Reason #1 - They disagree with what is taught

A fairly common reason that people ask about house church is that they disagree with what is being taught in the church they've been attending. The usual scenario is that they have been reading their Bibles and praying for understanding. (Something that should be highly encouraged.) In doing so, they find obvious, large discrepancies with what is preached from the pulpit and discussed about in Sunday school. Those brave enough to talk with the pastors or teachers have been labeled as troublemakers and become virtual outcasts. It's ironic that the Bible's message draws people to oneness with God and also creates division with the very people who lead the church.

Reason #2 - They want a greater role

Another reason they ask about house church is that they have grown in their faith and the leaders won't allow them to have more responsibility in the church. Some of these have become deep thinkers who, with constant prayer, have been given insight into what God says in His word. The depths of what they have learned is way beyond what is said in Sunday school and the weekly sermon.

Reason #3 - The teaching doesn't match the living

Many feel that the sermons and lessons talk about having a closer relationship with God, but that relationship is elusive –not demonstrated in the lives of the congregation. Rather, cliques and gossip abound. The messages are about forgiveness and acceptance, but the members show little tolerance or mercy for those who struggle with daily life.

These people ask about house church in hopes that they might find a group of people who are more like those described in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

The Reality

After visiting many churches in their local area, these souls typically describe their findings as a "spiritual Sunday wasteland." They are looking for a solution to one of the problems above so they ask, "Where can I find a house church?" Or, "What does it take to start a house church?"

I'm sorry to say that people are still people –complete with shortcomings– even in house churches. All people lack understanding, fail to show acceptance, and divide into comfortable groups. It's part of man's fallen nature.

A New Focus

The good news, though, is that the solution can be as simple as redirecting the search. Searching for a "good" group of people will bring disappointment. But a search for closeness with God –regardless of what is being taught or who is in the congregation– will lead to a greater, more fulfilling relationship with Him.

His word intentionally leads us to Him. It does not lead us to a group of people. It merely says that the world will know us by our love for one another. That's why it's essential that we do not give up assembling together. That assembly –regardless of size or location– is how His love is conveyed among His people. The assembly can be in a large body, but it can equally be with just two or more gathered in His name. All it takes is believers who lift up the name of Jesus. You can read the Bible, pray, sing and express your praises. The word "church" means called out ones. And it's not about us growing together, it's about a growing dependent relationship with Him.

May God bless you richly as you grow in the knowledge of His Son.

Doug Olsen
doug@myredeemer.org (include "MR Website" in the subject)