On a recent blog post I read (not linked intentionally), an internationally known church leader quoted a statistic (actually, misquoted it) from the Barna Group and followed it up with an inaccurate and inappropriate claim: “According to George Barna, at least 20,000 Evangelicals won’t attend an organized church, but are meeting in homes. This is a dangerous trend as these groups can become isolationist and cult-like.”
Let’s ignore the uninformed notion that because people meet in a house church that those assemblies are not “organized.” Let’s also ignore the fact that I never said “20,000 evangelicals won’t attend an organized church but are meeting in homes.” I am probably misquoted as frequently as I am correctly represented. Several times I have had the odd experience of visiting a church when the preacher, unaware of my presence, proceeded to base his sermon, in whole or part, upon a misquoting, misunderstanding, and misrepresentation of studies I have released. People often hear what they want to hear, and if it’s not quite what they need, they “tweak” it to better fit their presentation, without letting facts get in the way.
But I digress.
What bothers me most is the statement that people meeting in house churches “can become isolationist and cult-like.” The critical word in this accusation is “can.” Alternatively, is it possible that house churches can become places of genuine worship and loving outreach? Is it possible that house churches can represent the kingdom of God more effectively than conventional churches? What about the possibility of a conventional church becoming “isolationist and cult-like” –- can that happen? Can the preacher in a conventional church teach heresy? Can a conventional church become so lost in its programs and routines that not a single person gets saved through that church over the course of a year (or more)?
I dread the day – which may be here – when church leaders, with good intentions, are comfortable imitating the insufferable journalistic practices of lazy or ignorant reporters who convert a single instance into a “trend.” We unjustly disparage good people by making such broad and unsupported claims. If we are supposed to be people of integrity and righteousness, our words should reflect truth and love.
I understand that the seasoned leader and “researcher” who made the inappropriate charge about house churches may not like that form of assembly. That’s legitimate – but he should simply have said “I don’t like to see people meeting in homes. There is the possibility that they may not behave the way I think they should.” If he has any evidence at all suggesting that this tendency among house churches is statistically provable and significant, or that it is greater than the propensity for conventional churches to become in-grown or cults of personality, I would be the first in line to study that data. In fact, the national studies Barna has conducted on this matter over the past five years point to exactly the opposite result.
If we are going to be honest, we have to admit that there have been and continue to be many conventional churches that “can become isolationist and cult-like.” And we would have to cite the parallel fear that the home groups, cell groups and small groups that have been organized and meet under the auspices of the conventional church run the same risk of “becom(ing) isolationist and cult-like.”
There are so many struggles, challenges, crises and issues facing the Church today. Do we need to create additional internal battles by criticizing the manner in which some people assemble – a means that best represents the ways of the hallowed early church – simply because of personal discomfort?
January 11, 2010
There is a reason for home churches. They provide evidence that the “sherpherds” are not “feeding” their flocks.
January 15, 2010
I was there, I saw with my own eyes… sheep being fed…
January 17, 2010
I am a firm believer of the “church” body. Even Christ said keep the sabbath day holy. I think there is a reason for some “house churches” and it just could be that they are designing their own ideas of what a church is supposed to be and molding it to “their” desires. We HAVE to be held persoanlly accountable for our own relationship to Christ.I need that accountablilty… I need to be under the direction of a true Man of God. I need the fellowship of a church body.. I for one could not stand it if I were apart of an actual body of Christ that didn’t meet within the walls of a “church.” There is a certain aura about worship in a “church” and not a house, for me. I can worship at home. In the woods…in my car…but coming to my church…that is filled with my church friends brings much delight and joy. Beware tho…one day…if the world continues the way it is…we will ALL be searching for any place to have “church.” It could be secretly behind the walls of our houses…on a river bank. Christ taught in the synagogues…<—the church…He also went into the walls of homes…and he taught..he also ate, rested and found peace. There is WAY too much of a broad aspect to truely come to any way to say…this is right that way is right. I just know what is right for me. What feels right for me. There is power in many…there is power when two believers gather. I guess as long as the out come is that this ministry is meeting the needs of the spiritually lost. And salvation is the reason they are meeting…to up hold Christ…his death and his resurrection. There is only one way to true salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. But…so many times…the bible is taught wrong and misinterrpreted…we have to beware..because if…WE…as believers…teach wrong, lead wrong or cause someone to split hell wide open on judgement day because we weren't representing Christ properly…we will be held accountable to God for it.
