Questions about Simple Church
What is simple church?
The English New Testament translates the Greek word "Ekklesia" to which means a gathering or fellowship. Church is Christians wherever and however they gather. It's got nothing to do with the size, the shape or the location of the building or gathering.
A simple church is a home style church that gathers predominately in homes; but may also gather at cafes, parks, workplaces, pubs, restaurants, or other locations. It's a simple gathering that focuses on discipleship, prayer, bible study and encouraging each other. It is easily multiplied as the members grow new disciples.
Although each group has a host and/or a leader it is not built around man-made hierarchy, and is relational rather than program-based.
The English New Testament translates the Greek word "Ekklesia" to which means a gathering or fellowship. Church is Christians wherever and however they gather. It's got nothing to do with the size, the shape or the location of the building or gathering.
A simple church is a home style church that gathers predominately in homes; but may also gather at cafes, parks, workplaces, pubs, restaurants, or other locations. It's a simple gathering that focuses on discipleship, prayer, bible study and encouraging each other. It is easily multiplied as the members grow new disciples.
Although each group has a host and/or a leader it is not built around man-made hierarchy, and is relational rather than program-based.
Is a simple church and a house or home church the same?
Simple church, house church and home church are terms that are used interchangeably, because they are all a form of the relational stye of church that is displayed throughout the New Testament. A simple church may not just meet in a house or home it may also meet at a park, an office, coffee shop or similar place.
Simple church, house church and home church are terms that are used interchangeably, because they are all a form of the relational stye of church that is displayed throughout the New Testament. A simple church may not just meet in a house or home it may also meet at a park, an office, coffee shop or similar place.
Is a simple church a new idea?
House churches were the norm in the New Testament, as believers shared the Gospel of Christ in a secular culture. Today we again live in a secular western culture. House church may be new to us, but it is a very old “new” idea.
House churches were the norm in the New Testament, as believers shared the Gospel of Christ in a secular culture. Today we again live in a secular western culture. House church may be new to us, but it is a very old “new” idea.
What’s the difference between a house church and a cell group or connect group?
A house church is a ‘stand-alone’ group or network of groups that are on a ‘level playing field’. They are independent of control of any hierarchical structure. Many of them relate with a network but this is always out of relationship and never a formal legal connection.
Many churches run home groups, cell groups or connect groups, these may meet under a variety of names. They are always attached to an institutionalized traditional church, however as much as it seeks to be outwardly focused, inevitably it must feed into the central church system. They are controlled and led by the parish/local church and its leadership.
A house church is a ‘stand-alone’ group or network of groups that are on a ‘level playing field’. They are independent of control of any hierarchical structure. Many of them relate with a network but this is always out of relationship and never a formal legal connection.
Many churches run home groups, cell groups or connect groups, these may meet under a variety of names. They are always attached to an institutionalized traditional church, however as much as it seeks to be outwardly focused, inevitably it must feed into the central church system. They are controlled and led by the parish/local church and its leadership.
Aren’t house churches full of hurt, independent people?
It is interesting that some people give this reputation to house churches when in most traditional churches you will find many people that have been hurt by their previous church or denomination, it is the most common reason that people move from one church to another.
Years ago many house churches came about due to splits in the traditional church, dominating leadership, spiritual abuse situations or traditional churches that have become involved in some non-Christian practices or theology. These home churches had to go through a time of ‘wound licking’ and to come to a place of healing and forgiveness. Some of these eventually returned to traditional church. However, many went on to see home church as a viable option in which they grew in faith and practice. These days, however, most people are involved in house church out of a conviction that this is the way church was meant to be, this is the only reason we encourage people to start a house church.
Of course, home churches do attract people who need and look for support. Home church can be a place of hope and refuge. The home church must be wary about the possibility of becoming swamped with the needs and hurts of people. People need to be given time to offload and then to be on a journey of healing and restoration. It is important to care for those that are wounded or hurt but much of that care needs to happen away from the main group meeting.
It is interesting that some people give this reputation to house churches when in most traditional churches you will find many people that have been hurt by their previous church or denomination, it is the most common reason that people move from one church to another.
Years ago many house churches came about due to splits in the traditional church, dominating leadership, spiritual abuse situations or traditional churches that have become involved in some non-Christian practices or theology. These home churches had to go through a time of ‘wound licking’ and to come to a place of healing and forgiveness. Some of these eventually returned to traditional church. However, many went on to see home church as a viable option in which they grew in faith and practice. These days, however, most people are involved in house church out of a conviction that this is the way church was meant to be, this is the only reason we encourage people to start a house church.
