So What Exactly Are House Churches?
In the context of 153 House Churches Network churches, house churches are a congregation of no more than 20 people. We consider a church of anything over that number “pregnant” and ready to “give birth“ to another church.
These house churches are able to provide everything that the New Testament instructs the Church to provide. They are a place where believers come to know Christ, are taught and trained in the Word of God, while all the time going out to tell others of the “good news” of Jesus Christ.
House Churches are especially well-fitted to do something that is sometimes more difficult for larger churches. They are able to multiply other churches. Much time has been wasted by believers who are seeking to “add” to the Kingdom of God when God actually wants us to allow HIM to multiply it.
In smaller groups like those found in house churches: ·
effectual learning
· the practical application of scriptures in people’s actual lives, and
· the instilling of a passion for evangelism..... can be effectively accomplished because of the intimacy and community shared by believers.
And thus, multiplication can happen very quickly. There are a number of larger churches who have been able to accomplish these things very effectively in spite of their size.....what a blessing!
Once the “multiplication” ball is rolling, the growth becomes exponential. In the first 3 years of 153 House Churches Network’s outreach in Sidney, much time was spent on the spiritual development of those people who now lead key areas of the ministry. And, no additional churches were planted. But in the fourth year, another ministry was planted in Nevada. In the fifth year, three more churches were planted. Since then, nine more churches and over 30 vibrant Internet and creative ministries have been planted. So you can see, house churches can multiply in a unique way. In addition, many people have been led to Christ and are planted in other churches through both 153 House Churches Network members' evangelistic efforts, be it through personal evangelism, local church outreach, missions, and through its ministries on the Internet.
