Posted on 08/15/2005 11:51:04 AM PDT by Keyes2000mt
Jim Rutz, WorldNetDaily's newest columnist is making the case for a revolution in the Western church world. Rutz advocates "Open Christianity" with no "buildings, paid clergy, or sermons" meeting in homes, offices, and restaurants.
Rutz believes that joining an Open Church can be "a giant step up to a whole new level of life." He promises an exciting "new Christianity" where people can realize their full potential away from the restraints of a hierarchal church.
Clearly Rutz strikes a nerve. Too many Christians are mere pew potatoes, doing little in the body of Christ. Churches are often more focused on education than ability, faith, and the call of the Holy Spirit in ministry. In addition, denominations are often hung up on the most minute points of doctrine and thus find themselves totally divided. Yet, are house churches a cure all? Having spent years in house churches including more than a year running one, I can answer that question.
Flawed
Its got some advantages for those who love to sing to the Lord, but couldn't win a Grammy. Being in an intimate surrounding, you're going to free to worship God, to sing a variety of songs. Everyone can share and teach. I've been in some House Church services that have gone from 1:30 in the afternoon to 6:00 in the evening.
Did it totally transform my life? No. Did it change the communities around the Fellowship? No. Did it do more than the same people could have in a traditional church setting with a building? No.
What type of problems do house churches have? Here are a few I and others I know who've worshiped in and have dealt with:
Cliques: A Pastor who moved out to the area I lived in wanted to go and visit a house church. The people would not even give him the location and times of their meetings.
False doctrine: False doctrine is a huge problem in the normal church world. Its even bigger in a world of open ministry. As some message are totally off the wall. I've heard sermons preached on the Mason Conspiracy, of government satellites about to obliterate Christians before Thanksgiving, etc.
Minor Points become the main thing: I've been in fellowships where the focus is on one thing and one thing alone and sadly that's not Jesus Christ. It's a particular doctrine like the chosen day of rest and worship, the exactly correct way to say the name of the Lord, the End Times, etc. that becomes of more prominence and importance than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Everybody wants it their way. A lot of Americans are frustrated with their pastors. If only things were done their way. Take about four or five people thinking like that, put them in a group and watch the fun begin. A friend of mine whose spent years ministering in jails used to run services out of his house but the constant battle for control ended that. He explained there were "too many chiefs, not enough Indians."
Obviously, there were other minor annoyances. Having people over to your house every week and the need to keep said house immaculate lest people judge the hostess unfairly is a huge pressure.
Judge With Mercy
Am I saying you should never start/join/become involved in a house church? No. If this is where you're being led by the Holy Spirit, then by all means go. However, just like traditional churches, house churches will succeed or fail based on their membership.
Of course, some people will point out that some of the examples I've given violate principles taught by Rutz and other house-church advocates, but I have news for them: people are not going to follow the advice of any book word for word. If you don't believe me, ask God Almighty about the strict adherence to the Bible.
Sadly, we must fact the fact that so many Christians live in a state of spiritual lethargy and do little for the Kingdom of God for one reason-they don't want to. In many cases, the very people attracted to the House church movement are those who need it the least, who are already participating fully in the life of their church.
Submission to God's word, love for one another, and outreach in the community are keys to having a strong church. There's no magic organization, formula, prayer, or chant that will bring you to some point of spiritual success.
They really do exist.
Every church type is flawed, because human beings are involved in their operation. As one who has had it with manipulative, controlling pastors and churches, there is great appeal to getting involved in something where freedom is the cornerstone. But in order for any church to florish, the foundation needs to be Jesus Christ -- He needs to be the focus, not church doctrine, not the pastor, not the denominational distinctives, not the programs, not the facilities, not the worship style. I'd be willing to overlook minor glitches in programming and minor errors in teaching provided the people and leadership involved are preaching the grace of Christ, and His sufficiency to do within and through us what we are insufficient to do ourselves. But where are the churches (traditional or home-based) which preach Christ as the center of our walk?
Amen. Although is sounds like the reason many are joining these huge McChurches. Anonymous christianity is easier when you're lost in the crowd.
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