Then advisers said that we really need to get out of the church building.
Seeing how I am definitely not one to say that buildings and church formalities are necessary for a connection with God, the concept of meeting in a home is an appealing one. At least now, as we are small, there may be something very good to this. I am a little reluctant as the leader of the group to have it in my own home. I just finished Neil Cole’s book, Organic Church, which is all about house churches. His insight is that it is better to have someone else from the group host as it empowers more people. Any opinions on this?
I never thought, back at Bethel Seminary, that I would ever have anything to do with a “house church” or anything like that. I can’t say that this is exactly that as we are supported by the bigger church, and very much committed to being an “emerging church” in Bend, but hopefully Thorsten Moritz would be proud.
I suppose there will be more reflection on this in the future, but I am wondering for those who manage to stumble on this what feedback you might give. My question above also stands: should a gathering be held at a place other than the leader’s home, or does it really matter?
**Also for those who stumble on this and are from Bend, please contact me if you are interested in having a personal conversation or interested in being a part of our gatherings.
Comments (1)
Ok, the only way that I can say as to how I got here is stumbling, but God must have something in store for our churches :) My husband is the pastor of Westminster Pres. We had our congregational meeting today and this was something that we struggle with. The congregation adores the building as a whole. I have found that the older generation will come to our home when it's daylight out and we have sent an invitation. The college students gladly came to Bible Study this past summer in our home. The middle generation aka Gen X and very late boomers are skiddish. They will come, but they aren't too keen on it.
I think that there has to be a gift of hospitality in order for it to "work." But I have found that Bible Study in the home is far more fruitful than at the church.