What if Christians met in each others homes instead of a big expensive building?

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

We ought to be reverent. We are supposed to be in the presence of our God and Savior. Moses fell on his face in the presence of God in reverence. Saul was knocked down by the presence of God on the road to Emmaus.

Holiness is not rock and roll.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

King David sure how to shake a leg in front of GOD. His wife was cursed for complaining about it.

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6:16​

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Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! 2 Samuel 6:20​

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Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death. 2 Samuel 6:23​

 

[SpoonJuly]

growth isn't limited at all, rather encouraged. ideally 25 people would be split into two groups that met twice a week in the home,and the whole congregation would meet once a month in a large outdoor area or meeting place.

the idea is NOT to have a big building EVER. eventually moving in to one would defeat the idea.
the idea is to worship and serve the Lord and each other without the pressures of paying staff salaries, mortgages and utilities of a big building.

this is what the Church at Jerusalem did. they met in each others homes in smaller groups, and then in the temple court as an entire congregation periodically.

That sounds good, but, you must have qualified leadership, and that is not always the case.
I know we are to raise up those in our own congragation, but sometimes that just does not happen.
I know of several churches now that have searched for leadership for months.
They have to 'borrow" from other churches.
So, it may be necessary to go rent a place.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to build big fancy buildings.
But sometimes buying or building a small adequate building is the most effect way to use our money.

 

[selfdissolving]

That sounds good, but, you must have qualified leadership, and that is not always the case.
I know we are to raise up those in our own congragation, but sometimes that just does not happen.
I know of several churches now that have searched for leadership for months.
They have to 'borrow" from other churches.
So, it may be necessary to go rent a place.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to build big fancy buildings.
But sometimes buying or building a small adequate building is the most effect way to use our money.

i fail to see how renting a building will solve the leadership problem?

 

[SpoonJuly]

i fail to see how renting a building will solve the leadership problem?

When there is a lack of leadership it becomes more difficult to split a group and form a new church in another home.
It may be necessary to keep that larger group together and that may make it necessary to move to a larger place.

 

[oldethennew]

our 'HOME' is in Jesus Christ!

don't let anyone take your Home away from you and your Spiritual Journey...

 

[Ralph-]

I'm curious as to why this is preferred in your opinion?

A public rented place is more visible and more accessible to the public.
It's neutral ground and isn't connected to or dependent on any one person in the congregation (like a home church is).
It's easier for a person to accept an invite to a public place rather than a private residence.
It's good to not be hindered by a mortgage.
More parking is available.
Less space limitations, especially to have a children's area and nursery.
Affords much more flexibility for size of congregation especially while preparing the split off of a sister church in the event the congregation gets big.

It's just creates a better atmosphere, IMO, to have a neutral place purposely set apart where everybody comes to meet and which no one in the congregation owns or has special interest in. Public places are more likely to be centrally located (homes usually are not) anyway.

 

[melita916]

The local fellowship I attend is at what used to be the city library

 

[Danny1988]

Your lack of understanding regarding new Covenant handling of money is quite apparent.

Your love of money is of great concern, you should check your motives and repent. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, if you don't give generously to God He will not bless you and He will leave you enslaved to serve the god of Mammon

 

[Dino246]

Your love of money is of great concern, you should check your motives and repent. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, if you don't give generously to God He will not bless you and He will leave you enslaved to serve the god of Mammon

Yawn. You know nothing about me.

 

[Danny1988]

Yawn. You know nothing about me.

Well, I know you don't believe that the Bible teaches tithing so that tells me you only accept the parts of the Bible that speak of love and prosperity. You're not alone, most "Christians" are only interested in God to use Him to fulfill the lusts of their flesh

 

[Jackson123]

I believe that what happen in the early church. They use a house to worship together. It find as long as people are serious with the Lord and led the Holy Spirit take control.

 

[OneFaith]

if it's nice out, why not a park or a beach?

