House Church Talk - House church in scripture

[Jack Heape]

I have read the postings on this list for months now, and enjoyed them
thoroughly. Up till now, I haven't posted any comments, but I feel like
taking the plunge on this topic. I agree that to meet in a house church
isn't "ordered" as are some other commandments. My personal belief is at
that time that was the most convenient way to meet; homes were
available, cost little or nothing, and were low visibility (important
during the times of persecution). 
On the other hand though... Big, expensive, prideful (or you could say
pride filled) church buildings were not ordained either. One writer was
correct to point out that our patterns today of where we worship in the
institutional church come from the time of Constantine, the pagan
temples, the "Roman Church". 
I feel the greatest sin and the one that most often leads people away
from Christ is the sin of pride. And when you build a huge, expensive,
lush church building, you are committing this sin. I don't see anything
wrong with meeting in a common building. That has several advantages; a
central place of worship, no undue burden placed on the family/families
where the group meets, and it is a visible sign to others that here is a
place you can find believers, so that anyone seeking the Lord knows that
he can find guidance there. There are many ministries that can only be
efficiently provided out of a central, common, location. But when the
meeting place becomes THE central concern (as it was in the congregation
I attended before this one, and the one I attend now), then we have
strayed from the path. We are not walking the walk that Christ
commanded. 
I have found another congregation that I am in love with. I have to move
to get nearer to them. My relatives are puzzled by my willingness to
move, change jobs, alter lifestyle, when the only goal is to be able to
attend and worship with a different congregation. But that's me. I want
Christ and my worship to be the center of my life. Yes, these people
meet in a building, but it is just a metal warehouse, nothing at all
fancy. They just all chipped in and bought it. No mortgage. We are
talking about buying a church bus, so that people who cannot drive can
get to services if they so desire. And the official plan is that when
this building gets too small, then we split off and plant another church
to bring others in, and buy another used, cheap metal building.
I hope I haven't been too long winded. I believe there is a place for
central places of worship, as there is a place for house churches. And
these need not be mutually exclusive! For instance, my congregation
meets for worship in the church building Sunday am, and in small home
groups Sunday evening and during the week.   
Take care everyone and God bless.


Jack A. Heape
Saints Publishing
Phone/Fax: 803-657-6444