Last week I was asked what church I attend. In the past couple years I've gotten a vast array of responses when I answer this question. You see, I do not attend a traditional church any longer. I have nothing against traditional church, it is just that the Lord has led me in a different direction at this time in my life.
For a little over two years now, I've been part of a house church. We are a group of about 6 families that meet together weekly for fellowship. We eat together, worship together, pray together and study the Word together.
We were all originally part of a traditional church which for financial reasons was no longer able to meet in the way we normally think of a church meeting. At that point in time we had an emphasis on small groups and were studying the way the early church had interacted with one another in the 1st century. The concept of house churches was a natural progression for us. I believe the Lord led us down this path for a reason.
This experience has been more interactive and intimate than what I have every experienced in a traditional setting. We are actively involved in one another's lives outside of church and our children are a part of our worship, prayer and study time. Sometimes they are actually participating with us, other times they are in the other room doing an activity themselves. However they are always very aware of what their parents are doing in regards to fellowship with one another. I cherish this aspect of our church family. And that is what these people have become to me, family.
As I mentioned above, I have received very mixed reactions when I try to explain to others what my "church" is like. Some are really excited by the idea and want to know more. Others have implied I am not going to a "real" church and that I need to start attending a traditional church. They then start telling me about their church and with good intentions invite me to attend with them. And then there have been some that have flat out told me they think it sounds like a cult.
However, I can tell you, in the past 2 years my walk with Lord has grown more than ever before and has become more intimate than ever. I have also developed relationships with other believers which I was never able to develop in a traditional church setting.
I know the type of church I attend may not appeal to everyone and that is fine. The Lord speaks to each of us and puts us on the path He knows is best for us. It just so happens that at this point in my journey, my path leads here.
I have mentioned my House Church is various posts on this blog. Below is one post I made specific to this topic. If you are interested you can read that post. Or feel free to post a comment and ask me any questions you may have.
House Churches
5 comments:
I think it is fantastic and would feel blessed to find such a group in my town...
What is that verse that talks about where two or more meet? Do you know it off hand? I've been searching for that verse high and low.
I found it!
Matthew 18: 19-20 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about antyhing you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
You see, to me that two or three coming together in His name is my definition of church.
There is also the spiritual church which no buiding can satisfy - NOT ONE.
Here's what my study bible has to say about it:
18:19, 20 - Jesus looked to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ's Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God's will, not their own; thus their requests will be granted.
You gals are awesome! You don't know how disheartening it is a times to have those who are my friends look at me as if I'm crazy. But I still wouldn't give up what we are doing for anything.
We serve an Awesome God!
That is so cool. I attend a homemissions church, which isn't much different except we rent a storefront :) I don't think it matters where you meet, as long as you do meet.
In fact...I've been doing some thinking about how the original Church met in houses, spent little or nothing to support themselves, and gave the collected tithes to the poor. How sad that many churches now worry about "stuff" over peoples needs in the community.
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