Are you familiar with the House Church movement?

I have been affiliated with House Churches for about 15 years here in the USA. Our group in Stephenville, Texas (we call it "Ekklesia Stephenville") has been meeting nearly 10 years at September Song Bed & Breakfast. Even when I was the Assistant Pastor of a 300-Member church in Arlington, Texas, I always recognized our "cell groups" as being THE PLACE where all the REAL life-changing stuff was happening. Not only were deeper, more intimate relationships growing there (I'm still in touch with quite a few of those friends), but church Members felt 'safe' about exercising their spiritual gifts in a secure and loving environment. Our meetings were not so much about spectating as they were participating. The greater part of those who attended loved it. That included the young people (there is no Junior Holy Spirit).

It wasn't until about 9 years ago that I began to believe the Holy Spirit might actually be orchestrating something through Followers of Jesus within their very homes. Why not? After all, that's the way He BEGAN the Church in the Book of Acts, with people meeting house to house. So,with my wife and some friends, we attended an event called the National House2House Conference in Denver, Colorado. The only words that can describe that weekend for us are "life changing." There were authors, speakers, men and women who had lots of great ideas and advice for anyone feeling led to 'do' Church in this way.

Today, according to Author George Barna (Barna Research), if those who gather in homes were assembled into one denomination, it's estimated they'd be the third largest denomination behind Catholics and Baptists. Speaking of Catholics, house church gatherings DO have the blessing of the Vatican so, start meeting!

Perish any notion of a House Church being a mini-version of 'REAL' Church. Once we wrap our minds around the idea that we are ALWAYS The Church - "two or three gathered in My Name," as Jesus said - we'll realize "Church" is no longer a destination attraction, or an event, so much as it is our very existence; we are never NOT The Church. 

Here in Stephenville, though we officially meet weekly, usually taking time off in the Summer, if needed, over the years we have met in other homes, on different days, at restaurants, or have piled in our cars to minister at people's homes, in nursing homes and hospitals... wherever the Spirit may be leading on any given occasion. We've felt led to ignore our scheduled gathering and traveled to do yardwork for someone who needed help. We've even painted houses on two occasions. Most importantly, we've seen lives changed as a direct result of these meetings. In fact, we've witnessed many miracles as a result of these gatherings... physical, emotional and relational. I've often told people, if you aren't seeing lives radically changed in your church, leave that church! My rationale? Anyone who has an encounter with a milk truck will be forever changed; likewise, anyone who has encountered Jesus should be very different from the experience.

Financially, though we pool our resources, it certainly isn't to meet overhead expenses and salaries. Instead, we've sown our funds into well-digging in Asia, buying an air-conditioner for a couple's trailer, supporting missionaries and itinerant ministers we've met, and have helped transitioning people with hotel bills. This ministry is NOT a bolt-on program of evangelism; it's a way of life. With a group consisting of folks from several denominational backgrounds, though we may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, we do strive to flesh-out the "one another's" of the New Testament and let Jesus, our Teacher, be our main focus. 

It seems the greatest apprehension of those who 'test the waters' of a house church is the fact that they are already affiliated with a church and may have been there for years. That's OK... you can do both! Be The Church THERE, too, or at work... wherever you are! Jesus is there with you, never leaving or forsaking you, allowing you the opportunity to present light to the darkness, Christ IN YOU, the hope of glory.

House Church is about building community, NOT commuters. If you are interested in this concept and wish to try it - either in your own house, apartment or someone else's - if you live more than 15 minutes away, it's just a matter of time before you stop attending. You've been warned! My recommendation? Either have a seasoned House Churcher over to speak with a group in YOUR place, or get the feel of an established group before ever making the move. 

Bear in mind, the word "church" comes from the Greek word "ekklesia." In Scripture (Acts 19), that word is used to describe an angry mob, a city council, and of course, throughout the New Testament, a body of Believers. Inviting people over for supper comes across much "safer" to many people than asking them to church. After all, the Church is you and me, the people, NOT the buildings or denominations.

What if you have no house? Because the House Church is really nothing more than two or three (or more) people gathering in Jesus' Name, you can do this at work, too. Go on, become mission-driven! Over the past 7 years, I've traveled the State of Texas as a Workplace Chaplain and have often had people tell me the group meeting there had become their church, as far as they were concerned. 

Does any of this resonate with you? Are you in love with Jesus but it's organized Christianity you're having trouble with? If that describes you, let's talk! Please forward... I GUARANTEE you know someone who needs this information.

Every blessing,

Michael Tummillo

Founder, The Church @ Work

MikeTummillo@iCloud.com