February 14, 2010
I firmly believe that the Church is a body and not a building. i believe the biggest problem today is that we worship our denominations and the preachers who are NOT all called of God just because they stand behind a pulpit. Also we as christians are not under the law any longer where we call a day The Sabbath(rest). Jesus is now our sabbath (Heb4 ) and He even said that He was The Lord of so in Him I fulfill The Sabbath. To much law and too much ritual have made the Word none effect ( mark 7;11-13). We must get back to the Bible and let it interpet itself. Jesus said; ” truth will make you free” John8:32. Just look around in the buildings and see how much freedom the people are enjoying and you will know how much truth is being spoken. We must understand that worship is a way of life, not a song ,or dance or a play or program or going to a meeting on sundays. Worship is being crucified with Christ and allowing Him to live His life through you. ( Gal2:20 ) that is the gospel. Anything short of this then we must check to see if we have received another Jesus,gospel or wvwn another spirit ( 2 Cor 11:3,4 ) All this is scripture with no private interpetation.
January 11, 2010
I completely agree with Mr. Barna. The one issue I am struggling with right now is how to find a house church in my area that is keeping Christ its Head and sticking to Biblical principles. What is the best way to go about locating other people like me?
January 12, 2010
The thing that has worked best for a lot of people is to network with other believers in the area and see if they know of any. Another possibility is to contact one (or more) of the house church associations (like House2House) and see if they know any in the area. Increasingly there are areawide associations, too, which are perhaps best informed about the existence of nearby groups. I suspect some of the suggestions made here by from other readers might help, too.
January 24, 2010
Alison, home churches are also called cell groups, so maybe look up, Home Cell groups.
March 15, 2010
Start your own Prayer Group…
January 11, 2010
I would go to a home church if there was one around my area. I should say I would try it. I would love to start a home church but cannot find any info on them. Is there a home church org loke home schoolers? The mailine church is so whacked out it is pathetic. They R conformed to the world and unscriptural in so many ways. One example is this. All evangelical churches preach that I should be filled with the Holy Spirit and let Him run my life. That is scripturally correct. However the church is speaking out of both sides of their mouth. The church wants to make sure the HS is powerful enough to do that so they write small 25 page books saying what they want U to adhere to to belong to their church. Two glaring examples R that U must tithe and U cannot drink wine. Both unscriptural but it’s in the red book of the Church of God and the AOG. I have questioned Pastors on “the book” told them and showed them how unscriptural it is but they refuse to remove them. So, it goes on.
Do U have any info on home churches?
Shalom 2 all.
January 11, 2010
Jeff here are some resources from a google search I just pulled up. I hope this helps. There are also books on the Barna Group website that can help you out. I hope this helps. May God guide you in your search.
January 11, 2010
Jeff,
I’d love to help you out with some info on house church, I’ve started and am currently leading one.
Please feel free to contact me.
Craig Wilson
January 12, 2010
Jeff,
The “big thing” we’re struggling with is how to invite people. Actually, it’s more a case of what to invite people to. Is it, in your experience, better to invite people to a one-off of some sort, to plan something to run several weeks and invite people to that, or simply to begin with no end in mind and invite people to join in with that?
Obviously, I am bypassing all the questions relationship building, but the issue above is the one I am faltering on.
Andy
January 12, 2010
Jeff – Both Neil Cole and Frank Viola have books on starting an organic church. Both will tell you that you must be patient and let it grow. It’s not a glorified small group.
January 12, 2010
Jeff, I co-authored a book with Tony and Felicity Dale about house churches (The Rabbit & The Elephant), and Felicity Dale has a new one releasing soon (we’ll alert you when it comes it via this website). Other relevant books besides those mentioned by others readers include The House Church Book (Wolfgang Simson), The Global House Church Movement (Rad Zdero), and House to House (Larry Kreider).
January 13, 2010
James Rutz’s “The Megashift” and Wolfgang Simson’s houses that changed the world are two good books.
The reality is that house church, that is not based on seeking God, as a body where all members are able to contribute, will inevitably become the very organization that they tried to leave.
For us, our house church, this life giving adventure, has depended on one primary reality: Do we believe that Paul knew what he was talking about in 1 Cor. ch. 12&14, particularly in 14:26, “therefore, when you assemble….” True belief is dependent on three parts, revelation, commitment and trust. Do we believe Paul knew what he was teaching- revelation? If so, we must commit to it and trust that God will show up in and through the body assembled.
This was hard at first because of our familiarity with folks doing and saying strange things when given the opportunity. However, we decided that we could trust God and committed to walking this thing out.
It has been an awesome experiment! God gave us a treasure in the Scriptures but has made it clear through those very same Scriptures that He is still moving and speaking today; especially through the body and NOT only the Sunday morning superstars while the rest of the body stagnates, lives in perpetual anemia, and eventually atrophies. The body needs exercize and Paul knew this.