Of course, home churches do attract people who need and look for support. Home church can be a place of hope and refuge. The home church must be wary about the possibility of becoming swamped with the needs and hurts of people. People need to be given time to offload and then to be on a journey of healing and restoration. It is important to care for those that are wounded or hurt but much of that care needs to happen away from the main group meeting.
What about people who just want to be independent and controlling ?
People with an independent spirit usually don’t last too long in a home church because of the caring relational aspect of home church life. People whose only desire is to control and be in charge will not normally relate in a relationship group setting. Strong connection with a network for house churches is always a helpful resource to deal with those that have an independent spirit or are hurting. The network can provide an inbuilt accountability in home church that brings about an ‘us’ ethos rather than someone thinking that they can find home church as a way to execute a ministry.
People with an independent spirit usually don’t last too long in a home church because of the caring relational aspect of home church life. People whose only desire is to control and be in charge will not normally relate in a relationship group setting. Strong connection with a network for house churches is always a helpful resource to deal with those that have an independent spirit or are hurting. The network can provide an inbuilt accountability in home church that brings about an ‘us’ ethos rather than someone thinking that they can find home church as a way to execute a ministry.
What do house churches believe?
People who come into house church move from a ‘church’ paradigm to that of THE KINGDOM OF GOD. They get back to what Jesus actually lived and taught. They look to the earliest Christians as examples of ways to live the Kingdom life 24/7.
They see that they ‘gather to scatter’ meaning that they are to build one another for the Kingdom in their gathering and then send one another out to the world to be salt and light and to make disciples.
Kingdom living is ‘whole of life’, not just an hour on Sunday.
They study Scripture together, listening to God and to one another. They don’t teach a body of doctrine that everyone must adhere to, but trust the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.
Each Christian is responsible for their own spiritual growth. One of the difficulties home churches can face is that of having members who are used to being told what to believe from pulpits and look to the home church to provide the same.
People who come into house church move from a ‘church’ paradigm to that of THE KINGDOM OF GOD. They get back to what Jesus actually lived and taught. They look to the earliest Christians as examples of ways to live the Kingdom life 24/7.
They see that they ‘gather to scatter’ meaning that they are to build one another for the Kingdom in their gathering and then send one another out to the world to be salt and light and to make disciples.
Kingdom living is ‘whole of life’, not just an hour on Sunday.
They study Scripture together, listening to God and to one another. They don’t teach a body of doctrine that everyone must adhere to, but trust the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth.
Each Christian is responsible for their own spiritual growth. One of the difficulties home churches can face is that of having members who are used to being told what to believe from pulpits and look to the home church to provide the same.
Aren't some house churches teachings non-biblical?
With house churches there is always a risk of an independent person starting a house church to present non-biblical teachings as truth. But that risk is there with any movement, even institutionalized churches and denominations have had similar errors.
The Bible warns us to watch out for false teachers and prophets, so this has been an ongoing problem since the New Testament and it will continue until Christs return.
We believe that because of how simple churches run it is easier to address these issues then in an institutionalized church, because people in a simple church group have a chance to share an alternative view.
A good network is helpful in resolving this problem.
With house churches there is always a risk of an independent person starting a house church to present non-biblical teachings as truth. But that risk is there with any movement, even institutionalized churches and denominations have had similar errors.
The Bible warns us to watch out for false teachers and prophets, so this has been an ongoing problem since the New Testament and it will continue until Christs return.
We believe that because of how simple churches run it is easier to address these issues then in an institutionalized church, because people in a simple church group have a chance to share an alternative view.
A good network is helpful in resolving this problem.
What style of service is a simple church?
This is a common question. Simple churches are very organic and each group will develop its own style.
Is it Pentecostal or Spirit-filled?
Does is sing hymns or modern music? Does it sing at all?
Does it have a child focus?
The answers to all the above questions is that each simple church will grow and develop its own style. This is healthy and needed.
This is a common question. Simple churches are very organic and each group will develop its own style.
Is it Pentecostal or Spirit-filled?
Does is sing hymns or modern music? Does it sing at all?
Does it have a child focus?
The answers to all the above questions is that each simple church will grow and develop its own style. This is healthy and needed.
How do I find, or start a house church?
Because of the organic nature of home churhces they can be difficult to locate. It would be unusual for someone to be publishing their own private address with an open invitation for people to come in.
Check out social media and home church networks for possible home churches near you.
If you need assistance to find a home church you can always contact us and we can see if we can find one near you.
