House Church Talk - House church or simply church wherever people are

[DanG]

Dan Beaty wrote:
> Dan G.
> 
> Although I have been gone for the weekend, and have not followed the whole
> discussion, I hope it will not be rude to comment on this statement of
> yours:
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "DanG" <dan.dgordon at gmail.com>
> 
> > On this note, another thing to realize is that since the traditional
> church
> > is our common background, we probably all slip into being either the
> > parishoner as is being mentioned here and just sit and listen, or we slip
> > into being the teacher/pastor.
> 
> Over the past 8 years that we have been doing HC, I have been acutely
> conscious about avoiding this slipping back that you point out. But lately I
> have been wondering if in doing this I am being conformed to the image of
> Christ, or someone's image of House Church.
> 
> If Christ's gift to the church in someone is that of pastor/teacher, then
> all will be built up when that gift is exercised.
> 
> Eph 4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of
> the gift of Christ.
> Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by
> that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
> measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
> itself in love.
> 
> While restraint must be exercised so that no one individual dominates the
> gatherings, the censoring of pastor/teachers or any gift from Christ would
> be a denial of the very Christ Who lives within each of us.
> 
> In fact, Paul exhorted his young son in the faith, Timothy to "stir up the
> gift of God that was within him." He knew that God's power was resident
> within Timothy to such an extent that others in the body would grow to their
> full potential through his gift.
> 
> This is the church that Jesus is building, where everyone is free to live
> and move in the power the Holy Spirit that has filled them. Including the
> pastor/teachers.
> 
> Dan Beaty

Great points - Dan, thanks.
My thinking was in these lines, but my expression was summary, really.
Teacher/pastor, however, is not the be all/end all of fellowship
meetings and house church.  Yet, in meetings which we are all
familiar, teacher/pastor seems to be the be all/end all of the
gathering/meeting - to my estimation.  The teacher/pastor is the ceo
of the organisation, he is working for his hire wage, he is
responsible for its success/failure, hence that leadership role is
justified, although somewhat dis liked sometimes.  The traditional
business structure of a church is a nemesis these days, I think.  But,
that is the structure/organisation with which we are all familiar.
Again, Dan, you are courteous and knowldegable and clear in your
expressions as usual - thanks for taking the time to input to what
appears a heated thread here.
DanG ChicagoArea