Many people today are searching for more meaningful Christian fellowship. Some belong to a traditional church but are not getting their spiritual needs met. Others are looking for a church that respects their beliefs but cannot find one nearby. Still others are survivors of abusive religious systems and are reluctant to join any religious organization. Where can people like these turn for fellowship? The answer for many has been a house church. But what is a house church?
The word church in the New Testament is a translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which means an assembly. It refers to the called out or gathered people of God, not to a building or an organization. A house church is a group of people, perhaps a dozen or so, that meet together to practice simple, informal Christianity in someone’s home. They worship together--praying, singing, studying the Bible, and sharing meals and experiences. As they get to know one another better, they may share their most intimate problems and challenges. As the group develops and grows, it may have to split into two or more house churches, but will usually meet periodically as a larger group.
House churches were the norm in the first century (Rom. 16:3-5; Col. 4:15; Philem. 1:2). The professional pastor-led and board-controlled church of today, with its Sunday morning service and rows of people in pews, would have appeared strange to Jesus’ early disciples. They practiced their faith in a more intimate, informal and dynamic setting. First century Christians lived and worshipped in community. They didn’t go to church, they were the church.
A house church seeks to have Christ, the Biblical head of the ecclesia, lead the meetings (Eph. 5:23). All members participate, exercising their particular gifts from God for the building up of their brothers and sisters (1 Cor. 12:7). The goal is to have the meetings directed by God’s Holy Spirit, not controlled by detailed human agendas (Matt. 18:20; Gal. 5:25).
As the body has many parts, each with a God-designed purpose, so the house church has multiple members, each with God-given gifts for the building up of the body (1 Cor. 12:14-28; Eph. 4:7-13). As the Holy Spirit develops and nurtures each member, the group will recognize their gifts. Some will be natural organizers; some gifted teachers; some natural evangelists; others exceptionally hospitable, and so on. Elders are recognized because they meet Biblical requirements of character, knowledge, and ability to teach (Titus 1:7-9).
What does a house church meeting look like? It will depend on the background of the members and how the group has evolved. Some house churches look very much like a formal Bible study. After prayer for God’s direction, a section of scripture is read and discussed by the group. A facilitator, which should be a rotating role, may help coordinate the meeting, at least initially. Singing of hymns of praise, group prayer, and testimonies are associated with Biblical Christianity and should be included in a house church fellowship. The breaking of bread together in a common meal will also help in building bonds of Christian love. (Acts 2:46-47).
Starting a house church can be as simple as inviting some friends over for dinner. As with most things Christian, however, it is wise to begin with prayer, asking God for direction. Try to find some people with similar needs, and arrange a get-together. You could simply say, “I was thinking of having some people over for Bible study and a meal. Are you interested? We would love to have you over.”
Often it is best at first to keep things simple—perhaps praying and discussing a Bible book together, followed by a potluck meal or snack. The key in the early stages is to get to know one another and to keep Jesus, not doctrinal systems, central. Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to express themselves. Avoid duplicating a traditional church structure in your home—where one person does all the talking and the others sit and listen. First century house churches were interactive and dynamic, and that should be our model (1 Cor. 14:26-40).
If the first meeting goes well, then you could suggest meeting regularly, and perhaps rotate among two or more houses. Encourage people to invite others that may be interested. Plan a little, but don’t over-plan! Otherwise, you may constrain the Holy Spirit. God may want to move the group in a direction away from your agenda, which from experience is often the case. Try to be sensitive to Christ’s headship and direction at all times. The more that people try to exert control, the less Jesus is able to lead.
As the group grows and matures, it will go through various phases. At first, people will tend to be on their best behavior. However, as roles are worked out, and everyone gets to know each other better, there will invariably be conflicts. Patience, love and tact are important here. People will have different ideas about what church is and what the group should be doing. At times like these we must remember that it is love for each other that identifies Jesus’ true disciples (John 13:35). Love will “cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8) and is the ultimate Christian value (1 Cor. 13:13). If we patiently persevere in love, and communicate clearly and honestly from the heart (Matt. 5:37), we will get past these difficulties and the group will learn and grow.
The question of doctrine will invariably arise. Different people will have different interpretations of Biblical texts and this can lead to conflict. A good principle is in essentials unity, in non-essentials freedom, in all things love. Essentials should be defined according to what Scripture explicitly says is essential for salvation, not what we think is essential. Non-essentials are areas of investigation and opinion that are not salvation-critical, although important to one degree or another. An example of an essential is the teaching that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. An example of a nonessential is the question of whether or not Christians should observe the Sabbath. The former is non-negotiable. The latter is a question of personal conscience and is not worth arguing over (Rom. 14:5).
In summary, for those who are searching for more meaningful Christian fellowship, a house church is a good option. It has its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the costs. To be a part of a functioning, Spirit-led house church is to be near the heart of Jesus. If you cannot find one near you, simply ask a friend or two to come to your home for a meal and some Bible study. Jesus promises to be there (Matt. 18:20). Pray for direction. Pray for each other and for those in need. Sing praise songs. Be patient, empathetic and loving as your group grows and matures (Phil. 2:3). Be unified in Biblical essentials, but allow freedom in non-essentials (Rom. 14). Experience the joy of worshipping God with your friends in an informal and intimate setting—your home.