I come to you for advice. Our house church gatherings are about 6 weeks old now, and we're having a problem. We are becoming overrun with people. Our meetings have been seeing attendances of 6 to 10 people and last week, we had 14. That's wonderful... don't get me wrong, but since yesterday, we've had 5 or 6 more people commit to coming next week. Again, this is great, but we have a small house and none of the other attenders have room for 20+ people either. What do we do? Already, at 14 folks, we have trouble with intimacy because we can't fit everyone into one room. If more show up as promised, we'll certainly have to use two rooms, and maybe 3. Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose and intent of the small group? We've thought about trying to borrow some larger space to meet, but that still doesn't solve the problem of needing small groups for sharing.

Another part of the problem is that we practice the Lord's Supper as a full meal, and our dining room table only seats 6 (although with folding chairs, we can "sort of" get about 10 people around it, but it's really cramped, and fairly uncomfortable). We want this to be a relaxed, festive time, and somehow, too many people seem to take away from that intent.

Ideally a group would grow and divide, but we haven't been together long enough to identify and raise up new leaders (facilitators). Should we just divide anyway, and trust God that he would raise a leader up within the new group? I'm willing to mentor that person, but for now, no-one seems inclined to offer themselves.

Also, we've considered breaking the group into 2 that would meet on two different nights, so I would be able to facilitate each time. And trust me... I'm not acting as a real "leader", just a facilitator in the true sense. I've just had a lot of experience keeping things moving, and keeping things on track, and can offer teaching and pastoring when needed (but that is not my role/function). We allow the Holy Spirit to control the meeting and just "get out of the way".

Does there come a point when we become a "closed" meeting, and turn people away? I don't think that's Gods will. But with 20 or more people, it could take the better part of a day to have supper, and give everyone a chance to share their gifts/testimonies/concerns/needs. Our meetings run 3 or 4 hours now, and I guess meeting for 5 or 7 hours would be OK, but I still think a smaller group is better.

The gatherings have been wonderful, and I trust that it will continue that way, but I would really appreciate your thoughts/comments on the subject.

Thank you in advance!

Your servant,

Bruce

Every gathering is unique. And so while we may share examples of things which have worked for us, they may or may not work for you with e particular mix of personalities and gifts that He has placed among you.

(1)Have you started talking to the whole group about having a vison for continual growth and multiplication by division? We began to do this early on, and it took some time for most to adjust and be willing to consider "dividing to multiply"! If you have not, try to make this a priority to develop in all those who gather a vision for what God would like to do in your community, and how the growth He is granting is an evidence of what he is already doing!

(2)You are right that there is a definite danger of becoming a "closed" group if there is not space for newcomers, and you are also right that the larger the group gets before dividing, the less intimacy and really open sharing can take place! This is a constant tension and balance that needs to be prayerfully considered so that genuine ministry and healthy growth can continually take place.

(3)It's excellent that you have purposed to have the Lord's supper as a full meal rather than a little ritual snack! We have done the same, but have never been able to seat everyone at one table! We sit all over the room with plates on our laps, and often this time becomes a time for a lot more personal ministry through one to one conversations and sharing.

(4)It is at times like these that real temptations arise to seek larger accomodations (renting , buying or building a church building). Don't even consider that as an option if you are really committed to intimate particpatory church gatherings! Possibly a home renovation which would expand a room, join two existing rooms into one could be a possibility. But dividing into more houses is the best! You will need the wisdom of the Lord, consideration for one another, and a vison to reach your community for Christ.

Just a few thoughts from our experience here in Woodstock and Norwich, Ontario. Trust others will have other suggestions for you as well.

What an encouragement this message was to my mind and spirit! I long to see more stories such as this.

Do keep us informed as to further developments, my brother.

Here, we seem to gain a family, then lose another. But fellowship is sweet in Jesus, regardless of the numbers.

God reigns!