The below message came in over e-mail.
I’m very intrigued by the idea of a “building-less” congregation, of a series of home-churches rather than a singular meeting-place. What resources have you come across that speak to this idea? Are there any congregations out there that have embraced this approach? I gotta tell you, I think it offers some exciting possibilities, specifically in providing an experience that is different to the “church” experience that so many people have decided isn’t for them. Any insight you have would be cool.
Tim
Tim, your wish is my command.
Websites with loads of resources:
House Church Central
House Church Network
House Church Blog
House 2 House
Touch Outreach Ministries
DAWN Ministries - Simple Church
House Chruch Conventions & Seminars:
National House Church Convention
Touch USA Training
Some Books You Might Check Out:
The Church Comes Home
House Church Networks
So, You Want To Start A House Church?
Cool Quotes about using other people's buildings:
Jesus' strategy was to go where people were already hanging out. This is why he went to weddings, parties, and religious feast day celebrations...Taking the gospel to the streets means we need church where people are already hanging out. We need a church in every mall, every Wal-Mart, every Barnes and Noble.
Reggie McNeal (The Present Future)
The church's evangelistic task...demands that every barrio, apartment building, and neighborhood have a church faithful to God's word established in it.
Roger Greenway
I hope this gets the wheels turning even more.
Peace.
4 comments:
Just a thought from someone who is trying to do this. There's more to the word "building-less" than the reference to the ediface. Be aware that a "building-less" church cannot be "built" by you or anyone else--Christ will build His church. Joining a house church just because they meet in a house rahter than a building won't do it for you (at least it didn't for me).
Step away from "building" altogether and prayerfully ask for your eyes to be opened to the building that is already taking place all around you.
Amen to Reggie McNeal. I think those are excellent suggestions.
Bob,
Great words. When I take on God's tasks that are not assigned to me I find failure quickly. My task is not to build it, but my task is to connect with God's building of his church.
Judy,
Reggie is smart, no? Hey, we'll be in Nashville shortly after Sam comes out to greet us. I'm sure we'll get to see you then as well.
Just a thought from someone who is trying to do this. There's more to the word "building-less" than the reference to the ediface. Be aware that a "building-less" church cannot be "built" by you or anyone else--Christ will build His church. Joining a house church just because they meet in a house rahter than a building won't do it for you (at least it didn't for me).
Step away from "building" altogether and prayerfully ask for your eyes to be opened to the building that is already taking place all around you.
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