Recognizing Gifts Among The Body...Even The Five Year-Olds!

My son seems always interested in who knows Jesus and who doesn't. "Does Granny know Jesus? Does the Lion King know Jesus? Does Kermit the Frog know Jesus?" We just sort of laughed these questions off shaking our heads in wonder until this past weekend. We visited my in-laws in Alabama for a long weekend trip. My Brother in-law wanted to go on a fishing trip taking our two kids and his three year-old son. We all piled into his truck and I buckled my son into his booster seat, as I closed the door I heard my son ask his uncle who was in the driver's seat, "Uncle John, do you know Jesus?" I didn't hear the answer though I can imagine it, John is active in his church. But I laughed and explained when I got in the passenger seat what my son has been doing.

It wasn't until I was at work two days later that I realized what had happened. My son, who is shy and intimidated especially by men he admires, asked with frankness and boldness whether or not his Uncle was saved. Could this be a budding gift of evangelism emerging within our church family?

My son had avoided dealing with salvation until last year (he took this kind of thing pretty seriously, even for a toddler) though his earliest religious experiences had been in traditional churches; Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, etc.. Its in these program environments where every kid goes down to the altar to accept Christ about ten times a year. Then last year we decided to make the break from traditional church and go where God called us. We started with having a hike out in the Smoky Mountains national park and tying the experience to a Bible study. The first week we were out the Holy Spirit began dealing with my son. Right after returning home my son asked his mother to pray with him while he kneeled by his bedside. How awesome is that? The first "service" in our house church and my son gets saved.

Now we are starting to wonder, "is our son demonstrating a spiritual gift this early in his Christian walk?" I remember reading that God provides what is needed for a house church no matter how small the gathering may be.

Guidelines from Christian Home Church Network

I think that these guidelines for doing a house church are a really good place to start. Especially interesting are some of the issues I have been struggling with. Things that I have felt for some time are wrong about our traditional churches. One is the idea that "everyone is welcome at our church". The Body of Christ is just that, the gathering of believers in Jesus. Evangelism should take place outside the church not in its walls. I heard someone say that a big problem with today's church is that what should be the biggest force for evangelism has turned into the biggest field for evangelism. For example, I can't imagine trying to grow as a Christian while listening to endless arguments for a subject like the existence of God. That type of topic should be settled long before entering into a gathering of Christians. Would you go to a meeting of American Athiests posing as a potential member and then argue the existence of God during thier meetings? I don't think you would get very far. Its amazing to me that so many go to churches and have little or no interest in God.

A second point is that children should be included whenever possible. I have always had a problem with the separation of families in traditional settings. I understand if there are special teachings or subjects discussed that are not age-appropriate that we need to have something different for the children. But during regular worship (teaching, study, sacraments, music, etc.) the entire family should be included.

Finally, the admonition to avoid imitating other churches. Letting God lead and develop the community of believers is and exciting and essential process. I cannot imagine trying to do this thing and not having gone through all the stumbling, bumbeling trials and errors we have attempted.

I have only highlighted a few areas but all these guidelines are excellent. I know that sometimes what looks good on paper doesn't work out the same in real experience but, hey, we all gotta start somewhere!

This is a great video from house2house. I have read Wolfgang Simpson's book, "Houses that Change the World", finding it very informative and inspiring. Its amazing to see so many people with the same vision and understanding of scripture that has been developing in my heart over the last five years.

The People of God Searching for Substance!

A few thoughts on this video. I find the criticism of Barna by the traditional church pastor interesting. I see the house church environment as devoid of commercialism. But look at the clip of the worship service at his church...colored spot lights, worship team, hip and happening type service...totally commercial! You can't be commercial in house church. Yes, there are always those nominal "Christians" who are looking for the next best thing but I don't believe they will ever think of a house church that way. The big threat to traditional churches that house churches pose is loss of income, attendance numbers and a challenge to the idea of professional (paid) clergy.

I think the biggest message of this news story is that people of faith are walking away from traditional settings and looking for something more intimate, challenging and more authentic.