The Institutional Church and Denominations--please share your experience

Blik · Oct 7, 2021

I don't think that reading any book about what a man says about scripture is going to lead to pure scripture with only God giving us the information.

However, I have two suggestions for study of scripture interpretation. One is to study what men wrote who were trained by the apostles. It be an apostle you had to be physically taught by Christ. Paul was an apostle because is Arabia where he went for training, Christ himself.
appeared to him.

I have found a man I trust to study under, but only because he promises to comment on scripture in only three ways. One is be telling what ancient history told of how men thought of the words they used to write God's instructions down at the time those instructions were given, next he states how all scripture is telling the same truths throughout our time, and most important, to never interpret scripture unless he states that is what he is doing and if he does, he tells how others interpret a passage. His name is Tom Bradford.

CS1 · Oct 7, 2021

two sides to this coin. Those who have issues with
Institutional Church and Denominations, Will have the same issues with those who are independent. When you are in most non-denominational positions are very much taken from Denominations. IF you were raised Baptist but did not like the denomination you most likely will go to a non-denomination church that still holds to the doctrine.

the bad thing is there is no accountability as an independent. Most issues today with what we see about " Church" are done by those who will not submit to anyone. They are not held accountable for bad doctrine or even what is unbiblical. Also, many cases of abuse go under the radar in home churches.

But the family-style and personable discipleship are very powerful when done right.

In both areas, we must guard our heart. Jesus picked 12 ones as a devil. Paul did not abandon the church in Corinth HE sent correct to it from the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray, be full of the word of God ask Lord what is it you want me to do. He will show you.

Lanolin · Oct 7, 2021

hmm my experience has been kinda the same,

though I think covid has been a blessing in some ways cos it showed up some denoms for what they really were..man based

with the house churches well, depending on whether you operate on a open home or closed, its up to YOU whether to do this or not. If you are not lady or man of your own house then you just meet outside in the open air.

It doesnt bother God, it only bothers people if its starts to rain.

oldman · Oct 7, 2021

I realize that this post is off topic but it seems to fit.

I was a track photographer for motorcycle races in Florida for 3 years. Most of the tracks used were designed for cars and the bikes were simply allowed to use them. Problem was the lack of 'run off' room in the turns. A car can hit a concrete barrier without much danger to the driver - not so with a motorcycle. There was a track in south Fl that had (has) such a turn. One of the faster racers approached the track management about installing an air fence which would lessen injury should a racer hit the concrete. Management refused due to cost. Sooo the racer approached the race promoter who agreed to match donations from anyone who donated to put up the air fence. In turn the track agreed to match what was raised by the racers and the promoter. The response was so quick and large (money wise) that the track reversed its decision and covered the cost themselves.
The fence was installed and the second week it was in place a racer did crash into that corner. He came away with only a sprained ankle. Had he hit the concrete at 60 MPH or higher the injuries would have been quite different - I have seen that.
Bottom line it that that fast racer felt a burning desire to do something about a problem and made that first step pretty much on his own. Moral is that if we see something that needs doing, step out and act. Chances are that someone else sees the same problem and will join in when a leader is seen.

GRACE_ambassador · Oct 7, 2021

Laura798 said:

You are Very Welcome.

See you in God’s Great GloryLand! ♫ 😇 ↑

Blik · Oct 7, 2021

Constantine turned the church that was led by the apostles for 313 years into a church that was led by men in one sweep, calling for a council of men to run it. Today, people have decided Constantine was right, they want this changed church and will have nothing to do with the church as the apostles led it.

So today, people do not ask if you are a Christian, they ask what church you belong to.

Laura798 · Oct 7, 2021

So true, Bllk. For me, the institutional church feels empty, artificial--never mind all the money that goes into running the machine. In China the house church is the norm and the gospel, despite the persecution they faced--as in the first century is growing by leaps and bounds.

Aaron56 · Oct 7, 2021

I would caution against an open home church. Conversion

Blik said:

We should always he wary when a politician suddenly becomes interested in matters of the church.

Aaron56 · Oct 7, 2021

Laura798 said:

The church in China needs to send missionaries to the U.S. They know what it’s like to follow Christ even at the threat of personal harm or worse.

Laura798 · Oct 8, 2021

Laura798 said:

Hi Grace,

I contacted the Berean Society and they said there are no house churches in my area--please pray God would help me find other like minded believers to begin house church here in my area--or if I should move from CA. One of my sons moved to Texas yesterday (the other lives out of the country)--and I've thought of moving to Texas too, only he may not stay there permanently --I ask that God would make that clear to me--thank you!

oldman · Oct 8, 2021

Laura798 said:

Oh yeah!!! Go getem'!!

Aaron56 · Oct 8, 2021

Laura798 said:

Hi Grace,

I contacted the Berean Society and they said there are no house churches in my area--please pray God would help me find other like minded believers to begin house church here in my area--or if I should move from CA. One of my sons moved to Texas yesterday (the other lives out of the country)--and I've thought of moving to Texas too, only he may not stay there permanently --I ask that God would make that clear to me--thank you!