Seek God as an assembly and you WILL find Him. This is His promise to us.
January 11, 2010
The essence of cult is to fear what you cannot control! Rolland Allan believed that “the great things of God are beyond human control. He observed that control produces sterility. Controlled converts may not go astray but they produce nothing.”
Quoted from “Movements that Change the World” by Steve Addison
January 11, 2010
Words well spoken. It does seem that far too many are quick to criticize the house church movement on the supposed grounds of a tendency toward cultish practices. In my prior sixteen-year experience as a missionary in Argentina and later Mexico, I never witnessed such a phenomenon. The groups that did meet in homes displayed a fervor and zeal often missing in traditional church settings.
January 11, 2010
I am dismayed that house churches are criticized our-of-hand…without further iinvestigation I can see that house churches will continue to flourish as the “organized” church continues to go its own way toward its departure from preaching “The Word.” I hear much “feel good” and “me-centered” religion being preached not only in local worship centers but also and especially on television outlets. I believe that in these last days as persecution continues that all of us may be forced to meet in homes; a small but loving fellowship, and a fellowship where believers search the Word as the Bereans did “to see whether these things be so.”
February 22, 2010
Many preachers are ruined by the seminaries
January 11, 2010
I just started subscribing to your blog site. I feel grew tired of too much negativity within Body of Christ. I desire to see big change in the Body of Christ. I often refer “Body of Christ” to Christianity because we want to picture ourselves as BODY, yep, we have eyes, nose, ear, hands, arm, foot, etc. If eyes of Christianity is hurt so will many other parts of Body suffer. Read Romans 12:1-5. I taught this yesterday in Sunday School.
Please be prepared for this FACT: There will be LOT OF HOUSE CHURCHES, and they are generally not cults for one reason: Too Much Negativity of Christianity by outsiders is the CONSEQUENCE of having lot of House Churches. Sorry to be blunt.
How come I already know two organized mega-churches began with 13-people or 19-people group in house of a pastor?
January 11, 2010
Thank you so much for taking an even approach to this. Obviously, if there were no danger of organized and connected churches going astray, the Reformation would have been of no value.
My wife and I are in the process of researching how to start a house church. While see much in them that is healthy, one of our primary concerns, however, is that we do not become disconnected from other parts of the Church. Perhaps because we have, between us, 15 years experience as missionaries, and because I have a Masters in Theology, we are well aware of the dangers and pitfalls we all face in starting a church of any kind.
Besides, isn’t there acertain irony in accusing people outside of ones own group of being “isolationist and cult-like”?
January 11, 2010
I am a member of a house church here in Canada and am aware of the fear that this biblical expression of church life, brings to leaders of established churches.
Whilst my own place of worship is in a home I minister in churches of thousands as part of my own ministry.
There is fear that the smaller and more informal gatherings of the church will challenge our world based concepts of leadership, government, and financial behaviour.
We are in a time of transition and are observing a turning away from unsatisfactory forms of worship which leave people mere spectators in a worship performance on a platform each week.
Massive pieces of real estate purchased in teh 70;s and 80.s are now being auctioned off at less than 1.1oth of original cost. Believer know they have been financially exploited by power hungry men who wanted to live the Hollywood lifestyle.
We see this transition taking place slowly but surely as people desire to see an authentic life changing encounter with God rather than a talk that merely uses scripture as a prop for positive thinking ideas.
The interesting thing to me is that unbelievers, and burned over believers describe our house church as “welcoming” “vital” and “a place I can explore christianity withour pressure” This means that we have unbelievers coming for more than a year before they “find out that they have now become christians” Our house church welcomes people no matter where they are on “the journey
and importantly gives them opportunity to ssk informed questions without it being considered to be a challenge to our leaders.
“Isolationist” and “cult like” are descriptions that fit well a multitude of mega churches, who are more concerned with their own promotion and numerical growth than producing disciples who are reproducing a vital church around the world
January 11, 2010
As a leader within the house church movement, I must thank you, Mr. Barna.
There is no shortage of speculation about how off-base house churches are. I suspect this is due to a discreet idolatry within the church – not that conventional churches are necessarily bad, but when that becomes the only way God can work…well, it ceases to be God that we are worshipping.
If any of the other commentors are interested, may I humbly submit my website and blog for you to look at, both to read our story and to see how we are processing what we are doing as a house church network.
Website: http://www.leavethebuilding.com
Blog: http://www.leavethebuildingblog.com
I’d love to speak with you more if there is anything else I might be able to help with.
