so what does a simple church actually 'do' when it meets?


Following on somewhat from yesterdays post I received this from John White a house church coach in the US.

As more and more Christian leaders discover house church, the great temptation will be to simply move the "program" methodology from the church building to the home.

What does a house church actually "do" when it meets?

Some have answered this question by going back to the program of the traditional/institutional church. There is an "Order of Service". Greeting...opening prayer...time of singing...perhaps some personal sharing...the sermon...closing prayer...etc. Isn't that what you are supposed to "do" when you have church? Week after week. Always the same program. With this model, house church simply becomes a mini version of what goes on in church buildings on Sunday mornings all over the country.

In contrast to the "program model" of church, I want to suggest the "prevenience model". The word "prevenience" (rhymes with "convenience") refers to "that which goes before or precedes". The word describes an important aspect of God's character. He is prevenient. That is, He is always at work before we come onto the scene. He is always initiating. In our lives and in the church.

"Prevenience" is most commonly used in reference to grace. Prevenient grace. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8) Before we ever thought about God, while we were still lost in our sin, He took the initiative and gave His life for us. Before we ever moved toward God, He moved toward us. He is always initiating. He is always starting things. He is prevenient.

Our part? To see what He is doing and to respond. He is the initiator. We are the responders. How we "do church" must be based on the character of our God.

So, what are the implications for ministry in general and house church meetings in particular? More in my next email.

If you'd like to subscribe to John's regular emails you can reach him at DenverWH@aol.com

posted by alexander @ 11:11 AM    0 comments

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