153 House Churches Network

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PARTNER WITH
THE "153" HOUSE CHURCHES NETWORK?

Simply put, it means nothing more than walking through this life together as fellow believers in God's Kingdom. It is an acknowledgement of a shared belief that, on some level, God has called us to support one another in prayer, edification and beyond as led by His Holy Spirit.

So being a "partner" is not an exclusive thing. It is an INclusive thing. Those of us who are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ are all partners in this faith, this life and this ministry in the world.

Some of the ways in which God may have us partner with others (as led by Spirit on a case by case basis):

n The diligent prayers of the righteous for one another, as described in James 5:16 (b).
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

n The sharing of edification, exhortation and comfort to one another, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:3.
But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

n Opportunities for personal fellowship, as described in Romans 1:9-12, if they so present themselves.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make
mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a
prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you
some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by
the mutual faith both of you and me.


Some of the ways in which God does not have us partner with others:

n Regular or substantial financial support of any kind for domestic or foreign churches or missions, excluding situational, Spirit-inspired giving as described in Philippians 4:16:
Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out-and not only once, but twice. Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

The financial model found in the Books of Acts, and further illustrated in the Epistles, shows God's plan for the Church is that every local assembly is empowered by God to care for one another's needs. It is not through a "commune bank account," but rather through a spiritual, shared-life mindset of having "all things in common" and cheerfully and honestly giving what we should, when it is appropriate, from what we ourselves possess (Acts 5:4 (a,b)) .

153 is not a sponsoring financial or denominational institution. We have no non-profit status as a church. We are not an organization. We are God's people whom He calls His church.

Therefore, we have no special ability, and perhaps have even less ability than certain other groups, to provide financial aid of any type to any other ministry partner.

n Denominational or organizational "sponsorship."
Those other believers with whom we believers here at "153" have been called to partner with in faith, life and ministry are not "outposts" of 153 House Churches Network.

In addition, 153 House Churches Network is not the "sponsor" of any other believer or groups of believers.

It is true that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:15-23), and Christ gave us elders to serve and equip us (Ephesians 4:11-16). However, the concept of denominational or organizational "sponsorship" is nowhere to be found in the New Testament.

Therefore, there are no churches that are "outposts of" or "are sponsored by" the group of believers here being referred to as "the 153 House Churches Network."

None of us are lords over God's heritage. We are called friends by Christ. It's not about power and pride. It's about love.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you
friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen
me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit
should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things
I command you, that ye love one another.
John 15:15-17

So, being partners in the work of our Lord is an intimate, wonderful, and sometimes challenging journey. We end this page how we began it. With simplicity.

Simply put, "being a partner in ministry" means nothing more than walking through this life together as fellow believers in God's Kingdom. It is an acknowledgement of a shared belief that, on some level, God has called us to support one another in prayer, edification and beyond, as led by His Holy Spirit.

Being a "partner" is not an exclusive thing. It is an INclusive thing. Those of us who are disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ are all partners in this faith, life and ministry in the world.

Howdy, partner.

Back to the 153 House Churches Network Home Page

The believers at 153 are located throughout throughout the world and on the Internet. We consider ourselves believers who are one with all God's people, and not churches that are separate from others. We work together in the harvest with other believers as led by God's Spirit to win souls and make disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ, to the end that "we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ (Ephesians 4:15)."

We are committed to the manifested oneness of the Body of Christ at large, and not just certain factions of it. In pursuit of this, we work closely and actively with many - what are commonly known in church vernacular as - institutional and house church ministries.

We simply see them for what they - and we - are. Children of God, made one by God's Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).