January 11, 2010
While a house-church may only be a handful of people, I have found that meaningful, face-to-face discussion and sharing concerning the things of God is much more likely in that context than sitting in a pew or chairs being “talked-to” or entertained by a “worship team” once or twice a week. I was much more isolated when attending a conventional church than I am now.
January 11, 2010
For those who are looking for some useful and balanced resources a couple of books really helped me
“From House to House” by Larry Kreider
“How to start a House Church by Floyd McClung and Larry Kreider
January 11, 2010
Thank you, Kieth. I used to worik under Floyd’s leadership in Amsterdam, Holland. I had no idea he had written a book on this topic. It should be a useful resource.
January 11, 2010
My impression of those who oppose house-church existence is that, unlike “identifiable” or “public” churches, they are substantively difficult to attack as a competitor. Due to their size, one cannot easily attend without being identified and thus not able to obtain information to later critically use – thus, the grasping at straws, i.e., “mis-quoted Barna research”. The same arguments have been used against “private corporations”, Amway being the most well known (in the 1960’s). In the coming American persecution of evangelical churches, the house church will be the first to be attacked but also the most likely to survive. Large and many small public evangelical and mainline curches try to “homogenize” the public into their community congregational form. It is more economically effective. House churches niche market to specific individual socio-economic, personality, and psychological needs.
January 11, 2010
To Andy and others expressing the desire to be in a house church. They are arising from the grassroots everywhere in the country. Let your needs be known and you will find one. In regard to the concern that they may become disconnected from the body let me say that my experience has been the opposite. Our group meets regularly and then on occasion attends other larger groups for teaching, worship music, etc. We even attend organized church events as the Spirit directs. There is a freedom to connect with the body of Christ once you are free from the control of a structured organization. You have more time and freedom to go where the Lord leads.
January 11, 2010
That’s good to hear, Lloyd. However, my concern with becoming disconnected is really at a higher level.
Any body of believers can become isolationists, defining their way as the only way of really being a Christian or really doing church. An independent house church is, in some ways, more susceptible to this than a denominational group. There is no structure in place to force interaction with others of matter of doctrine, which can exacerbate a “the Holy Spirit and Me makes a majority, mentality. Of course, one can also argue that a denomination is by definition isolationist.
Anyway, my point is that being sinners, we are prone to arrogance, and the kind of attention a leader of a house church can garner within that group can easily encourage spiritual pride. As a potential leader of a house group, I am starting to think of processes to keep me connected, personally and theologically, with the larger Church. One way, for example, would be to ask a couple of local pastors to mentor me. These could either be house church pastors or pastors of traditional churches.
House churches are one way of having fellowship and ministering, but they are not the only way. Having people from outside of that venue speak into it seems, to me at least, highly desirable.
January 11, 2010
My husband and I have been in the ministry for 20+ years at numerous churches and have visited many in the midwest and south. Many US churches are spiritually ill, pastors or board members or factions of the congregation. If one group is unhealthy then it does affect the whole body. I think of it like a computer virus-worm, eventually it will slow the church down, lock it up or become useless.
We don’t call underground (home) churches in China, cults. People following Christ want to be part of something growing and healthy.
January 11, 2010
I see a greater move towards house churches, or at the very least, smaller churches. Why? Because Christians need to connect with our Christian brothers and sisters just to support each other through all of the challenges of the times we live in. Sometimes that can be difficult in a large church.
But my situation is different. I attend a large church, but individual members are connected via a network of small groups: 10-15 members…Christians that meet weekly or monthly for Bible study, to socialize and talk about what’s happening in our lives. Many of these groups have been together for years and have become families that have grown and matured together as Christians. They participate not only in the small group meetings but also in daily activities. And outsiders have become Christians within these groups.
Intimacy is missing in the larger churches, but breaking our larger congregation into smaller groups has had some real value in making these larger bodies of Christ more effective.
January 11, 2010
I find the interest regarding this subject of Home Churches to be amazing. Not surprising just amazing. As the world continues to evolve we find ourselves becoming at odds with it.
This should not surprise us!
In Corinth Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:1,
1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
Acts 17: 22 – 25
22Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
24″The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
and…
Hebrews 9:11 – 15 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
There will be a day when we will be so criticized, so marginalized and so persecuted, we will be coming to my house, to your house which will all become His House!!
Come let’s break bread together and get Happy about what is happening!
January 11, 2010
Here is the google search results for House Church.
http://www.google.com/search?q=house+churches+in+america&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGIE_en
January 11, 2010
Thank you Mr. Barna, for the post, and making some very important points that apply to both traditional and non-traditional churches.
