This church resulted when three dying congregations merged a quarter century ago, but with a worship team of teens brought in, today isn’t a normal gathering. I suspect it’s a more atypical church service.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #24:
1. Most of the congregation are senior citizens, with few children. The sanctuary seats about four hundred, but it’s only one-fourth full.
If you have an aging congregation, what can you do to reverse the trend?
2. The absence of a cross is conspicuous. This isn’t an issue for me, but for many it is. The cross is a prime emblem of Christian faith, but we must remember it’s only a symbol.
What symbols are present or lacking in your church? What message might this convey?
3. Today’s sermon is about friendship. True friendship, the minister says, requires constancy, honesty, and wise counsel. Jesus is the ultimate friend.
How well do you do at being a true friend to others?
4. Both before and after this atypical church service, people thank us for visiting. Their conversations aren’t to share faith but to entice us back. They’re desperate to grow.
How do your efforts to grow your church come across? Are you willing to ask a visitor their thoughts to get a firsthand account?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
What Scripture Teaches About Meeting Together Is Far Different Than Our Sunday Services
We talked about three options for a house church gathering: duplicate a typical service, participate online, or just hang out. Each of these three approaches have their strengths and weaknesses.
However, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives us some ideas of what we could do for a house church (1 Corinthians 14:26-27). He gives five activities that could take place: singing, teaching, sharing a revelation, speaking in tongues, and giving an interpretation.
But before we dig into these five
areas, let’s look at some other key items first.
When You Gather
Paul says when you gather, not if you gather. This reminds us that getting together with other followers of Jesus should be a regular occurrence, not random (check out Hebrews 10:25).
This idea of meeting together can occur on Sunday morning or can happen at any other time. The Bible doesn’t command the day or the hour when we should meet, nor is the timing sacred. Gathering Sunday morning is merely a practice that developed over the centuries.
Each Person
Next, let’s look at the phrase that
precedes Paul’s list. He says, “each of you.” This means everyone should
participate. The idea of all those present taking part suggests an egalitarian
house church gathering, where everyone contributes, and everyone ministers to
each other.
This instruction removes the divide
between leader and follower, which happens in today’s church services. On a
typical Sunday morning a few people lead, while most people watch. This means
that a few people are active during church, while most sit as passive
observers, as if going to a concert or attending a lecture.
Five Actions for House Church Gatherings
Instead Paul wants everyone
involved, where each person can minister to one another. He lists five
activities that should take place in our house church gathering.
1. Sing a Song
When we meet together, we should
sing a hymn or share a song—likely more than one. This could mean playing a
musical instrument so that others can sing along. For those who can’t play an
instrument or lead others in singing, a modern-day option might be to play a
recording of a song. Anyone can do that.
It could also mean—it probably does
means—launching into a song or chorus a cappella as the Holy Spirit leads. This
requires no preparation at all, just a willingness to listen to the direction
of God’s Spirit.
2. Teach a Lesson
The same approach applies for
giving a word of instruction. We don’t need to preach a half-hour to an
hour-long sermon. In this case less is more. We can often communicate much by
speaking little. Saying something concisely in thirty seconds may be more
meaningful than droning on for thirty minutes. Again, no preparation required.
And everyone present can do this.
All we need is a willingness to
share something that God taught us during the week, or that we learned through
studying Scripture. In addition, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to tell us what
to share during our meeting. It can build off what someone else has already
said, or it may be a new topic.
3. Share a Revelation
The idea of having a revelation to
share will seem normal to some and a bit mystical to others. Think of a
revelation as special knowledge that God has given to us. He could do this
through a writing we read or an action we observe. And it can be through Holy
Spirit insight. Regardless of the source of our revelation, Paul wants us to
share these perceptions with those gathered.
4. Speak in Tongues
The last two items on the list may,
or may not, be a comfortable activity in our group, depending on our practices
and comfort level. The first of these two items is speaking in tongues.
The Bible talks about speaking in
tongues, and Paul instructs the people in Corinth to do it. It’s biblical, and
we should consider this for our house church gathering. But it may be optional,
because Paul later says, if anyone speaks in tongues. This implies it’s
not a requirement. But he does say that if people speak in tongues, only a few
people should do it and then one at a time.
