Reason #1 - They disagree with what is taught

A fairly common reason that people talk about when they are asking about house church is that they disagree with what is being taught in their own church. It's as though their eyes have been opened to what their Bibles say. Even after trying other churches to experience something that is "real" they relate their findings as nothing but a spiritual Sunday wasteland. And those who were brave enough to talk with the church leaders have become virtual outcasts.

Reason #2 - They want a greater role

Another reason 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. So they ask what does it take to start a house church?

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

The sermons and lessons are typically about growing into a closer relationship with God. But the lives of the congregation don't demonstrate that message. Cliques and gossip abound. God talks about acceptance, but the members show no 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

I'm sorry to say that people are still people --complete with shortcomings-- even in house churches. There is good news though. If you are frustrated with what you find, you are just as qualified as anyone else to start one. All it takes is two or more believers who lift up the name of Jesus. You can read the Bible, pray, sing and express your praises. After all, church is not about us, it's about Him.

If you need more information, I'll help from where I am --and so will the other members of our group. May God bless you richly as you grow in the knowledge of His Son.

Doug Olsen
doug@myredeemer.org