January 11, 2010
In 1994 I joined five Anabaptist brothers in starting a house church. My background was Reformed. We met in homes and rented rooms for two years enjoying Christ centered fellowship, using our Bibles as the outline for our direction. Eventually we grew to the point where we needed more room, pooled our resources and built a “church house” in central NYS. Because we chose to home school we attracted other seekers with the same motivation. We eschewed TV and worldly entertainment at the start and have never looked back.
Today 30+ (large) families continue to enjoy Sunday fellowship meals, a shared pulpit, Holy Spirit directed worship and a first century church attitude regarding mutual assistance in all circumstances. As we have no paid pastorate, 50% of our budget goes to missions.
My advice to all is to seek a Spirit directed path that includes like minded seekers and step out into a glorious church family experience, submitting to each other in love and using Jesus teaching and lifestyle as everyone’s goal – it really works !
January 11, 2010
At the end of His earthly ministry, do we believe that Jesus would have prayed for those things He felt were most important? In John 17, more than once, He mentions our unity. There seems to be hard feels, resentment, jeoalousy or fear toward the house church people, by some from the established church. There seems to be hard feels, even anger toward the established church by some of the house church writters. Reading some of their material, it seems that they may have failed in their ministry, and have left for negative reasons. Did the people who want a smaller setting, attend Sunday school regulary, or were they dissatified with that too. What about the smaller setting of mid-week prayer meetings? People who could organize a house church, could they not organize a mid-week prayer meeting in their former established church?
Maybe I’m the only one on this blog that feels this way, but I love our Sunday morning worship service at church, with great preaching, etc., and I love the Sunday school class, and I love our small group, about 10 to 12, that meet on Wednesday evening in a house. However you want to worship is fine with me, I just want everyone to be as happy, and content with Jesus as I am.
January 11, 2010
Most house (home) churches do not want us to join them, for they find it both easier and more strategic to win unbeleivers to Jesus and form new groups with them. So, we may have to start our own. There is a lot of help on line to do so. May I recommend http://www.StartaChurchNow.com ? (I guess I just did.)
January 11, 2010
I have been a pastor for 10 years now of a group that has devolved from a “conventional” church and is now a collection of 3 house communities. I have to say that quite the opposite of what the pastor quoted Mr. Barna as saying, we have actually become more anchored to Jesus as The Word, the knowledge of the love of Father through the Son by the Spirit. Yes, we still have challenges where those reticent to reach out to others are more so, but we have also seen where a number of people spontaneously shared love. They brought and served food at a Senior Center, and helped repair missing sheetrock (that allowed the cold winds to blow freely) in a bathroom belonging to a single mom. Many still are excited to share what they are learning about what Christ means to us. If we were to measure ourselves solely with the scales used to measure conventional churches (numbers, number of programs for various demographics, income) we look like a dwindling group. But the number of visits is higher than when we were a “conventional” church and people are more excited about the Gospel. Those interested can check us out at http://newdirection.ws.
January 11, 2010
As Pastor of a house church that started under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit two years ago and now fellowship in an elementary school in the heart of a community, I want to simply say thank you for sharing your wisdom, insight, encouragment, and love.
Please continue to keep the house church in prayer!
January 11, 2010
I love the discussion. In my 35+ years as a Christ-follower I have been involved in house churches that were part of a larger assembly. I have always found the small group setting useful, intimate, and enabling as an adjunct to the larger communal worship and teaching experiences. I see a wonderful benefit in having small groups / home groups as part of a local church. Either / or is much poorer than the richness and blessing of both. I’ve been blessed to generally be able to partake of both in my journey in Him. Blessings.
January 12, 2010
I am 46 years old and I have been a Saved, Bible-believing Christian since age 34, but before I got Saved, and after I got Saved, my hardest challenges have been at the hands of “Christians” going to well-established churches. They have too often turned the church into an idol while relieving themselves of the responsibilities of most Bible teachings. It reminds me of the Jesus quote in Revelation 3:16, “Because you are neither hot nor cold I spit you out of my mouth.” The cold being the unSaved, the hot being the Saved and active, while the lukewarm are the problematic wall that blocks Bible-teachings from the unSaved. Consistently, the church goers at established churches are pious for simply attending church regularly, while ignoring moral teachings of the Bible.
January 12, 2010
It was that very concern – about the lukewarm state of the Church – that led to the research and then the book I released a few months ago titled The Seven Faith Tribes. The research showed that 66% of American adults are in what we called the Casual Christian category – people who juggle religious faith and activity alongside a dozen or more other life activities and challenges, all of which they deem of equal value and importance to their faith. Until the Church can motivate that mass to realize it’s not about religion and routines but about Jesus and an intimate relationship that produces love, obedience and service, America is in for a rough ride.