5. Interpret the Tongue
After someone speaks in an unknown
language, someone must interpret it. Implicitly, if no one can interpret the
message, then the person shouldn’t share it. After all, how can words that no
one understands build up the church?
Holy Spirit at Our House Church Gathering
Much of the activity for a house church gathering means listening to the Holy Spirit and responding as he directs. Implicit in this we will encounter times of silence—sometimes lengthy—as we wait and listen. Silence unnerves some people, so if this idea of waiting for God to speak is new to you, move forward with care as you build up the ability to sit, listen, and share. Hearing from the Holy Spirit, however, is central to our house church gathering.
Build Up the Church
To conclude his list of five items,
Paul says everything we do at a house church gathering must be for the purpose
of building up the church, to strengthen the faith and community of those
present. Doing or saying anything to elevate ourselves or draw attention to our
abilities benefits our ego. This detracts from the group.
Instead we should humble ourselves and do things for our common good. This will advance the kingdom of God and the good news of Jesus.
Read more about this in Peter’s thought-provoking book, Jesus’s Broken Church, available in e-book, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Last Sunday was their minister’s last day. Other area clergy have high respect for him. I wish I could have met him.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #23:
1. Today ends their summer schedule with one contemporary service. Next week they’ll switch to their winter format with two services: one traditional and the other contemporary.
Had we known, we might have come next Sunday for a doubleheader.
If your church has seasonal schedules, why? How does this impact people who want to attend your service?
2. Like Church #8, the church’s youth programs are part of Young Life, a nondenominational youth ministry, which taps college students as leaders.
What programs do you have that might be more effective if you worked with existing, external ministries?
3. Throughout the service, a person mills about, occasionally sitting and sometimes murmuring. She appears homeless and acts mentally ill. Though I’m distracted, I’m pleased no one confronts her behavior or shoos her from God’s house.
How does your church treat those who don’t fit in or act strangely?
4. Afterward, two members confirm that their pastor prepared them to function without him. Though it’s their minister’s last day, they expect to do just fine after he leaves.
How well would your church function without a minister? How long could you keep it up?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
This church meets in a newer, contemporary building. It’s most inviting.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #22:
1. Many people introduce themselves. Their genuine interest, without being pushy, refreshes me. They ask our names, which they repeat with care. When they share theirs, they pause, giving us time to hear and remember.
How important are people’s names to you and your church?
2. The minister is losing his voice. After introducing the topic, he lets the congregation finish the message.
He invites them to share their stories of what others have done for them, how they showed love, and provided care. The congregation does this well.
How well does your church do at sharing during a service? How can you do it better?
3. This congregation is a genuine community. They prove it in the quiet ways they help each other. “Caring for community is a witness,” says the pastor.
What is your church’s witness? What is its reputation?
4. After the service, the pastor excuses himself. He fades away, perhaps because he doesn’t feel well, but more likely because he doesn’t need to be there. The congregation envelops us into their community.
How well can your church function without your minister being present?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Most of this church’s ministry happens on Saturday. The Sunday service is for those they meet during their Wednesday evening street ministry.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #21:
1. We turn to Hebrews 6, but as the pastor begins her message, the Holy Spirit sends her to Ephesians 4. We never make it back to Hebrews.
How much do you depend on the Holy Spirit to lead your meetings? How willingly do you follow?
2. Later, we discuss how the message applies to us. This mutual interaction is helpful, building community in the process.
What can you do to allow for more interaction to occur during church?
3. Ninety minutes later we move into worship. The first song lasts twenty minutes. I kneel in reverence and then bow in awe of God.
How often does worship cause you to bow in reverence and awe? What’s missing?
4. If you view church in a traditional manner, then we didn’t go today. If you understand church as two or more people gathered in the presence of God, then today offered much.
What are the essential elements for church to take place?
Overall, this was a great experience, and I wish more churches operated like this one.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
This week is another doubleheader, but with a twist. First is a Mandarin worship service and English Sunday school, followed by an English worship service and Mandarin Sunday school.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #20:
1. We email to ask if non-Chinese are welcome. We are. Some non-Chinese attend the Mandarin service.
How well do you embrace people of different races and cultures?
