The home church movement has been making news over the recent past months. The home church, otherwise known as the “house church” is a gathering of worshipers who come together in the home of one of those worshipers. While home churches are violently refuted at times, there is a noticeable increase of membership in them and this is something that cannot be ignored, no matter how much some people may want to. One of the wise quotes, “If you can’t beat them, then join them,” may apply with this movement. We need to always remember that the first century churches were also “home churches” as the members had to meet secretly at times to avoid persecution. Then again, Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us not to give up meeting together, but this can also be accomplished in small groups in homes.
Why All of a Sudden?
The home church movement has gained a sudden influx of members for various reasons; the most obvious is because of the “poor condition” the local churches happen to be in. For example, membership at many local churches has drastically declined. One reason for this is because there are not many people left who are willing to stand up for what they believe in when it comes to getting people back in the local churches.
Many times, it is the Pastor doing all the promotional work and it is not enough in most cases. Another reason is that many churches are not open to interpretation when it comes to the commandments and the other regulations the church has set forth for the members. This unwillingness to allow change and modern times into the church has all but destroyed traditional local church sectors and sends those members who do not agree with the traditional church values to home churches.
An Obvious Example
Take, for example, the decline in membership and in baptisms of the Sweet Home Baptist Church. Where they used to baptize thousands of babies and adults who have converted to Baptist every year, as a combined Baptist Church, they are now only admitting and baptizing a few hundred at most. The same is true for New Home Baptist Church as well. The First Baptist Church is a vibrant fellowship, but all traditional denominations struggle with growing their memberships.
Home Church is Still Church
However, not all is lost. The decline in Baptist Church members and baptisms is terrible, however, so long as these people leaving the traditional churches are worshiping somewhere, such as members who have church homes allowing the worship and teaching of knowledge they need to know Jesus, they are still hearing the word of God.
This is what really matters when it comes to worship. If a person believes they will be saved, it does not matter where they worship, so long as they are doing it and believe in something. For those who are home alone, church can be a welcome addition to their lives. Just like those who worship at church, those who worship at a home alone church scene can still hear the Gospel and it is still worship nonetheless.
A website for discussion and information on home churches – try www.HomeChurchMovfement.com.