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If there’s no home church in your area we can help you get something going. The great news is you don’t need a theology degree, an eloquent speaking ability or a beautiful musical talent. You just need a desire to meet with like-minded Christians in your area and a thirst to grow in your faith. We’ll help you with the rest.
You don’t need to join an organisation, pay any fees, or become part of a movement. In the New Testament Paul often wrote to the Church of a certain place. For example Corinth. Churches were known simply by their town or area, not a denomination, movement or what particular constitution they aligned with. Some would say there’s a risk of heading off in a tangent if you’re not part of a movement or denomination, but it seems in New Zealand the risk is more with some of the denominations – some seem to be heading off on tangents and perhaps pose a greater risk than a small group getting around the Word on a regular basis.
There’s no rules, and every house church will have it’s own style, but the following values indicate you’re heading in the right direction.
Jesus commissioned us spread the gospel or good news to others. If a house church is not inviting to new people and not looking to grow then it could become very insular and self indulgent – just a group of friends enjoying each others company. An Ekklesia or gathering of Christians is charged with effecting positive change in their area and having an outward focus.
Being a Christian who didn’t meet regularly with other believers would be inconceivable in New Testament times. A home church needs to meet on a regular basis so that we can grow in relationship with others, check in on those that are struggling, and ultimately multiply in numbers. Jesus didn’t spend his time fishing by himself, or reading books at home. Rather he took others under his wing, coached them, and grew them into leaders themselves.
The Word of God contains so many answers, encouragement and wisdom. It’s absolutely vital a house church has an agenda to get around the bible regularly, to study it and apply it to the lives of those that come. We all face issues and struggles in life, but the bible has so many answers that can shed incredible wisdom and peace as the truth of it is studied and teased out.
Communion was never a special ceremony in the New Testament, but generally a shared meal between believers where Christ was remembered and honoured. Enjoying a meal together is a great thing to do, but it’s equally important to bring Christ right into the centre of it and acknowledge his body and blood that was sacrificed on the cross for us all.
In the book of Acts funds were shared to support widows and the poor, not buildings and infrastructure. We all go through seasons in life, and there’s times when we’re prospering and others when we need a helping hand. I’ve heard it said if God has your wallet then he has your heart. It’s a beautiful thing to be generous when others are in need.
Praise is the power of heaven, and our worship is a way of honouring the God we serve. It’s important we don’t get legalistic about this, as some feel uncomfortable and some don’t know where to start. But we can all play something on Spotify and introduce a culture of worship as the group moves forward. It’s a vital part of our Christian life that needs to flourish. The Holy Spirit loves to join in.
Maybe gifts of the Holy Spirit are controversial for some. But one thing I’ve noticed is that attending a traditional church service doesn’t help us grow in this area. Often we sit as spectators and the leader up front moves in the gifts as they discern. Home Churches are brilliant places though for you to contribute and grow in your giftings. Everyone has the opportunity to pray for the sick, bring words of knowledge etc, and practice what God’s put in your heart. It’s amazing to see the confidence and excitement that comes when we see the Holy Spirit moving through us.
The Greek word Jesus used for Church in the New Testament was Ekklesia which was actually a governmental word. In Jesus’s time Israel was ruled by the Roman empire. While the leadership of the Roman Empire sat in Italy, the Ekklesia or local government authorities oversaw each of the different countries under it’s control. So it is with the gathering of Christians in house churches – we have the authority to effect positive change in our street and area because we have been given responsibility and authority.