2. For worship, they display the words in Mandarin, with the English translation underneath. I read the words in English as I enjoy the melodic beauty of a different tongue.
How well can people who speak another language engage in your service?
3. We don’t see the minister until he stands to give the message—until now, the laity has led the service. Speaking in Mandarin, the minister is dynamic, animated, and at times funny. I laugh with everyone else even though I don’t know why.
If people don’t know your language, how might they perceive your nonverbal communication?
4. Afterward several people invite us to stay for lunch. Sharing a meal is important to them. They do this every Sunday.
How important is sharing a meal at your church? In what other ways can you foster community?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
With no website and a phone line that doesn’t work, we assume this church, listed only in a computer-compiled online directory, either no longer exists or never did.
The church sign in front of their building is the only reason we know the service time.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #19:
1. When we arrive, a greeter welcomes us, but she’s surprised to see two new people.
Are visitors the norm at your church or an exception? What needs to change?
2. At times their service seems evangelical and other times mainline, with hints of Charismatic. It’s an ideal blend.
How can your church service better focus on Jesus instead of promoting a subset of Christianity or a denomination?
3. In the most insightful communion invitation I’ve ever heard, the pastor affirms that all who are in relationship with God are free to participate, regardless of church status or affiliation.
How inclusive and accepting are your church’s practices?
4. Their mission is to help people on their faith journey, connecting them with other churches that match their needs and preferences. It’s okay if they happen to pick up members along the way, but it’s not their intent.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Today we visit our second Roman Catholic Church. I’m excited—and nervous. We are revisiting Roman Catholicism.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #18:
1. The large sanctuary is grand without being ostentatious. Contemporary and airy, it seats several hundred. It’s the largest we’ve seen so far.
Does your building facilitate worship or limit it? What needs to change?
2. This Catholic Church seems even more steeped in ritual than Church #5. While they announce hymns, the rest of the liturgy proceeds without direction. We think we’re prepared, but we aren’t.
How can you help people better engage in your worship service?
3. After the Eucharist is a ritual where we exchange the greeting “Peace be with you” to those around us. This is the only interaction we have with anyone the entire morning. The priest dismisses us, and the people scatter.
What can you do to interact with people at your church and foster community?
4. I leave feeling empty. Though their traditions have meaning to those who understand them, it’s a roadblock to visitors.
What can you do to help outsiders better follow your church’s practices and not walk away empty?
Overall, I’m glad we spent Sunday morning revisiting Roman Catholicism.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
This church has a contemporary service followed by a traditional one. It’s a church doubleheader. We’ll go to both.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #17:
1. Their idea of contemporary is vastly different from mine, with this service being one of the more reserved ones we’ve attended.
If you state a certain type of service, what do you need to do to better deliver on your promise?
2. They provide a sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired, who sit in the first three rows. It’s a treat to watch them sing with their hands and sign interactive portions of the service.
What can your church do to help those with various limitations better engage in worship?
3. For communion, there’s no invitation for nonmembers to partake. We decide that we shouldn’t, but the usher motions us to go up.
Do people know what to expect when you serve communion? What can you do to include visitors and welcome them to participate?
4. No one mentions it, but we find coffee and donuts in the fellowship area. Next to each is a donation basket. I feel guilty for grabbing a treat without feeding the fund.
What practices in your church would seem odd or off-putting to outsiders?
This nondenominational church meets in a public school auditorium.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #16:
1. Renting space saves the church from purchasing and maintaining a facility.
Whether you own your building or rent space, how can you maximize your outreach and better impact your community?
2. They use more technology than we’ve seen so far. When not displaying song lyrics, Bible verses, or clips, they project the pastor’s video on a large screen behind him.
How much technology does your church use during your services? Does it add to or detract from the experience?
3. Aside from a greeter and the two pastors saying “Hi,” no one talks to us. We learn that people wearing green nametags are available to answer questions. After the service I spot a man with a green nametag, but he rushes by.
Are you and other people at your church so preoccupied or busy that you overlook and ignore people?
4. The leadership at this nondenominational church does the right things to foster spiritual connection, but the people aren’t following. They’re passive, coming to church, doing church, and then leaving.
Is it the paid staff’s job to welcome visitors, or yours? What needs to change?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