If you don't know of a group in your area, starting a simple church isn't very hard. Probably easier than you think.
Pray about it and contact us, we can help.
Because of the organic nature of home churhces they can be difficult to locate. It would be unusual for someone to be publishing their own private address with an open invitation for people to come in.
Check out social media and home church networks for possible home churches near you.
If you need assistance to find a home church you can always contact us and we can see if we can find one near you.
If you don't know of a group in your area, starting a simple church isn't very hard. Probably easier than you think.
Pray about it and contact us, we can help.
What about children and youth?
While many traditional churches have separate programs for children and youth, this format is nowhere to be found in the Bible. However it is good for children and youth to socially gather together.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 19:14 to "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Most home churches will incorporate and encourage any children and youth to be involved in their meeting. It is important that we do not hinder them but allow them to ask questions and be involved.
Remember home churches are more like a family structure and just as children are part of a family so to they have an identity in a home church.
A family is a God ordained relationship unit and provides healthy growth for any child.
However all children are different and every home church is unique. Most home churches would not set up a separate children's programs such as a "children's church" style program, but some may.
Most home churches would encourage children to participate in every aspect of the church using their God given gifts to actively participate in the meeting.
Home churches encourage every member participation.
Throughout history there are many people who have grown up in a home church and often children, and young people who belong to a home church, mature in their faith early.
Children tend to grow amazingly in spiritual maturity in a home church situation, normally quicker than what they would in a traditional churches children program.
What about socializing with people of their own age? As home church setting can often provide socializing in a more relaxed social setting, over a meal or playing afterwards. However sometimes a home church may not have children of a similar age (similar to if a traditional church have only a few children or not enough of a similar age), when this is the case socializing can still be arranged by either; organizing an activity or outing with another home church; or encouraging young people to attend a youth group or social group in their community.
Everyone wants to keep our children safe, and that is why there are child protection requirements, enforced by governments. These policies can differ in every state and country, but most of them only apply to official events where children are no longer supervised by their parent or caregiver. In a family setting (like simple church) it is normal for the parent/caregiver to be the one that is supervising their own children. However we also strongly recommend that any concerns regarding neglect or abuse of any children, be reported to the appropriate governmental department.
If a house church decides to run child focus programs where the parents/caregivers are not present then it is strongly recommended that an unofficial child-protection agreement be in place.
This agreement should at the bare minimum ensure that:
1. Any leaders within the group are legal child-safe workers.
2. Anyone working in any capacity with children (that are not their own) are child-safe workers.
While many traditional churches have separate programs for children and youth, this format is nowhere to be found in the Bible. However it is good for children and youth to socially gather together.
Jesus commands us in Matthew 19:14 to "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Most home churches will incorporate and encourage any children and youth to be involved in their meeting. It is important that we do not hinder them but allow them to ask questions and be involved.
Remember home churches are more like a family structure and just as children are part of a family so to they have an identity in a home church.
A family is a God ordained relationship unit and provides healthy growth for any child.
However all children are different and every home church is unique. Most home churches would not set up a separate children's programs such as a "children's church" style program, but some may.
Most home churches would encourage children to participate in every aspect of the church using their God given gifts to actively participate in the meeting.
Home churches encourage every member participation.
Throughout history there are many people who have grown up in a home church and often children, and young people who belong to a home church, mature in their faith early.
Children tend to grow amazingly in spiritual maturity in a home church situation, normally quicker than what they would in a traditional churches children program.
What about socializing with people of their own age? As home church setting can often provide socializing in a more relaxed social setting, over a meal or playing afterwards. However sometimes a home church may not have children of a similar age (similar to if a traditional church have only a few children or not enough of a similar age), when this is the case socializing can still be arranged by either; organizing an activity or outing with another home church; or encouraging young people to attend a youth group or social group in their community.
Everyone wants to keep our children safe, and that is why there are child protection requirements, enforced by governments. These policies can differ in every state and country, but most of them only apply to official events where children are no longer supervised by their parent or caregiver. In a family setting (like simple church) it is normal for the parent/caregiver to be the one that is supervising their own children. However we also strongly recommend that any concerns regarding neglect or abuse of any children, be reported to the appropriate governmental department.
If a house church decides to run child focus programs where the parents/caregivers are not present then it is strongly recommended that an unofficial child-protection agreement be in place.
This agreement should at the bare minimum ensure that:
1. Any leaders within the group are legal child-safe workers.
2. Anyone working in any capacity with children (that are not their own) are child-safe workers.
Should a house church be under a covering?
