Begin by Beginning

As you would consider a church in your home, remember that you are acting upon an ancient Biblical and a historical precedent. A practical one, too. You are acting upon the Word of God - not reacting or overreacting to something or someone else. You are building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, the solid rock.

Do not however expect too much nor too little from your initial endeavors. Thunder and lightning won't occur. Christian meetings, although essential, are not and were not meant to be an end in themselves. Their purpose is to equip, edify, encourage, and excite the saints for something else - ministry or service. The popular view that spirituality is essentially measured by the number of "services" that one attends is quite erroneous. We are recreated in Christ for good works. Ephesians. 2:10, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 10:24. Too many Christians seem to be living for the sole purpose of attending another meeting. This is living to eat instead of eating to live. This is buying an automobile in order to drive back and forth to the filling station.

What about yourself, dear reader? How is your progress in this new direction? Have you yet decided what to call your own meetings as you consider what ministries you will undertake and whom you would invite? Simply call it a Christian meeting, gathering, home fellowship, home church, house church, small group, or just church. 

Is someone suggesting that you are being too seperatistic? Simply invite that someone to your meeting! Did someone say that you have insufficient accountability? Invite this person to enter into a personal accountability relationship with you. Do you feel that you're not qualified to initiate a meeting? Wrong. Do you feel uncomfortable to lead in prayer? Pray silently then. Your confidence in this area will come later.

Do you feel that it would be improper to eat the Lord's Supper in your own home or even outdoors? Really? For what reason?

Did you ever notice that Scripture is completely silent about "starting a church". Or "organizing a church"? This is because there is but one church and it has already begun. Thus in Scripture, we read about those who "were added to the church" - not about those who started churches in this place or another.

Objections arise. "But we have no pastor". Maybe not but it is nothing to be ashamed of. Shepherds do not magically appear. It takes time and experience. Surely one would not fault a young couple who were childless. Nor would you accuse them of not having a real family. That would be cruel. 

Yes, the New Testament often speaks of leaders and simple organization. And of churches which are incomplete without them. But notice that the churches existed nonetheless. 

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1:5.

And notice that the elders were city-wide elders in the above context. Interesting.

Simply said, if you are a Christian, you are a minister-servant of Jesus Christ and a priest unto the Lord God. You are the 'highest' which God has ordained to do the 'lowest'. Mark 9:35, Mark 10:44. Act accordingly and enter into God's glorious liberty. And fail not to accept the accompanying responsibility to spread the mercy and truth of our Risen Savior, as you find, disciple, and join with like-minded friends.

So, begin by beginning. Like skating in order to learn to skate. Like riding a bike to learn to ride a bike. Yes, the hardest part of a task is getting started. That is why we must continue to encourage one another as we enter the future by returning to the past.