Over the past 2 years, I have become exposed to and have had many conversations with those who are deeply involved in the “house church” movement. I have found these individuals to be humble, intelligent and passionate to see God move in authentic ways in their lifetime. While I think the house church movement is awesome and is a fresh expression of church, I am beginning to think that it’s not THE only way to “do” church (as some in that movement ardently hold to). There’s a few different reasons for this that I may delve into later but Scot McKnight addresses it in his new book “The Blue Parakeet” better than I ever could:
“What we’ve got in the pages of the New Testament are first century expressions of the gospel and church life, not permanent, timeless expressions. They are timely expressions; they are Spirit-inspired expressions; but they were and remain first century expressions. We aren’t called to live first century lives in the twenty first century, but twenty first century lives as we walk in the light of the revelation God gave to us in the first century.”I don’t know…I’m torn. I see the tremendous benefits of the house church movement and how it fosters intimacy and discipleship but on the other hand I do not think that it’s the ONLY way to do it. Most house church peeps that I talk to believe just that…the institutional church is dead and we need to abandon it completely. Now, don’t get me wrong…I think the current American, attractional church model is vastly inefficient and is not producing disciples but instead is perpetuating the ‘consumer’ mentality that is prevelant in our nation. I think there needs to be a “revolution” in ecclesiology and how we follow Christ as His Body. BUT, I’m not sure that house church is the ONLY answer. I think God is inspiring a “hybrid” mode of church that is heavy on mission and light on the attractional element, but it’s still there. I want to discuss this more in future posts but I would love to hear the opinions of those who may read this blog that are in to the house church movement…be gentle:)
1 Comment
February 27, 2010 at 8:07 am
It really depends on what you mean by House Church…? If you mean a pastor, pews, clergy, etc. in the setting of a home, no. In my opinion I don’t believe a ‘hybrid’ model is the answer. It’s already being attempted and, in my opinion, it’s not working. I was a part of similar things for awhile. And the way we “do” church isn’t the topic that needs to be examined in my opinion because that is just a “thing”. What needs to be happening in the ekklesia is not focusing on a “thing” or an “it” but a Person. That Person is Jesus Christ. Letting Him reign freely in the gatherings of the brothers and sisters. I’m a part of an Organic Church in Florida and I’m loving it so far. Very authentic.
I would also like to comment on what Scot McKnight wrote about the subject. He is right about not living first century lives in the twenty first century, but I can’t possibly see how sitting in a pew week to week, listening to sermons was God’s intention with His bride. I personally believe that the modern church “practices” are man-made. Not that God isn’t moving in the Inst. Church, it just wasn’t His original intention. Do what I did, ask Him about it
I hope this helped lol