Are you near San Fran? We have family in Christ in that area.

Laura798 · Oct 8, 2021

Aaron56 said:

Hi Aaron,

Do they have a house church? I live approximately 40 min by car. The largest cities to the North of me are San Mateo and Burlingame, to the South Redwood City and Palo Alto. I really don't want to go further than that as I also want Christian friends to fellowship wiht during the week.

Thank you for your response.

Laura

Laura798 · Oct 8, 2021

Laura798 said:

Hi Aaron,

Do they have a house church? I live approximately 40 min by car. The largest cities to the North of me are San Mateo and Burlingame, to the South Redwood City and Palo Alto. I really don't want to go further than that as I also want Christian friends to fellowship wiht during the week.

(40 min south of SF)

Thank you for your response.

Laura

Marilyn · Oct 14, 2021

Laura798 said:

Hi laura,

I too felt that way years ago and wanted to get a group going. I was a teacher and had experience leading Bible Studies. The Lord gave me 3 words - Relate, Connect, and Function. I have followed that throughout the years (over 20) and have seen how the Lord would build His Body in our area.

First the Lord sent to me a few people, individually who would come and ask me questions and I would teach them. Some were in denominations and some not. The relationships developed into me being a mentor and also connecting in every day life. Over time I grew as I had to reach out to the Lord for His word of encouragement to others and the others grew as they put into practice what the Lord was showing to us.

Now these ones are reaching out to their contacts - relating, connecting, & functioning. We still meet in 2`s and 3`s for sharing, Bible Study and prayer and worship. We do want to have some bar- be ques or such to bring the different ones together, and also for praise and worship times. For you see those I mentor are in different towns across this valley. Each in their own community.

The people are mature and are imparting into others in 2`s and 3`s also. That was why we have been able to continually meet through out `lock downs` and man`s ridiculous rules (can go to the pub but not someone`s house!!). I go behind their gate into the backyard.

Remember the Lord said that He was in the midst of the 2`s and 3`s. Coming out of the Church System everyone wants to start a small group and then the same problems emerge. However if we look back on the early church they met in homes, ate, shared fellowshipped, did jobs for each other, lived their life amongst each other.

We too readily want to start another `little Church` again. When it is nothing more then relationships then each others giftings emerge, the mentoring is received and then they go on and do the same. People grow to maturity and help others grow to maturity and thus affect all the people in their community.

Why do we have to have `numbers?` That is easy to get. Just have the topic of the world and the `jab` and lots would come, but would all have their own opinions and agendas. Someone tried that recently. They are still learning that doesn`t work. A group can only work as relationships are formed and kept small. Sometimes the few can meet with the other few but the depth is only where the relationship has been proved over time.

A topic and life work that is dear to my heart, & my husband. He works practically in our area, (farmer) with others, however if we get together with others he is quiet but will come up with wisdom from the Lord. Building relationships enables the different giftings in people to flourish and not get stifled by the system.

May the Lord lead and guide you as you seek to reach out to others. Marilyn.

Mission21 · Oct 14, 2021

Marilyn said:

Hi laura,

I too felt that way years ago and wanted to get a group going. I was a teacher and had experience leading Bible Studies. The Lord gave me 3 words - Relate, Connect, and Function. I have followed that throughout the years (over 20) and have seen how the Lord would build His Body in our area.

First the Lord sent to me a few people, individually who would come and ask me questions and I would teach them. Some were in denominations and some not. The relationships developed into me being a mentor and also connecting in every day life. Over time I grew as I had to reach out to the Lord for His word of encouragement to others and the others grew as they put into practice what the Lord was showing to us.

Now these ones are reaching out to their contacts - relating, connecting, & functioning. We still meet in 2`s and 3`s for sharing, Bible Study and prayer and worship. We do want to have some bar- be ques or such to bring the different ones together, and also for praise and worship times. For you see those I mentor are in different towns across this valley. Each in their own community.

The people are mature and are imparting into others in 2`s and 3`s also. That was why we have been able to continually meet through out `lock downs` and man`s ridiculous rules (can go to the pub but not someone`s house!!). I go behind their gate into the backyard.

Remember the Lord said that He was in the midst of the 2`s and 3`s. Coming out of the Church System everyone wants to start a small group and then the same problems emerge. However if we look back on the early church they met in homes, ate, shared fellowshipped, did jobs for each other, lived their life amongst each other.

We too readily want to start another `little Church` again. When it is nothing more then relationships then each others giftings emerge, the mentoring is received and then they go on and do the same. People grow to maturity and help others grow to maturity and thus affect all the people in their community.

Why do we have to have `numbers?` That is easy to get. Just have the topic of the world and the `jab` and lots would come, but would all have their own opinions and agendas. Someone tried that recently. They are still learning that doesn`t work. A group can only work as relationships are formed and kept small. Sometimes the few can meet with the other few but the depth is only where the relationship has been proved over time.

