What is house church?
That's a fairly common question to us. It has a number of meanings. Some use that phrase to refer to extensions to their church --much like small groups, or cell groups. For us, it means that the place where we meet is in an ordinary house.
We're not trying to set or even follow a standard. Over the years that we have been meeting, we have seen a number of approachs, methods, and networks applied to gatherings in houses. On any given Sunday, we meet at the house of one of the group. Usually, we begin by catching up with what has gone on during the week with each other's families. David leads us in song with his guitar and sometimes with his band (it comes in his laptop --"Band in a Box"). I bring a topic to study in the Bible --and it's quite interactive. Most of us read from the Bible and everyone participates in the discussion. Afterwards, we eat a meal that is contributed by each family.
Who comes?
There are generally four families --sometimes they bring friends. At times, families bring their Children. Kids are welcome; they are a treat for all of us. Since, we have all been there as parents and we love to see the young ones, we have no expectations of them remaining invisibly still. They sit near their parents and listen or color or even get involved in the discussion. David's music includes songs for them, too.
What are we affiliated with?
Although we come from various backgrounds, our assembly is not related to any denomination or other church. This is where we spend our Sundays.
What traditions do we follow?
Well, we haven't baptized anyone yet, we do have the Lord's Supper now and then. The only collections that go on are to help cover expenses of individuals that we know are in need.
Any Special Events?
Almost every fourth Saturday, David coordinates a jam in the evening. Guests are common --after all, it is a musical event! Folks bring their instruments and we set up outside. (Mosquito lamps help keep the bugs to a minimum.) If the weather is rainy or too cold then we move it all indoors.
Christmas is a special time. There is music --much like the jams. Denice organizes games and prizes.
A couple of the families go to Irish Fest in Dallas' Fair Park each year. The music is a wonderful experience --and the food is great fun too.
What's So Special?
A constant theme in our times together is that Jesus is who we live for. Trite? I suppose so. But there is a constant emphasis on remembering that we can do nothing apart from Him. And during our prayer times we emphasize what God has done and is doing for us and through us. The goal is not to be reminding Him of our needs; rather it's knowing Him and trusting in Him because He already knows what we need and desire. Are there exceptions? Of course, and we do pray accordingly. We all have our struggles that we deal with. It's His body --the whole body of believers-- as well as His Comforter that He uses to minister with during those times.
I encourage you to look into forming a small group of brothers and sisters that meet in your home. Any day of the week is fine. Just focus on our Lord Jesus Christ --He will take care of the details.