in Christ and knowing that others are praying for us. We are in a church building but I would not care if it was in a home. I just want to go somewhere that I know God is and where we can make a difference. At least save one lost soul (more would be great) and get the Word of God and His love known. As long as two or more come together God will be there.

December 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am

Connie

I enjoy small group discussions very much. It is more personable and intense. I do however, enjoy my church too. I enjoy the choir, the music, the fellowship and the leadership. I need both. I don’t think I would like a huge church because I enjoy knowing all my fellow members personally. I prefer the small church.

I do think that a traditional church setting makes it easier to reach out to others and minister to them that they might join the Kingdom. If for no other reason than avalible space. A house church would eventually have to move to a larger facility as it grew, which in turn establishes a church with a building. Don’t get me wrong…. I think a house church is a wonderful idea, but I feel it focuses mostly on the members of that group. More of a personal learning and sharing kind of situation than reaching out to others.

I believe that wherever we worship and study, there should be an appointed (and anointed) leader to avoid chaos of the politics. There’s gonna be some whether we like to admit it or not.

I guess both are good, but I kinda like having both.

Peace, Love and Joy to the World
Connie

December 16th, 2008 at 11:50 am

Heath

Sonny,

I put together an online proposal for a new church plant based on a house church format. I am not sure if it is what I see myself doing, but it is a possibility. You can read my proposal at http://discoverthegathering.com

I currently have a house church of 15-20 that meets at my house on Sunday nights. We have another house church that split off of the first one that is running 10-12 on Saturday nights. I am also serving as an interim pastor at a small church in a neighboring town on Sunday mornings. Of the two, I much prefer my house church. It just seems more authentic, less put-on.

But I do believe their needs to be a connection point for house churches… a common worship service where we acknowledge our place as members of a larger body.

That is my $.02

December 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

Heath

What is up with the moderation? Not a fan of that…

December 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

Heath

Oh… im guessing it is because I linked to a site in my fist comment… That seems pretty smart on second thought.

December 16th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Sonny

Heath, that moderation thing slipped by me. Just upgraded to the much touted WordPress 2.7 and haven’t actually checked all the settings.

But thanks. This is even better than I hoped for. I want some input about this because at one time I did not think too highly of this concept but the more I see a genuine lack of relationship in churches, even my own which is not large, I think there might be something there worth investigating. I had and still have concerns about oversight to some degree. But looking around at what is happening in the denominational leadership, I wonder if we are any better.

I have always been of the opinion that the modern mega church concept might be doing more harm than good, as far as eternal consequences go. I keep on saying things about how little I cared for people or being around them before. I do this because of this growing desire, almost a hunger, to develop close relationships with other people of God.

Again, sorry about the moderation thing. I’ll look into it. After I check your proposal out.

Love you

December 16th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

Wayne

After going to some of my grandfather’s country churches in Tuscaloosa and considering where I used to go, Alabaster is big

I brought up a point at another discussion board about debt. The economic downturn right now is not as severe as the great depression. If you have any family members that have gone through that they have a completely different outlook on life as far as money goes. My dad was born in 1930. Enough said

There are churches right now mortgaged up to their eyeballs, hanging on by their fingernails. Any hiccup and they are gone. Not a very stable place to be. They have all the bells and whistles. Was it the same way in the 1930′s? Did tons of churches default because they over extended?

I think you have to find what is confortable for you. A traditional church does make it easier for outreach programs and fellowship. Right now I wouldn’t trade Alabaster for nothing. The “mix” is just right for me. The choir is very good and the preaching and teaching is excellent. Would I like Metro, probably not

The churches have to get back to core purpose. There are plenty of ways to “advertise” your church without needing all the bells and whistles. They should be a little more frugal and focus on who and how they are trying to reach people. Plenty of people in the congregation that can help and maybe that will make them feel more involved.

December 16th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Sonny

I love Alabaster also. Tammy and I have a dozen churches within 3 miles of us. At least four in our denomination and even the big non denominational Trinity.