People will tell you this, meaning that you should be under an organisation, an apostle, or a leader, in order that you don't go off the track! We believe Jesus Christ is the covering for His church and no other is needed! However, it is healthy for house churches to network on a relationship basis to encourage and to inspire one another.
A good relationship with other home churches or a network will encourage you and assist you in being ethical, and accountable.
People will tell you this, meaning that you should be under an organisation, an apostle, or a leader, in order that you don't go off the track! We believe Jesus Christ is the covering for His church and no other is needed! However, it is healthy for house churches to network on a relationship basis to encourage and to inspire one another.
A good relationship with other home churches or a network will encourage you and assist you in being ethical, and accountable.
Wont a small group go off track?
Because home churches meet on the basis of a relationship with the Lord Jesus and with one another, and not around a body of doctrine or a teacher or ‘teaching’, they are usually healthy and balanced.
If the worst happens and a group does get bogged down in some side track, then they aren’t taking hundreds of people with them! It is more likely that wrong teaching will come from larger structured groups where there is no avenue for people to express an alternative view, and for Christians who are seeking the truth to study it over God’s word.
Because home churches meet on the basis of a relationship with the Lord Jesus and with one another, and not around a body of doctrine or a teacher or ‘teaching’, they are usually healthy and balanced.
If the worst happens and a group does get bogged down in some side track, then they aren’t taking hundreds of people with them! It is more likely that wrong teaching will come from larger structured groups where there is no avenue for people to express an alternative view, and for Christians who are seeking the truth to study it over God’s word.
What about leadership in a house church?
Jesus said He would build His church. He is the leader of any church gathering. All other leadership comes under His.
While we understand that He gives some with leadership abilities in certain areas, it is important to recognize that we all operate in our gifted areas.
In home churches you will find that peoples giftings become apparent and therefore organic leadership will form. Within home churches there will be some that have giftings that will lead but their attitude should always be one like Jesus, being that they are here to serve. Jesus’s example in John 13:5 is followed by his injunction that we serve each other (wash one another's feet).
In a home church different people in the group lead in different ways and according to their gifts. Someone may have a particular gift such as music and someone else may be able to discern what is needed at a particular time in the group or have a special calling such as intercessory prayer or hospitality. Someone may have had bible college training and be equipped to assist the group to understand background facts as the group shares in bible study. There may be people in the group who have a pastoral, caring role. All these do not mean that any one of them is a greater leader, but rather provide leadership in different ways and different times according to the needs of the group under the Lord’s headship. It is the body of Christ working together as one body. Luke 22:24-30. Philippians 2:5-11.
Jesus said He would build His church. He is the leader of any church gathering. All other leadership comes under His.
While we understand that He gives some with leadership abilities in certain areas, it is important to recognize that we all operate in our gifted areas.
In home churches you will find that peoples giftings become apparent and therefore organic leadership will form. Within home churches there will be some that have giftings that will lead but their attitude should always be one like Jesus, being that they are here to serve. Jesus’s example in John 13:5 is followed by his injunction that we serve each other (wash one another's feet).
In a home church different people in the group lead in different ways and according to their gifts. Someone may have a particular gift such as music and someone else may be able to discern what is needed at a particular time in the group or have a special calling such as intercessory prayer or hospitality. Someone may have had bible college training and be equipped to assist the group to understand background facts as the group shares in bible study. There may be people in the group who have a pastoral, caring role. All these do not mean that any one of them is a greater leader, but rather provide leadership in different ways and different times according to the needs of the group under the Lord’s headship. It is the body of Christ working together as one body. Luke 22:24-30. Philippians 2:5-11.
What about worship in a house church?
Traditional church often see worship as singing songs, but the bible shows that worship is more than singing , it's a lifestyle. Home churches may or may not sing together, but they see worship more broadly.
They see that all their life 24/7 is lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. Within this they will work, play, sing, confess, be forgiven and forgive, travel, etc. And all of this is brought into the life of the home church in some way or another and all is regarded as giving God His ‘worth-ship’ as we seek to walk in a listening and obedient relationship with Him.
Most would see that true worship must come from the reality of what God is doing or has done and spontaneity is the usual. That doesn’t mean that home churches wouldn’t sing in worship. Songs and music is a great way to meditate and focus upon God, but songs by themselves are not worship, it comes back to a heart attitude.
To have music playing for people to sing to at the start of a meeting and calling it ‘worship’ because it is assumed that God requires this, is not the way most home church operate.