A topic and life work that is dear to my heart, & my husband. He works practically in our area, (farmer) with others, however if we get together with others he is quiet but will come up with wisdom from the Lord. Building relationships enables the different giftings in people to flourish and not get stifled by the system.

May the Lord lead and guide you as you seek to reach out to others. Marilyn.

"Coming out of the Church System everyone wants to start a small group
and then the same problems emerge."
- Good point.
---
Maybe it is time to reflect/search..the meaning of the 'Church' again.
- In the midst of Pandemic/Covid issue..

Laura798 · Oct 14, 2021

Marilyn said:

Hi laura,

I too felt that way years ago and wanted to get a group going. I was a teacher and had experience leading Bible Studies. The Lord gave me 3 words - Relate, Connect, and Function. I have followed that throughout the years (over 20) and have seen how the Lord would build His Body in our area.

First the Lord sent to me a few people, individually who would come and ask me questions and I would teach them. Some were in denominations and some not. The relationships developed into me being a mentor and also connecting in every day life. Over time I grew as I had to reach out to the Lord for His word of encouragement to others and the others grew as they put into practice what the Lord was showing to us.

Now these ones are reaching out to their contacts - relating, connecting, & functioning. We still meet in 2`s and 3`s for sharing, Bible Study and prayer and worship. We do want to have some bar- be ques or such to bring the different ones together, and also for praise and worship times. For you see those I mentor are in different towns across this valley. Each in their own community.

The people are mature and are imparting into others in 2`s and 3`s also. That was why we have been able to continually meet through out `lock downs` and man`s ridiculous rules (can go to the pub but not someone`s house!!). I go behind their gate into the backyard.

Remember the Lord said that He was in the midst of the 2`s and 3`s. Coming out of the Church System everyone wants to start a small group and then the same problems emerge. However if we look back on the early church they met in homes, ate, shared fellowshipped, did jobs for each other, lived their life amongst each other.

We too readily want to start another `little Church` again. When it is nothing more then relationships then each others giftings emerge, the mentoring is received and then they go on and do the same. People grow to maturity and help others grow to maturity and thus affect all the people in their community.

Why do we have to have `numbers?` That is easy to get. Just have the topic of the world and the `jab` and lots would come, but would all have their own opinions and agendas. Someone tried that recently. They are still learning that doesn`t work. A group can only work as relationships are formed and kept small. Sometimes the few can meet with the other few but the depth is only where the relationship has been proved over time.

A topic and life work that is dear to my heart, & my husband. He works practically in our area, (farmer) with others, however if we get together with others he is quiet but will come up with wisdom from the Lord. Building relationships enables the different giftings in people to flourish and not get stifled by the system.

May the Lord lead and guide you as you seek to reach out to others. Marilyn.

Hi Marilyn,

I like what you've shared hear about what you're doing. It's curious that you said "Coming out of the Church System everyone wants to start a small group and then the same problems emerge. However if we look back on the early church they met in homes, ate, shared fellowshipped, did jobs for each other, lived their life amongst each other." I'm a bit confused as it seems the same thing--small group vs people meeting in homes sharing life together. I haven't as of yet been able to find a house church fellowship in my area--the reason I would like to start something. The other reason is that we are moving into dangerous times for the church and we need these small groups to be interconnected and not 501c3's.

Edify · Oct 14, 2021

Laura798 said:

Considering the news that comes out of California, unless God says otherwise, run as fast as you can. I'd pray about it first to get direction from the Lord.

Laura798 · Oct 14, 2021

Edify said:

Thank you, Edify--yes I pray everyday! But I read stories from across the nation and have heard from people on prayer lines-- for example in Georgia and Arizona--that they have the same concerns that I do--for example the churches no longer preaching the gospel.

I know we still have faithful believers, but they seem few and far between--it's frightening.

Nehemiah6 · Oct 14, 2021

CS1 said:

Accountability to whom? Every church is directly accountable to Christ (whether they know it or not), and we see that in Revelation 1-3. Christ is the Head of the Church and those who are children of God are accountable to the Head.

God did not intend His churches to become denominations, but that is how it has happened because of false prophets and teachers. Denominations want local churches to be accountable to the denomination. But that is not Scriptural.

Whether a church is independent, a house church, or an assembly meeting in a building, the important things are as shown primarily in Acts 2-6 (and other Scriptures).

1. The true and full Gospel with a serious Gospel outreach to the lost.
2. The apostles doctrines (New Testament doctrine) for believers.
3. Fellowship for believers.
4. Breaking of Bread (the Lord's Supper) for believers
5. Corporate prayers
6. Elders appointed by God who are actual shepherds
10. Deacons who are capable of doing their jobs faithfully
11. The care of widows, orphans, and needy Christians
12. Missionaries

Which means that pointing the finger at denominational churches is not the solution. Doing what is laid out in Scripture is what's important. Which today could also mean defying the powers that be, who are trying to control churches and Christians. Just as the apostles defied the religious leaders who hated Christ and the Gospel (and were willing to pay the price).

The Institutional Church and Denominations--please share your experience

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