The LORD be with you….
There is no “Top Ten List” re this; found in any one place in Scripture So, anyone’s answer to this question is going to be subjective.
Here is a list that I came up with yesterday. There are others I could have added and on another day, it could easily change.
1. Share the good news. HouseChurch is all about reflecting Christ in our relationships with others.
2. Offer worship options. Sunday morning doesn’t always work with people’s schedules. For example, in a fully mature House Church; we offer Communion in worship; so being able to receive Christ’s body & blood for our forgiveness; even if we can’t make it on Sunday morning is a good thing.
3. Develop the Priesthood of the Baptized. Planting House Churches provides a path for our members to be trained not only in some of the best outreach techniques; they also receive a distinctly LCMS presentation of Scripture.
4. Know and serve our neighbors. A fully matureHouseChurch builds time into it’s schedule for Prayer Walking it’s community. Through Prayer Walking, we learn the needs of our neighbor. As Christians, we don’t just pray for our neighbor, we then follow up with care for their needs as the Holy Spirit & Scripture leads us.
5. Increased rate of Spiritual growth. By gathering more frequently for Bible study & reflecting on our Pastor’s teaching/preaching; believers will grow in their faith. If we only ate one dinner every week; we would be pretty weak; the same is true Spiritually.
6. Fellowship. HouseChurch is fun! It is great to get together with other believers / visitors for food & fun Sometimes aHouseChurch will simply have a gathering to enjoy each other; often, this is a great time to invite the neighbors you have been praying for; to come and join.
7. More frequent communion. I love communion. I always have. I desire communion. I know I am a sinner; I want to hear & taste God’s grace. Hebrews 12:24closeHebrews 12:24 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (ESV) closeHebrews 12:24closeHebrews 12:24 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (ESV) 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (ESV) says that we are coming to the blood of sprinkling. The tense is continuous; it is present.
8. Caring for church members. Our Pastors can’t be everywhere at the same time and they need our understanding and support in the ministry of caring for our fellow Church members. HouseChurch is a great way to make sure that those in the family of believers- Galatians 6:10closeGalatians 6:10 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV) closeGalatians 6:10closeGalatians 6:10 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV) 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV) are cared for.
9. Singing songs. I am not a very good singer; but I love to sing I love being with others who enjoy singing Christians songs. It probably goes back to my childhood in Africa; sitting around with other Christian missionaries; singing songs & fellowshipping.
10. Good children for my children to know. My wife & I have been blessed with five healthy, happy, good looking & most importantly- Godly children. We have always felt one of the benefits of House Church was that our children were bonding with other children who we knew were being raised with similar values.
So, there are ten of the reasons why I loveHouseChurch.
I would love to hear your reasons
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All the best!
Jim Buckman; sinner saved by Grace
Jim Buckman
