What is church? The word “church” comes from the Greek word “ecclesia,” which means a calling out or gathering of the saints. In the 107 times this word is used in scripture, it never once refers to a building, place you go to, or something you “do.” It always refers to people! We can’t go to church or do church–we are the Church!
We operate as a network of home churches because we believe that they are a great environment for discipleship. Plain and simple. Being smaller, they allow disciples of Christ to be the church in ways that you simply can’t in a large gathering. The New Testament lists over 50 “one another’s” in which the church ought to be active. Love one another. Encourage each other. Serve one another. We simply cannot live life together as the church without opportunity to do these things… and these things simply don’t happen when the church remains a sea of anonymous people. We see the “big” and the “small” as compliments to one another… not in opposition.
What happens in a home church?
Every home church is unique. The personalities, gifts, contexts, and backgrounds within a church will always shape a group to some extent. We do, however use a simple measuring stick by which the group can hold themselves (and be held) accountable to healthy body life. We refer to this as the DNA of our home churches. We should all continually be challenged and growing in the following areas:
- Dynamic Truth: Teaching one another, through the Word and Spirit, the dynamic truth of scripture and challenging one another to be accountable and obedient to becoming more like Christ.
- Nurturing Relationships: Building strong, dependent relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ through close, personal accountability, prayer, and the many “one another” expressions of community mentioned in the New Testament.
- Apostolic Mission: Encouraging one another to live outwardly (together and as individuals), obeying the commands of Scripture and the prompting of the Spirit, to share the gospel and do good works to advance the kingdom of God.
How does DNA really happen?
Keeping in mind that every home church is unique, they do generally all share the common elements of a shared meal, communion, worship, prayer, and time in scripture. They seek to establish transparency and accountability in even smaller same-sex groups (LTGs) that often meet or talk throughout the week. And throughout all of these things, disciples should always be encouraging each other’s personal calling to minister to those around them.