What Is a Home Church and Is it Biblical?

We need to first realize that we Christians are the church (ekklesia). Due to various factors (convenience and persecution), in its initial days, the church founded by Jesus Christ met mostly in peoples’ homes. We see this in numerous places in the New Testament (Why just the New Testament? Because until Jesus came, the church didn’t exist as such): 

• Acts 1:13-The upper room is described as the place the Apostles were staying after Jesus ascended.
• Romans 16:5-Greetings were sent to the church that was in Prisca and Aquila’s house.
• 1 Corinthians 16:19-Aquila and Prisca’s house church is mentioned again in Paul’s greetings.
• Colossians 4:15-Nympha hosted a house church.
• Philemon 1-2-Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus accommodated a house church.
  
  

The Bible tells us much about the people but virtually nothing about the places they met, which underscores the importance of the church as people and not a building. Let’s look at a few places in Scripture where Jesus and/or His Apostles mentioned the church. Each verse will attest to the fact that the church is people and not a building:

• Matthew 16:18-Jesus says He will build His church, His people and not brick and mortar.
• Matthew 18:17-Speaking on church discipline, Jesus says, “tell it to the church.” 
• Acts 8:3-Saul (Paul) ravaged the church.
• 1 Corinthians 11:18-Paul talks about people coming together as a church.
• Ephesians 5:23-Christ is the Head of the church..
• Chapters 2-3 of Revelation address the angels of the seven churches.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/camaralenta

The Bible gives not one command regarding having a home church, but, as we have seen, it does refer to the use of homes in a number of places. Again, the important point is not where; it’s that they meet together as the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). In addition to home churches, the church through the ages has met in caves, back rooms, community centers, outdoors in parks and other venues, and even in movie theaters. 

Acts 5:42 is a fitting look at how the first-century church valued their time of worship and fellowship together wherever they met, “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ehrlif

Some Benefits:

• Home churches are way more casual than a traditional church setting. The informality of a home church makes members comfortable.
• Home churches offer great relationships and accountability. Therefore, unity is stressed and the focus, too, is unified.
• Usually, each member of a home church is privileged to take part of the service, either by leading worship, serving communion, leading prayer time, etc.
• The intimacy of a home church lends itself to openness in communication. Strong bonds are created and nurtured within the weekly service and as the body of believers interacts with the community and in each other’s homes.
• Because the pastor is within the group, greater interaction is possible. While not leading to a disruption of his message, the pastor can entertain questions about his sermon when he is ready for them. He can also ask direct questions of the members.
• When the home church has lunch (or breakfast) together, the church can serve by preparing and serving food.
• The cost of a home church is minimal, and tithes can go toward kingdom building outreaches and goods for the church (food, etc.).

Some Challenges:

• Home churches take a lot more work in attracting and cultivating disciples. There’s no hiding in the pews for house church members. Our God is relational, and He has created us to be relational, too. In this way, we are more closely mentored by our home church brothers and sisters.
• If a home church isn’t careful, the service can become lackadaisical and, at worst, chaotic, as people may not know what’s next in the order of service.
• Home churches are much more relational on many fronts than a brick and mortar-meeting church. And this closeness can cause some people to clam up when they feel a greater spotlight is on them to take part in the service.
• Because of the casual nature of a home church, attenders may not take arriving on time seriously. Just as with traditional church, fellowship time is normal before the service begins. 
• Your pastor may feel a burden to handle everything. It’s important that members step up and help according to their gifts.
• Home churches are cost effective, but sometimes the pastor suffers because his time to spend on ministry is greatly lessened because he must work outside his ministry (1 Timothy 5:17-18).

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Every home church should follow biblical guidelines for accountability (1) to each other, (2) from and to other biblically grounded home churches, (2) from and to other pastors, and (4) most importantly, to the Lord Jesus. Even a home church cannot be an island unto itself. The church is worldwide, and the Lord Jesus created us to be one as He and the Father are One (John 17:11).

Just as in a traditional church setting, the Scriptures are to be the final authority for all discipleship and decisions. A home church needs a statement of faith, and the doctrines they follow.

Keep on a structured order of worship each week in which prayer, praise, preaching, tithing, and teaching are always incorporated.

To stay mission-minded (Matthew 28:19-10), make sure the home church gets into the community in some manner. Ideas may include:

• Lunch together after the service in a local restaurant or a picnic in a local park.
• Outreach events or street evangelism
• “Adopting” a local food pantry, assisted living facility, a school classroom, etc.
• Reaching out to the local policemen, firemen, and EMS workers with lunch or baked goods, etc.
• Have weekly prayer meetings in a local open facility such as a library, a common room of a college, or social services.
• Many things a local traditional church does also apply to a home church. Home churches, however, need more personal exposure from their members since they don’t have a building or a sign, etc. A home church needs to be more intentional about presenting themselves as Christ followers within their community.

Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock

We’ve all known people who long for a smaller, more intimate gathering of believers where they can worship and serve the Lord together. Sometimes, a smaller traditional church will fit that need. But there are some who wish to forgo the trappings of building maintenance, etc., and instead, opt for a vibrant church body whose efforts are focused on intimate unity with other believers and a desire to “be small but act big” in their town.

A wonderful thing about home churches is you will find it easier to invite and welcome people who are intimidated by a big church building. Because of the informality, people are more at ease (usually), and conversations are easier.

If you like the idea of what’s been presented about a home church, it might be the place for you. Do pray about attending one and experiencing it for yourself. You might find it’s where you want to worship!

We shouldn’t make our home church our identity, however. Some may be proud to say, “Hey! I left that mammoth church and became a home church member. Smaller is better.” That’s not true for everyone. We must remain on point with Jesus as our identity; we are Christ-followers, not church model followers. The outer structure doesn’t matter; it’s our hearts for Jesus that matter.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Yurii Yarema