In ancient times, the earliest churches of the "Jesus Movement" were house churches, and in modern times there are those who have returned to this ancient form of Christian communal life and worship. House churches can provide a depth of intimacy and mutual commitment not found in the average church, although in some churches small group experiences can to a degree replicate the house church experience. Both the upsides and downsides of house churches are captured in a five minute video entitled, "Bearing fruit – the beginning and end of a house church." The long and the short of it is that while they can provide deep spiritual gratification house churches may also not last very long. They are more fragile than established churches, which may not necessarily be a fault but is also not a mark of strength. I would recommend the video for your reflection.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Are House Churches the Answer?
In ancient times, the earliest churches of the "Jesus Movement" were house churches, and in modern times there are those who have returned to this ancient form of Christian communal life and worship. House churches can provide a depth of intimacy and mutual commitment not found in the average church, although in some churches small group experiences can to a degree replicate the house church experience. Both the upsides and downsides of house churches are captured in a five minute video entitled, "Bearing fruit – the beginning and end of a house church." The long and the short of it is that while they can provide deep spiritual gratification house churches may also not last very long. They are more fragile than established churches, which may not necessarily be a fault but is also not a mark of strength. I would recommend the video for your reflection.
