posted
I know that there is an obvious debate between if house churches are the Biblical model as opposed to the traditional way of doing things.
Something that I have been struggling with in the church work that I have done (assistant pastor) is that established churches with buildings, debts, etc. cost alot of money. In fact the church I used to work with spent 100% of its funds on debt, upkeep, and salaries. We didn't have 1 (broke my heart) outreach form whatsoever.
My question is "What is wrong with simplicity?" If there are a group of believers who don't want to spend X% of their gifts and tithes on a building, well SO WHAT. There is nothing wrong with that. In a sense they are giving up their 'own building' so that they can more effectively reach others. To me - that's smart. It's kind of like buying a used car so that you can give some more to your church.
I have never experienced a house church but I can accept their form of meetings as being probably more effective than the traditional model while at the same time using our resources more effectively.
I thank God that there are people who have a heart to find out what God really wants for His church.
posted
Simplicity is good. Christians are simply people who believe and follow the Lord. Having a building to support has nothing to do with what Christ taught.
posted
I have been a part of a house church now for about 5 years and a member of an organized church for 8. I have developed more intimate relations with the brethren in the house church since we are all able to share and interact with one another. Though I have been blessed and God did show up on my behalf for me at the organized church, I am now getting closer to the Lord and growing again with my house church family. Instead of going to the organized church and staring quietly at the back of someones head, sitting inactive and my giftings dormant while listening to the Pastor for an hour, I can and do share with my brethren and am able to be myself with the house church. Unfortunately at the organized churches I have visited they all tend to be quite the same:
20 minutes of praise music (faster songs) 20 minutes of worship music (slower songs) 5-10 minutes of announcements Tithing and Offering time 50 minute sermon Alter time for ministering (If available that day) Go home
So I usually get to say Hi and Bye to my brethren and leave. At times I can actually spend 2-3 hours at a church service and leave there without even saying a word.
I am the type who is very inquisitive and likes to communicate my feelings and ideas. I personally am more fulfilled spiritually and emotionally when I am able to be the woman that God has created me to be. I get this through my house church. We share a meal with one another, share what the Lord has been doing in our lives for the week, If God has put something in someone's spirit to share then they do, we pray for anyone who needs/wants it. We sing songs to the Lord and if I or someone else wants to go over to a brother or sister and give them a hug or other form of affection-we just get up and do it- freely.
I truly am blessed with my house church and the people that are a part of it. My house church Pastor is not only my leader but a very close friend. When I am with him, I desire more of Jesus. When I leave him, I still desire more of Jesus. I thank the Lord for him in my life. I am truly honored to be submitted to someone who creates in me more of a hunger for God-just by being himself!
Email this page to someone.
