House Churches: Modern vs. Ancient

One of my readers posted a comment on one of my past posts about restarting the small group bible study. In her comment, she provided a link to an article about "House Churches."

Here is the link: http://www.kencollins.com/glossary/architecture.htm

This is an important article by Ken Collins. Evidently Pastor Collins is a member of the Disciples of Christ, which is a protestant denomination more favorable to traditional church set-ups, which makes him kind of an ally to traditionally minded Orthodox church planters.

My wife and I have had a positive experience with one of these modern, so-called "house churches" down the street from us in our very own neighborhood. We attended a Thursday evening class called "Financial Peace University" by protestant author Dave Ramsey. Mr. Ramsey also has a show on Fox Business Network, and the class was excellent. Ramsey is a deeply committed protestant christian who emphasizes getting in control of your finances so you can give money away to others and to your local church.

I believe these well-meaning folks think that one of the best ways to "do church" is to meet relevant and urgent needs that people have in our modern culture. Providing the Financial Peace University class at their homes was no doubt seen by them as one of the deepest ways they could reach out to non-believers. And this approach is a good idea, if you pair it with involvement in an actual Church with a capital "C."

I've been wishing that the three families of this "house church" who live in three paired homes adjacent to each other (and with shared backyards) really knew what an ancient "house church" was like. If only these couples knew the true facts, perhaps they could help us pack Saint Marks while continuing their activities at the same time, thus making new missions necessary.

I believe their approach can bring many people into the christian faith. But we need to bring people to the Christian Faith, too.

These three families are salt-of-the-earth types of people who really love Jesus Christ. They all come from a Southern Baptist background. I pray and wish they will become Orthodox Christians and join this really great institution Christ founded called the Holy Orthodox Church.

We could sure use more people like these earnest and well-meaning, but misguided folks. Bible studies and fellowship in a house church without the sacraments fall short of what Christ intends for us as Christians. I know God is working through their efforts but He intends so much more!

They are settling for something good, but not God's best. And sometimes the merely good is enemy of the best.

As Orthodox Christians, I wonder what these great and sincere folks could accomplish within one of our parishes. Y'all please pray for these three couples, that someday the blessed Trinity will woo them into our Holy Church. The fruit that would result would be very significant. Joining their holy zeal with our holy structure would be a dynamic mix.

I guess it's time for some "friendship evangelism" on our part.

(This will probably take a while).

Pax,

Columba Silouan