January 12, 2010
Does that imply that Churches need to show MUCH MORE LOVE than anything else? When I speak “anything” that includes doctrines.
January 14, 2010
Yes, that’d be my view. When Jesus Himself reiterated that the greatest commandments are to love God and love people with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, I take that at face value. Sadly, our studies do not indicate that we’re doing a good job of living up to that standard. If we did I’m confident the world would be a very different place.
January 12, 2010
I sincerely believe that it is fear that creates this paralysis. It’s like the fourth watch of the night when Jesus walked out to the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. They did not recognize God’s Anointed moving toward them thinking he was a “spook.” The gospel account states that they “cried out in fear.” Jesus assured them that he was the same Lord they knew and trusted on the safe shore and commanded them not to be paralyzed with fear. But they stayed in the boat. All but one.
The incident continues with Peter’s early transformation. He’s the only one who is willing to try. And even though he cried out for help, he was beyond the buoyant security the others clung to. That is why he becomes our poster boy of incrementally overcoming fear and blazing a trail for subsequent followers.
January 12, 2010
I’ve read and personally heard similar comments about the ‘house church’ becoming a cult-like mov’t. Most of it are being said without recognizing that there are cult groups that are “mega” in sizes known nationally and even internationally. They have become institution themselves. The underlying concern and unspoken thought is that if there is no figurehead leadership, then, it can easily become cult-like. When one thinks of “cult,” it evokes ideas of unbiblicality, unquestionable loyalty and dictatorial control. Here in the U.S. there are denominations that have a totally unbiblical position on many issues confronting us today. They are more concerned with “political correctness” and unquestionable “tolerance” than communicating the whole counsel of God.
Just try this. Visit established/traditional/typical churches other than your own, and study their organizational structure since its founding to the present. Do their “structures” have biblical validity or more of a corporate structure? How about your own church?
Do their doctrinal positions, e.g., priesthood of all believers (1 Pe 2:9-10), are reflected? How about in practice?
Jesus is the Head. There has never been a moment in history of the church that Jesus abdicated His Headship. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Most of the problems happened when an institution, a system or and individual usurped His leadership of the church. Jesus’ and the Holy Spirit’s role is being replaced by man-made programs and guidelines.
Of course,there is a possibility. But Jesus is in control and the Holy Spirit is at work among God’s people.
I am leading(serving) a group of 20 adult and kids combined.
We have two couples coming from a church whose leadership and teaching is cultic in every way. The pastor could not tolerate any body who would question his teaching and leadership. The very core that he started with are all now outside his group.
On many occasions, acquaintances and observations, my conclusion is confirmed: many are attending Sunday worship services that can be described almost like “drive-thru” Christians. I suspect, I hope am wrong, the only time they open or read the Bible is on Sunday. They get a one-time feeding of God’s word for the week from the pulpit. They are not or may be they have not learned to feed themselves. Can you imagine still feeding your own 10 or 12 year olds? No wonder, they have serious spiritual health problems. They are still feeding on spiritual milk. Hardly able to chew solid food.
Just as I take every opportunity to minister the Word of God at pulpit level, I can best served and disciple God’s people at the more manageable size which the house church setting provides.
We have more time to dig deep and digest spiritual food. Feedback is immediate. Spirituality cannot be camouflaged or faked. Issues can be dealt with on the foundation of trust and unconditional love. There is real accountability. Fellowship is beyond hi and hello level. Resources are wisely used for advancing God’s work in ministry and mission instead of just maintaining the system or paying the mortgages.
The tendency to become cultic can be arrested by putting all the spiritual and ministry gifts in place and practice. If any group or network of house churches cultivate and enculturate sound and solid theology and practice, any deviation can be easily isolated and corrected.
January 12, 2010
PLEASE ………. Do not use the “term” – NETWORK – ………. we are talking about the specific “RELATIONSHIP” with CHRIST – not any near application to the secular world ………. are you trying to appease to any aspect of “secularism” or are you for REAL in professing the name of Christ as LORD AND SAVIOR —- and if you are [ as I believe you are a "revolutionist" and truly holding the the reality of of the false doctrine of a 'Pagen Church'] …….. please PROCLAIM with the boldness of the HOLY SPIRIT in the straight forward TRUTH that is only HIS in our world this day {January 12th, 2010A} >>>>>> There are a great number of real believers [Discerning on the direct revelation of the WORD] in our Country that are authentically ready to revolt in the name of Jesus Christ ……… if you do not believe this, please pack up the bags and live in the oblivious nature of the culture until the time of the LORD’s return ……….. respectfully, Dean Moede ……. S-Direct Marketplace Ministries – Neenah/ Menasha Wisconsin
January 13, 2010
thats the problem with alot of evangelism today. this internationally known preacher is teaching the gospel wrong. im pretty sure Jesus never said anything about what type of place we should be meeting in whether it be a small building where a family just happens to live (a house) or a large building that is only used on sundays.
