Why "House Church?"
The "church" is more than a building, it's a gathering of people who believe in Jesus, whose lives have been and continue to be transformed by the gospel. The church then is a gathering of people who regularly meet together to love, worship, honor and glorify Jesus; it has nothing to do with a building. The "house church" model is an attempt to "bring Jesus home", creating quaint and close-knit communities, "in home."
"I grew up without the understanding of who Jesus is and what He did for me. Though I was a “churchgoer” all my life, I lacked the faith, knowledge and willing obedience that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. It took a patient yet persistent friend to share the Bible and life with me in order for me to hear from God." --Pastor Stephen
The House Church model offers a twist on the way “church” is performed as it welcomes people into their home where they become ohana (family) and do life together. This creates a quaint environment that is gracious, loving, friendly, genuinely supportive and, most of all, a community where people can experience Jesus together.
Two critical elements for us to know and draw close to God are:
"I grew up without the understanding of who Jesus is and what He did for me. Though I was a “churchgoer” all my life, I lacked the faith, knowledge and willing obedience that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. It took a patient yet persistent friend to share the Bible and life with me in order for me to hear from God." --Pastor Stephen
The House Church model offers a twist on the way “church” is performed as it welcomes people into their home where they become ohana (family) and do life together. This creates a quaint environment that is gracious, loving, friendly, genuinely supportive and, most of all, a community where people can experience Jesus together.
Two critical elements for us to know and draw close to God are:
- To belong to a community of believers who have a hunger to know God more and are meeting together on a regular basis.
- To be in God's word daily... reading, studying and applying the truths that are found in the Bible.
What does a House Church look like?
House Church Make-up – A gathering becomes a house church when it develops into a “biblical community” of believers. A house church will consist of 8-30 members seeking biblical guidance, consistently gathering to love God and love each other as a genuine community of believers. Therefore, we need a group of eight or more to truly experience the challenges, as well as the love, support, and accountability which comes through a body of believers.
House Church Essentials
- Evangelism (Telling others about Him - Mt 28:19)
- Ministry (Loving, serving and helping others - Mt 22:39)
- Fellowship (Doing life together as a biblical community of believers - Mt 28:19)
- Discipleship (Learning about God and living for God - Mt 28:20)
House Church Essentials
- Each house church will gather together for Bible study, worship and fellowship once a week in someone's home.
- Each house church will be formed and function as its own church performing ministries, baptism, tithing and communion.
- Each house church will be led by a leader (shepherd).
- Each house church will be governed within biblical parameters.
- Each house church will be part of the overall House Church Network and will gather together for a worship celebration once a month.
- Each house church will practice and live out the five biblical purposes:
- Evangelism (Telling others about Him - Mt 28:19)
- Ministry (Loving, serving and helping others - Mt 22:39)
- Fellowship (Doing life together as a biblical community of believers - Mt 28:19)
- Discipleship (Learning about God and living for God - Mt 28:20)
What can we expect with a House Church?
Weekly Worship – Once a week we gather in someone's home, at a park or designated meeting area. Worship would consist of the following:
Corporate Worship – House churches multiply forming a network of house churches. Once a month all house churches gather in one location to worship and fellowship together. This gathering is a monthly celebration and family reunion.
Community Outreach – House churches will gather for ministry work. The Bible says, every believer is a minister, so everyone is involved in some way serving the community and others. Outreach could consist of any of the following:
- Hang Out - A time to catch up and talk about life, what's been happening and what God has been doing.
- Meal/snacks - Everybody likes to eat; food creates a relaxed environment and helps build community.
- Worship - We sing praise songs while keeping it simple and focused, maybe led by acoustic guitar or keyboard; it could even be done through music videos.
- Message - Interactive. The use of video, PowerPoint and Bible lesson plans may be used to help guide the study along.
- Discussion - We take some time to discuss any questions or comments pertaining to the message.
- Prayer - We have a time to share praises, prayer requests, and to pray for one another.
Corporate Worship – House churches multiply forming a network of house churches. Once a month all house churches gather in one location to worship and fellowship together. This gathering is a monthly celebration and family reunion.
- Agenda - Fun, food, worship and hang out
- Location - The location varies. We can meet anywhere from a beach to a park, to a community center, school cafeteria or commercial building. We are free to change things up.
- Family Reunion - Because this gathering is once a month, it's like a reunion. It breaks down the walls between the different house churches where we gather as one ohana and worship God together.
- Worship Service - Includes a worship team, fully amplified with instruments, a message from the pastor, and testimonies from those who have been experiencing God.
- Celebration - Includes games for the kids (could include jump houses, water slide, etc.), Ice-breaker games to connect, BBQ, potluck, swim, hike, hang out, etc.
Community Outreach – House churches will gather for ministry work. The Bible says, every believer is a minister, so everyone is involved in some way serving the community and others. Outreach could consist of any of the following:
- Service projects - Finding needs in the community and meeting those needs, i.e., yard work, feed the homeless, food drives, parks/beach clean up, highway litter control, etc.
- Mentorship - Mentorship programs such as after school programs. tutoring, one on one discipleship, leading a group bible study, etc.
- Missions - Traveling to another island, state or country to help others and share the gospel of Jesus.
- Friends and neighbors outreach - Every believer should be a light in their community, always modeling a Christlike example to friends and neighbors and to reach them through love, prayer and helping those in need.