We did that one day. We had Sunday worship at the park in the pavilions, and afterwards there was great fellowship. Kids and adults alike swung on the swings, some went swimming in the river, and of course we had a potluck picnic-style, with bbq chicken on the grills. The weather doesn't always allow for that, but that day was great.

 

[so-jesus-e-deus]

First of all, we must follow the example of Jesus and do what He commanded: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16.15). Note that Jesus walk from city to city preaching the gospel.

 

[Dino246]

Well, I know you don't believe that the Bible teaches tithing so that tells me you only accept the parts of the Bible that speak of love and prosperity. You're not alone, most "Christians" are only interested in God to use Him to fulfill the lusts of their flesh

As I said, you know nothing about me. Your inferences are laughable.

The Bible does not teach that Christian are to tithe. If you think it does, then start a thread on the subject and I'll have fun shredding your arguments. As to the rest of your fantasy about me, you ain't my judge and you will be held accountable for your falsehoods.

 

[selfdissolving]

Well, I know you don't believe that the Bible teaches tithing so that tells me you only accept the parts of the Bible that speak of love and prosperity. You're not alone, most "Christians" are only interested in God to use Him to fulfill the lusts of their flesh

Hey Danny, can you cite Scriptures that support your position please?

 

[tourist]

The local fellowship I attend is at what used to be the city library

They have the Good Book there.

 

[tourist]

Well, I know you don't believe that the Bible teaches tithing so that tells me you only accept the parts of the Bible that speak of love and prosperity. You're not alone, most "Christians" are only interested in God to use Him to fulfill the lusts of their flesh

How do you know this? Was there a poll on this? No one follows the entire bible because no one completely understands it and is able to follow it. That's just the way that it is. I must be an exception, there are many others too, probably most, that are interested in God because they love Him and desire to humbly serve the Lord in the best way that they know how to.

 

[hornetguy]

There would be no offering plate passed around to pay for the mortgage on a big building.
instead, the offering plate would be passed around to feed the hungry, heal the sick, clothe the naked, etc

There would be no need to preach a certain way to pack the seats to get more money
instead, the truth would be preached as it is and the resulting congregation would be much smaller but much more sincere in the faith.

There would be no salaries of Church staff to pay.
instead, the pastors and teachers would all have jobs, and their pay for ministry would be the same as every Christians pay for ministry: riches in heaven.

Since the meeting space is smaller and the message isn't watered down to fill the seats, the ideal group size would be about 12 people (or whatever space allows for). Upon growing bigger then this, the congregation would then split off into two groups and another Christian would open up there home as a meeting space.

Since the congregation is smaller we get to know each other better and begin to resemble more of a "community of believers". We would probably meet twice a week in the smaller groups, and then once a month all of us would meet in a large open space like a field or a park or a gymnasium somewhere.

Since the groups are smaller, we would be able to discern each others spiritual gifts and talents and put them to use in the ministry of the gospel.

We could pray, read the bible, sing songs, take communion!

yeah buddy! sounds great doesn't it????

Yes, it does sound good. That is exactly what our small groups do, where we meet. We have the large assembly for worship, and classes for everyone, then during the week, we meet in small groups for more "intimate" fellowship, teaching, etc.

Sort of the best of both "styles".

 

[selfdissolving]

We ought to be reverent. We are supposed to be in the presence of our God and Savior. Moses fell on his face in the presence of God in reverence. Saul was knocked down by the presence of God on the road to Emmaus.

Holiness is not rock and roll.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

I think you're missing the mark with this.

If Tom chooses to honor the Lord by abstaining from dance, God is glorified through Tom.
If Bill chooses to honor God by singing and dancing joyfully, God is glorified through Bill.

If Tom and Bill decide to become divided over the method that each uses to honor God, both Tom and Bill dishonor God.

Tom has liberty to abstain from dance.
Bill has liberty to dance.
All is done for the glory of God.

 

[Dino246]

When there is a lack of leadership it becomes more difficult to split a group and form a new church in another home.
It may be necessary to keep that larger group together and that may make it necessary to move to a larger place.

This is why leaders in small church plants need to be developing other leaders intentionally, not just "pastoring".