Home churches

[Sminasian]

How did they start, why did they start, and why aren't there more of them. Are they " legitimate " churches. A church is the church body, body of believers, does it matter if it is in a home or a church building?

The reason i asked this is because Duggars have " home church" , but I don't know if it is because that they believe it is legitimate church or because they cant possibly get everyone ready to leave the house and be in a church on time. :type:

 

[Thousand Hills]

Are they " legitimate " churches. A church is the church body, body of believers, does it matter if it is in a home or a church building?

Can't really be a church if it doesn't have stained glass windows and a finely manicured lawn.

Seriously, look forward to the responses in this thread. I believe Rev Mitchell has in the past made statements about the home church movement. Would like him to chime in as to why he is adamantly opposed.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Can't really be a church if it doesn't have stained glass windows and a finely manicured lawn.

Seriously, look forward to the responses in this thread. I believe Rev Mitchell has in the past made statements about the home church movement. Would like him to chime in as to why he is adamantly opposed.

:laugh::laugh::laugh: that should be interesting :thumbs:

 

[annsni]

I think a home church is fine - if it is, in fact, a church and not just a family avoiding ministering to the body of Christ and locking themselves in at home. But in an area where there might not be a good church and one wants to get one started, I think a home church is a good way to begin but I would hope that soon they would be able to move out of the home and out into the community.

 

[preachinjesus]

House churches are just as legitimate as churches that meet in buildings, strip malls, movie theaters, and coffee shops.

What defines a church is its commitment to the Gospel, preaching of the Word, administration of ordinances, and fellowship of believers. This can be done in many unique ways.

 

[Sminasian]

Can't really be a church if it doesn't have stained glass windows and a finely manicured lawn.

Seriously, look forward to the responses in this thread. I believe Rev Mitchell has in the past made statements about the home church movement. Would like him to chime in as to why he is adamantly opposed.

Then what is the difference between a " home church" and those care groups a lot of the churches do in place of a sunday evening service? Same thing. It is church at home. Like homeschool, is school at home.

I like the idea of the Baptist being probably the only denomination that still has Sunday evening services, but I have to admit, if I go to one Sunday pm service month, I would be surprised. I was just thinking yesterday , of the evening services, why we have them, and how care groups fit into all this, then it occurred to me . Care groups are also a church service, in the home. I see no difference. The people who host or attend " care group" or " church at home" are still assembling, still praying and worshiping, still learning and still honoring the Lord. To me, church is not a building, it is not a " headquarters" nor is it a " command center", it is a building where people gather. God is every where, even my grandkids know that much. Does God really care if we have church at home or attend a church building? What constitutes a " local assembly"?

 

[Thousand Hills]

Then what is the difference between a " home church" and those care groups a lot of the churches do in place of a sunday evening service? Same thing. It is church at home. Like homeschool, is school at home.

I like the idea of the Baptist being probably the only denomination that still has Sunday evening services, but I have to admit, if I go to one Sunday pm service month, I would be surprised. I was just thinking yesterday , of the evening services, why we have them, and how care groups fit into all this, then it occurred to me . Care groups are also a church service, in the home. I see no difference. The people who host or attend " care group" or " church at home" are still assembling, still praying and worshiping, still learning and still honoring the Lord. To me, church is not a building, it is not a " headquarters" nor is it a " command center", it is a building where people gather. God is every where, even my grandkids know that much. Does God really care if we have church at home or attend a church building? What constitutes a " local assembly"?

I apologize, I was joking around with the statement made about stained glass windows, et al. I do agree with your sentiments and the replies made by Ann and preachinjesus on this matter. Would like someone more knowledgeable then myself (which should be the majority of BB) to come along though and answer your question about how the movement got started here in the good ole u s of a.

 

[Rolfe]

Re Duggars: I would wonder about the dynamic of a church that is made up of one family.

 

[annsni]

Then what is the difference between a " home church" and those care groups a lot of the churches do in place of a sunday evening service? Same thing. It is church at home. Like homeschool, is school at home.

I like the idea of the Baptist being probably the only denomination that still has Sunday evening services, but I have to admit, if I go to one Sunday pm service month, I would be surprised. I was just thinking yesterday , of the evening services, why we have them, and how care groups fit into all this, then it occurred to me . Care groups are also a church service, in the home. I see no difference. The people who host or attend " care group" or " church at home" are still assembling, still praying and worshiping, still learning and still honoring the Lord. To me, church is not a building, it is not a " headquarters" nor is it a " command center", it is a building where people gather. God is every where, even my grandkids know that much. Does God really care if we have church at home or attend a church building? What constitutes a " local assembly"?

From what I can see in Scripture, the local churches each had a leadership, organization, order and met in more than just homes with one family. I'd say that an example like the Duggars is not a good model because of the fact that there is NO outside accountability. This is a perfect way to stray from the Word and have no one around to say anything about it - a great way to start a cult.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

From what I can see in Scripture, the local churches each had a leadership, organization, order and met in more than just homes with one family. I'd say that an example like the Duggars is not a good model because of the fact that there is NO outside accountability. This is a perfect way to stray from the Word and have no one around to say anything about it - a great way to start a cult.

So who is the ultimate say in a church cause Ive seen pretty awful pastors who freely interpret scripture to feed their own ego agenda's. What credentials separate a genuine pastor from a con artist?