January 13, 2010
Is it me, or do we seem to be living in an age where “feeling” supersedes the facts. It is all about feeding the flesh rather than nurturing the soul.
Acts shows both “house” churches and congregational bodies and individuals without a church (so-to-speak). What knits them together was not their structure but Christ and Him Crucified, so it remains. Let us shudder at the thought of pigeon-holing God’s work through our own preferences.
January 14, 2010
The research I’m working on at the moment is based on the notion that it is not an either/or, but should be a blend of thinking (mind), feeling (heart), action (strength) and faith (soul). Most people major on the one of those that’s most comfortable for them, sometimes to the exclusion of the others. How much better off we’d be if we helped each other to integrate all four of these dimensions into who God is shaping us to become.
January 30, 2010
Mr. Barna,
I see where you are going with that “philosophy” no intention of disrespect. The question I have for all those functions of reaction is Where does God begin to INFLUENCE our thinking (mind), feeling (heart), action (strength). I left faith out cause that is something we are given and empowered to do as we understand Grace. A step of faith cant be rationalized and sometimes its not always “easy”. The reason why “most people” may be major on the one of those that’s most comfortable for them could possibly be for lack of truly understanding grace, which results in sometimes to the exclusion of the others. Christians would be better off truly understanding Gods Grace instead of building structure. I truly believe this can be a device for distraction whether for House or “Institutional” Church. Unfortunately there are imbalances in the integral delivery of biblical truths however, there are a number of sound bible teaching individuals that has a presence in the facility of a house and also building that is also referred to as “institutional” Church.
January 15, 2010
We lost our lease space, members just decided to get together for prayer in a house and one thing led to another. Members started calling each other, more are getting healed, new are being saved-in a house!
Mr. Barna add this to your statistics, less than 30 days started with 9 members but now 25 adults, 22 children and growing spontaneously, a spirit led growth-in a house!
We are now looking for another house, some live far but are willing to come!
January 17, 2010
Good discussions here. I would like to say that the House movement to me as never been appealing – but just like the organized church, it can suffer from the same mistakes and accountability should always be in the “structure” of the church as much as it’s individuals that make up the church.
January 19, 2010
From an old proverb we read that all we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. The truth of this plays out plainly in the records of religious denominations. Almost every one was started as a revolt against theological error or formailty in worship, worldiness in conduct, etc. A discontented man of great spiritual desire was joined by a few others of like mind. This brought about fresh new zeal for their efforts. Usually they threw off the burden of religious complexities and turned to simplicity and inwardness. They were so relieved, in that they felt that they had indeed recaptured the glory of the Early Church, and not one of them would have believed that their precious God-enamored band of Christians could ever forget.
But they did. Or if they did not, the next generation did. Regardless of how perfect we think it may be, if it is not motived by love for God and love for our neighbor, it is not sustainable. Whatever the movement may be, the Lord will bless it, if it is motivated by His Divine Love. If the intent of our heart is to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourself, would there be any room for anyone to accuse us of cultism, inside or outside the established/traditional church? Since so little thought is given to doctrine in our day, is the home church movement motivated by the lack of our ability to fulfill those two, greatest of all, commandments in the established church?
January 20, 2010
Looks like you touched a nerve with this post, George.
Haven’t read the book on this topic by you, but will plan to…it seems to me the rise of house churches is due to disaffection with the organized (mainline) church. (But each house church would be its own organization, no?…maybe a more flexible, or loving, organization?)
The future does not look particularly good for mainline churches. Unless we figure out how to be more like house churches (small cells of people connected and motivated for actionable mission,) and get on with the mission that God calls us to, it’s only a matter of time before church buildings will become community meeting places again, like entertainment venues and art galleries.
-bill
January 24, 2010
I do not agree with you assessment. I received the Lord in a home fellowship. As a result my two sisters came to the Lord, became Born Again and filled with the HS and members of that home church. One of my sisters, Sybil Wilson, was a missionary to China for 10 years, because of that ministry. “Joy Fellowship Church, Bronx, NY, Pastor Martin L. Bender.”
As a result, my mother, father, brother, nieces and nephew are now Born Again Christians. Later, that ‘home church obtained a building, and is still in existence, and thriving.