We continue to drive the 20 miles one way for some reason.

December 16th, 2008 at 4:59 pm

Nancy M

I enjoy my church-ACOG-I have been here for over 25 years. When I first came it was only out of obligation to my mother-in-law. She would call and invite me and if I didn’t show up she would call and ask me where I was. I dreaded the later call so bad I would go just to satisfy her. I almost always enjoyed the services. Even though Alabaster wasn’t that big at the time it still seemed like alot of people. Some were firendly some weren’t. That didn’t really bother me the folks that spoke seemed genuine and the ones that didn’t, well I wasn’t there to make friends and alot of them were family so as long as I didn’t get that dreaded where were you call I was fine. After a while I really started enjoying the services and the people. I would watch people and listen both in class and in the parking lot where everyone would gather to talk and people seemed to really enjoy each others company. The numbers have gone up and down since I have been here and I try to be a good member and speak to everyone. There are times when I get to church and I have so many things on my mind that I miss the opportunity to show my church family that I love them and care for them and I tell myself that I am going to slow down and enjoy everyone-from the youngest to the oldest. I know that we have alot of personality at our church but I enjoy the differences in our family. I have never been to a home church, just to bible study or fellowships at different people’s home. I think if space is not an issue and the time is not spent just in personal fellowship time the home invironment might be just the thing for people that have issues with large crowds. Is a home church sanctioned or approved by a larger governing body to oversee the lessons or messages taught? As for me even though I am shy and quiet spoken I enjoy my church with all of it’s character.Love ya,Nancy

December 17th, 2008 at 10:08 am

Tammy

Since I was raised in the Church of God, I have experienced church services of all sizes.

My aunt had searched for a church with true biblical teachings and could not find one that fit, so she started a home church for her family. Since its conception, about 6 of her grandchildren have received salvation and are bringing their children (her great grandchildren) to church.

They also have a few other members who have come in for the same reason.

Do I believe that my cousins children would have come to know Christ otherwise? Not really. They did not feel comfortable enough in the church atmosphere available. Other members of the family have begun to show signs of interest, as well.

I love our church and there is no other church with a pastor like ours. (And) Talk about talent, we got it! I am always amazed when I visit churches for revivals, etc. to see how great our music department really sounds, comparatively speaking. No bias here

Can you tell I am proud of our church??

However, if Sonny felt led to start a home church, I would support him 100%. I know he would be the kind of leader people are looking for, of course, I believe he is gifted. He searches for truth. He has wisdom and understanding of the word and he has not been ‘corrupted’ by the traditions passed down (that were/are not based on truth)!

I love God and He is with me in a house church, small church, medium church or large church! All this talk about church has me excited to get there tonight!!!

MCRO (My cup runneth over!)

December 17th, 2008 at 10:25 am

Laura

I believe that the size of church or what type of building is it should not be the main focus. I grew up in a small church that ran between 40 to 80 people. I have also gone to a church with only about 20 to 30 people. I love where I am now. This is my family and I could not see myself anywhere else. This has more to do with the fact that I know I am where God has led me. Would I ever leave? Only if I knew for certain that is God’s will for my life.
Anyway getting back to the main focus on the “Church”. “Where two or more are gathered in My Name”, It is not the numbers, it is making sure that God is in it. I have known people that have jumped from church to church because they were made uncomfortable, usually because they wanted to say I am a Christian without wanting to have the relationship with Christ. If a home church is started for this reason then no I do not agree, but I do beleive that there are some true home churches out there that are teaching the truth and reaching people that a regiment in a church setting can not.
The main thing is accountability. No matter what the size or place the truth has to be taught. If the Word is not being used than it is wrong.

December 17th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

JOHN

isnt anyone going to object to Nancy’s calling herself shy and quiet spoken? I think she must be confused. Big or little, in home or not–i think its the people not the building that make a difference.

December 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm