NewChurchLife

House Churches expand witness!

peter — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:45:49 +0000

Even though homes were places where believers gathered in the first century, and modern church planting movements are house-church based, many church pastors are wary of them. There are good reasons - but also some misunderstandings! First, local church pastors don’t want to lose attendees. Attendees provide financial and human resources for their ministries - and no pastor wants to encourage any loss, which house churches seem to represent. Secondly, it is feared that that those involved in house churches reject all ‘authority’ - and, won’t honor the controls of established churches and denominations. Some have been severely burnt by their experiences with established churches, with many involved in house and simple churches seeking fresh ways to share faith and do church. And, it is true, many house churches are insular, not relating the gospel to their communities - quite unlike New Testament churches. But, this is also a failing of established and denominational churches.

Not all house churches wish to network with established community or denominational churches. However, many are open to this - and, house churches can expand the witness of local (even denominational) churches. While participants will not attend the worship services or all activities of the local church, house churches can be satellites of the established church - expanding the witness, membership, attendees and resources of the local church. In some cases such satellite house churches might have representation on the church council/board - with reciprocal affirmation and encouragement. An environment of encouragement and multiplication provide great opportunities for many to shape church in ways that reach their friends and communities.

In Mongolia ‘the fire is gone’!

peter — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:48:49 +0000

Dave Lawton has just returned from Mongolia and reports: ‘… the fire is gone. Western models of Church have been imported. These ‘traditional style’ churches have locked Christians up and created a passive Christianity. The Gospel has stopped spreading. Initially I was discouraged when I observed what was going on… But then I met Augie.’ Read and listen to this story!

Sharing ABC Bible Reading!

peter — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:05:57 +0000

Check out Dave Lawton’s blog on sharing faith with ABC Bible reading - essential to church planting movements!

On building a house for God!

peter — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:58:59 +0000

‘Do we build God a house so that we can choose when we go to see God? Do we build God a house in lieu of having God stay at ours? … What happens to the people who never show up in our houses of God?’ (Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World, Harper, 2009)

Matthew Parties

peter — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:00:20 +0000

The first Matthew Party was thrown by Levi Matthew, a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow him. The story is given in Luke 6:27-32 - and also Matthew 9:9-13 and Mark 2:14-17. When Levi followed Jesus he ‘held a great banquet for Jesus at his house’ - inviting a large crowd considered disreputable by religious people. It was in this context that ’sinners’ rubbed shoulders with and got to know Jesus, the one who could heal and forgive. When people of reputation become followers of Jesus, they find this a great way to connect with their circle of influence. Church planters hold regular events that could be called ‘Matthew Parties’ to connect with their communities.

Community Chaplain Services

peter — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:45 +0000

In England this last Saturday I met Dusan Uzelac who is equipping community chaplains to connect with and support their neighborhoods. As Dusan says, ‘Everyone knows what a chaplain is - and they are respected!’ They work in pairs, wear a badge with name and contact details identifying their church plant. Assigned a small territory, they visit door to door, offering to pray and encourage. Once four homes have requested prayer they cease door-knocking, for they must have time to return about every second week to pray and support. They refer difficult needs to other community organizations and services - with whom they have good relationships. After a few weeks they gather these individuals or families together - from two or three homes, forming small prayer support neighborhood groups. In some cases these prayer groups are developing into new churches!

‘Sunday’s Coming’ - worth seeing!

peter — Sun, 23 May 2010 20:44:21 +0000

What does this exceptionally well-done video say about church (conventional or consumerist) - whether on Wed, Sat or Sun? What is church? Check out ‘Sunday’s Coming’ - and maybe check out church in the book of Acts (yes, in the Bible!). Share your comment on church TODAY & church in ACTS.

Movements Study Guide – Ready!

peter — Sun, 09 May 2010 10:54:32 +0000

Download the study guide for Steve Addison’s Movements that Change the World – and use this in small groups committed to obedient discipleship. Between sessions – apply what is learnt.

David Garrison – Church Planting Movements

peter — Sun, 09 May 2010 10:52:58 +0000

Just launched - an outstanding Church Planting Movements website.

Must see - Floyd Says ‘Hi’

peter — Sun, 09 May 2010 08:48:49 +0000

Dave Lawton, church planting coordinator from Crossway, recently spent time with Floyd and Sally McClung in South Africa. At ‘retiring age’ Floyd and Sally moved to South Africa to cultivate a planting movement across nations. He shares some gems on church planting – in just 2 ½ minutes: go to Floyd Says ‘Hi’. You will be challenged by the outsider-insider distinction – and his comments on prayer. And, go to Floyd’s site – it explores justice/kingdom issues.