 

[PreachTony]

So who is the ultimate say in a church

Well, Jesus is the head of the church, even though many people refuse to acknowledge that, but I know what you mean. (I'll give you my ideas, but take them for what they are. I would never claim this as infallible scripture; only as a good starting point.) Seeing as Baptist churches tend to have individual autonomy, then each church needs to have a well-founded and well-studied Deacon board or group of Elders. These people ought to have a strong knowledge of the scripture and be prepared to, if necessary, call out someone bringing a false gospel.

cause Ive seen pretty awful pastors who freely interpret scripture to feed their own ego agenda's.

This is why I stopped watching TV ministers almost altogether. There are a couple that I'll catch every now and then, but nothing with regularity. I understand it takes money to run a tv ministry, but to beg for by couching it as "planting a seed" really irks me. Someone of the things I've seen tv preachers do over time are downright horrifying.

What credentials separate a genuine pastor from a con artist?

The only thing I would say to this, EWF, is look at 1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

This is why I stopped watching TV ministers almost altogether. There are a couple that I'll catch every now and then, but nothing with regularity. I understand it takes money to run a tv ministry, but to beg for by couching it as "planting a seed" really irks me. Someone of the things I've seen tv preachers do over time are downright horrifying.

I never watch those guys .... my question wasnt aimed at them.

 

[Gina B]

I don't think it's ideal. A church family is different than a home family, and should help prevent theological errors in thinking and keep each other on track. However, with more and more churches taking on business models and becoming government involved, social service centers and such, I think we'll see more home churches.
I believe we are starting to see the decline of the church and as churches become more socialized and home churches become more "peculiar," Christianity will become less prevalent. People will be less familiar with the truth, less cohesive...I believe we're already seeing this happen. It will just get worse.

 

[PreachTony]

I never watch those guys .... my question wasnt aimed at them.

I didn't figure it was. I was just using them to further my point. Like you, I've seen and heard pastor in the church twist scripture to make whatever point they were trying to make, and there was no spirit in what they were doing.

 

[gigabyte71]

How did they start, why did they start, and why aren't there more of them. Are they " legitimate " churches. A church is the church body, body of believers, does it matter if it is in a home or a church building?

The reason i asked this is because Duggars have " home church" , but I don't know if it is because that they believe it is legitimate church or because they cant possibly get everyone ready to leave the house and be in a church on time. :type:

I'm pretty sure the home church started in the days of the apostles..

"And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:" ~ Philemon 1:2

"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house." ~ Colossians 4:5

"Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ." ~ Romans 16:5

But I believe you do have a lot of people who have 'home' churches as an excuse to not be part of a body of believers.

 

[Soulman]

I believe we are starting to see the decline of the church and as churches become more socialized and home churches become more "peculiar," Christianity will become less prevalent. People will be less familiar with the truth, less cohesive...I believe we're already seeing this happen. It will just get worse.

Although I believe you are correct, I think the body of Christ can still turn this around. When the bible says: Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This is talking about a group of believers. More than just a family. Accountability is a good tool as every Baptist pastor I have ever known has betrayed the faith. However, When there is not a church in your area where truth is taught, there is room for starting ones own church. I am sure this is abused by some. We all answer to God as to how we handle His word. Closing ourselves up in our homes with only our loved ones can be dangerous and does not promote the spread of the gospel as effectively as a public church.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I didn't figure it was. I was just using them to further my point. Like you, I've seen and heard pastor in the church twist scripture to make whatever point they were trying to make, and there was no spirit in what they were doing.

Absolutely right.:thumbs:

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Although I believe you are correct, I think the body of Christ can still turn this around. When the bible says: Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This is talking about a group of believers. More than just a family. Accountability is a good tool as every Baptist pastor I have ever known has betrayed the faith. However, When there is not a church in your area where truth is taught, there is room for starting ones own church. I am sure this is abused by some. We all answer to God as to how we handle His word. Closing ourselves up in our homes with only our loved ones can be dangerous and does not promote the spread of the gospel as effectively as a public church.

Wait, wait wait....you just said, " every Baptist pastor I have ever known has betrayed the faith." so how can you still promote public churches?

 

[PreachTony]

This is talking about a group of believers. More than just a family. Accountability is a good tool as every Baptist pastor I have ever known has betrayed the faith. However, When there is not a church in your area where truth is taught, there is room for starting ones own church. I am sure this is abused by some. We all answer to God as to how we handle His word. Closing ourselves up in our homes with only our loved ones can be dangerous and does not promote the spread of the gospel as effectively as a public church.

I've gotta agree with EWF on this one [which feels kinda weird :smilewinkgrin:].

What kind of experiences are we talking about, here, Soulman? I've lived my entire religious life in small Baptist churches in northeast Georgia. I've personally had fifteen pastors in my life, and I've known loads more. All told, I would say I know between 150 and 200 Preachers and Pastors, and probably as many Deacons. I would never say that every one of them has betrayed the faith.

I'm just curious where you're coming from, given that kind of experience...

 

[Soulman]

Wait, wait wait....you just said, " every Baptist pastor I have ever known has betrayed the faith." so how can you still promote public churches?

I have been a Christian for 43 years. I guess I shouldn't have said "Every pastor I have ever known." I should have said " Every pastor I have had". There are a lot of good men out there. That said, the church was probably started as a home church. It was not meant to stay that way. Churches are living organizims' meant to grow out of the infancy stages as with any body. If your area has a good church that teaches the truth and spreads the gospel, I believe it is God's will to join it as part of the local body. If there is no such church I believe we are directed through scripture to start a work with the intention of growing it into a public ministry.