Meeting in Houses was a common thing for the early church.
Rom 16:5 "Likewise greet the church that is in their house."...
It brings intimacy, clarity and unity.
Questions are asked and answered, and participation is encouraged as well as the developing of talents and giftings of others.
1Co 16:19 "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."
To edify the body as well as praying, serving and equipping in the basics of scripture. No longer is 10% of the church doing the work and participating but 100% are able to help and mature.
Col 4:15 "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house."
This is NOT a secondary mid-week type thing but the main and priority meeting. Benefits are that there is no pressure to give financially, and it allows for funds that are given to go directly to the need rather than mortgages or salaries.
If you would like to know more about this or host a home fellowship,
you can email at howard@howardking.org.
House Churches are Fellowships
We see the church as people and therefore if in homes or bible studies all are church fellowships.
So, groups may be small and informal fellowships that gather in homes or in facilities.
We study the gospel of grace according to the dispensation, revelation and fellowship of the mystery.
given to Paul through Jesus Christ!
1. Consider Jesus Christ to be the head of the church (fellowship), the worship, the resource of all the needs of the body.
2. View Jesus Christ's goal for the church to be sanctifying its members, conforming them to his image, preparing them for mutual ministries to each other and outreach to the lost world.
3. Gather informally, usually in a home, with the common bond of Jesus Christ as the result of a spiritual regeneration in Him.
4. Believe that the holy spirit works through the body to do the work of the ministry!
5. Consist of people who want intimate not superficial relationships with one another.
6. Enjoy prayer, praise, worship, bible teaching and testimonies of the Lord's works as a common practice.
7. Encourage teaching and learning times that are open to questions and discussions.
8. May Include children as a part of the gathering and ministry time.
9. Consist of casual settings which often includes eating together.
10. Enjoy all the "one another's" listed in the scriptures.
11. Operate as an organism rather than a organization or institution. (1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4).
12. Lead through leaders who have a functional mindset rather than just a positional mindset, to facilitate rather than control.