Man created organized religion. You see it everywhere, gaining thousand upon thousand of member not developing or sending out new Pastors. This is why men and women with calls on their lives start home churches.
I say Amen to the home church! May she continue to be blessed, given God’s direction and thrive.
January 25, 2010
The church is completely determined by the integrity of the leadership. Anybody with Bible knowledge and a truthful heart can see plainly the normal organized church has little to do with real worship of God. Here in Michigan there are few people that attend organized churches that are on fire for God. With few exceptions they are lukewarm, prayer-less, spiritually dead, with very little Bible experience. This doesn’t address the ungodly lifestyles that the leadership doesn’t address in the teaching for fear of losing offerings. Alot can be said and there are exceptions but by and large this is sadly the situation in the Midwest. When the persecution comes you’ll see the hirelings flee for their lives- then the real church will shine like the Sun
January 27, 2010
PS how can I get my picture on my icon?
January 28, 2010
I have been in mainline church ministry for over 40 years and it is my observation that institutional chruches can cause far more reason for concern in the body of Christ than individual believers ever could. It is as if the gospel is compromised when well intentioned beleivers organize with a man at the top to lead instead of individually following what the spirit is saying to our heart and living in love with each other.
February 9, 2010
I’m a little late to this conversation. Not having read all the comments, I apologize if this point has already been made.
Different types of organizations and structures all have inherent pros and cons. Talking about one side of the equation without acknowledging the other, is dishonest. To often we polarize an issue by focusing soley on the strengths or weaknesses of a topic.
I believe House Churches have an inherent structural weakness with accountability and being connected. My guess is that the challenge in finding one, at least negates that inherent weakness. You must be motivated and committed to find and join a House Church. Therefore, the organization of House Churches (harder to find) self selects for people who are more committed in their desire for spiritual growth.
It seems to me the focus ought to be more on the basic New Testament requirements for the structure of a Church. Then you can critically determine the strengths and weaknesses of a particular Church organization. In that understanding you then create strategies to maximize the strengths and avoid the weaknesses. Ultimately, you must be developing disciples of Jesus Christ who know how to live in community with one another.
February 15, 2010
I am a product of a house church. My pastors have taken the time to disciple, mentor, and hold me accountable. How many church pastors in the churches today will pour their lives into you. My pastors are absolutely awesome. I am a revolutionary and a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ today because of this house church training. Prior to my attending a house church, which was the final straw for me, I belonged to two mid-sized churches. I left both of those churches grieving and heart broken because of the complacency, corruption, and the immorality. Numbers equal money; not getting souls saved. The training and the love I have received in this housechurch I have never experience in today’s church building. How blessed I am. We have worship; the kind of worship that ushers in the presence of God. As we grow we will require a larger facility, but right now I am going to stay in my housechurch in Antioch, California until the Lord tell us otherwise. (The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch) Acts 11: 26. If you are in the Northern Califoria area give us a call we would love to fellowship with you. The Carpenter’s Shop International (925) 778-0800
February 22, 2010
Small house churches or large building churches…both have been contaminated/corrupted by modern antinomianism. Paul has been replaced by an ANTI-Paul due to erronious spins on his writings. This invention will lead to the acceptance of ANTI-Christ. The key terms of “gospel”, “grace” and “saved” are so corrupted/misdefined that sanctification/regeneration has taken a huge hit.
March 15, 2010
House Churches are Biblical
Philemon 1 (NIV)
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Church in thy house-In the absence of a regular church building, the houses of particular saints were used for that purpose.
This is a factual trend
April 18, 2010
Saw the headline of your post and laughed, because I was in an established and they were cult-like and are isolationists of a sort. What are these leaders talking about? Some churches are already like this!
Would love to be in a house church, but a former house church planter in my area said that Malaysians ‘don’t see a need’ for house churches.
So, where does it leave folks like me? I tried to return to the church, but my whole being rebelled against it and I had to ‘withdraw’ outside again. I realise now that I cannot return there because I don’t want to be mollycoddled and treated like a spiritual infant again. It’s time to go out in the world and be Christ to people.
So, bumbling along, I have begun volunteering in organisations quietly and hope to find a gathering I can belong to somehow. There’s an alternative church gathering that seems promising…
What I’m doing is listening to the Lord and just seeing where he leads me. I wish the pastors/teachers who make careless remarks like these about folks like me would realise how much we love the Lord, and how much we want to bless the world.
They really need to stop feeling threatened by us, or feeling like they need to ‘rescue’ us. What they need to do is support us in our God-given mission to love and edify the world.