Traditional church often see worship as singing songs, but the bible shows that worship is more than singing , it's a lifestyle. Home churches may or may not sing together, but they see worship more broadly.
They see that all their life 24/7 is lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. Within this they will work, play, sing, confess, be forgiven and forgive, travel, etc. And all of this is brought into the life of the home church in some way or another and all is regarded as giving God His ‘worth-ship’ as we seek to walk in a listening and obedient relationship with Him.
Most would see that true worship must come from the reality of what God is doing or has done and spontaneity is the usual. That doesn’t mean that home churches wouldn’t sing in worship. Songs and music is a great way to meditate and focus upon God, but songs by themselves are not worship, it comes back to a heart attitude.
To have music playing for people to sing to at the start of a meeting and calling it ‘worship’ because it is assumed that God requires this, is not the way most home church operate.
What do house churches do about offerings, tithing and giving?
Because home churches do not have many of the overheads of traditional churches, i.e. buildings, staff, elaborate Sunday production equipment etc., many have returned to New Testament priorities and ways of giving. For many this means going beyond tithing to a freer and more Spirit led giving. Giving secretly, generously and without compulsion as is instructed throughout the New Testament.
Most home churches do not have a bank account and therefore many of them direct any finances received to things like: a common cash kitty to cover some basic expenses; a need for an individual; a charity, network or other group. This could be directed to a different place each meeting or month.
It is a real opportunity to give how God instructs, directs and leads. 2Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:1-4, 1John 3:17, Luke12:33
Because home churches do not have many of the overheads of traditional churches, i.e. buildings, staff, elaborate Sunday production equipment etc., many have returned to New Testament priorities and ways of giving. For many this means going beyond tithing to a freer and more Spirit led giving. Giving secretly, generously and without compulsion as is instructed throughout the New Testament.
Most home churches do not have a bank account and therefore many of them direct any finances received to things like: a common cash kitty to cover some basic expenses; a need for an individual; a charity, network or other group. This could be directed to a different place each meeting or month.
It is a real opportunity to give how God instructs, directs and leads. 2Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 6:1-4, 1John 3:17, Luke12:33
What do we do when the group gets too big?
House churches are designed to be simple and intimate. Intimacy will suffer if the group becomes to large. This is counter-culture to the western world as we assume the bigger the more successful. Yet the simple church movement sees that multiplication has a greater impact than a mass gathering, and therefore the goal is similar to that outlined in the bible, to multiply smaller groups rather than to establish a larger one.
Often the size of a group depends on the number of children involved. A group growing beyond 15 adults is becoming too large. Relationships are less likely to allow for trust and loyalty to develop, sharing may only involve the more vocal members and be more shallow, groups will emerge within groups, and then some will slide out of the group altogether.
A group this size is ready to expand and multiply. It's not seen as a "split" but rather an expansion of the kingdom and should be celebrated.
It can often be helpful for groups that have multiplied to come together for informal gatherings and also occasional celebrations.
House churches are designed to be simple and intimate. Intimacy will suffer if the group becomes to large. This is counter-culture to the western world as we assume the bigger the more successful. Yet the simple church movement sees that multiplication has a greater impact than a mass gathering, and therefore the goal is similar to that outlined in the bible, to multiply smaller groups rather than to establish a larger one.
Often the size of a group depends on the number of children involved. A group growing beyond 15 adults is becoming too large. Relationships are less likely to allow for trust and loyalty to develop, sharing may only involve the more vocal members and be more shallow, groups will emerge within groups, and then some will slide out of the group altogether.
A group this size is ready to expand and multiply. It's not seen as a "split" but rather an expansion of the kingdom and should be celebrated.
It can often be helpful for groups that have multiplied to come together for informal gatherings and also occasional celebrations.
What about legal matters?
Like any family, most house churches are not a legally recognized entity, and therefore do not have the same legal requirements as a business or incorporated association.
However there are still some legal matters to be weary of. The main one being child protection this is addressed above in the question about children and teenagers.
Like any family, most house churches are not a legally recognized entity, and therefore do not have the same legal requirements as a business or incorporated association.
However there are still some legal matters to be weary of. The main one being child protection this is addressed above in the question about children and teenagers.
What about public liability insurance?
Inviting mates around for a barbecue, or friends around for a meal, does not require you to have public liability insurance. The informal nature of a house church (that does not have a legal entity overseeing it) means it does not need public liability insurance.
Inviting mates around for a barbecue, or friends around for a meal, does not require you to have public liability insurance. The informal nature of a house church (that does not have a legal entity overseeing it) means it does not need public liability insurance.