Is this idea in any way biblical?

[Neostarwcc]

I apologize for not keeping up with this topic! I will answer everyone's posts now.

This is incorrect. There were no church buildings, but there were definitely churches--congregations--that did far, far, far more than merely gathering, studying the bible, and praying together.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. -- Acts 2

We need to stop and truly think about intimate level of human organization it takes to make those two sentences possible.

What I said was incomplete, not incorrect. I was in a rush that day. I meant to say that the early churches were mostly all very small home churches.

Now, one can argue that times have changed and denominations were setup and were supposed to choose a denomination and stick with it, but I just feel that many denominations have lost the sense of the word of God. So, this would be a perfect solution as well. My beliefs fit in the most with the old times and with non-denominational Christianity.

I believe the bible should be taken literally, especially many of the verses in the New Testament. And many denominations, don't believe that. So, I just wouldn't fit in.

Many are called to the Priesthood, few are chosen (Mat22) because they do not want to cleanse their flesh (or their garment) to be qualified. Our garment needs to be washed and cleansed in the Blood of Jesus. Rev 7:14 " have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "

Even I have read Leviticus because there are instructions there for those who are called to the Priesthood. If we serve a Holy God then we need to be Holy. So we speak the word of God and not the word of man. Then God will watch over us to make sure what we do and say represents Him. It is not always so easy to live our life as an example for others.

The Living Stone 1 Pet 2
4 As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men, but chosen and precious in God’s sight, 5 you also, like living stones,are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thank you for your great advice! I will study the book of Leviticus carefully before going to priesthood for real.

If God is calling him into the ministry and that is the only thing he is certain of then he should do that.....period. Yes, listen to others if you feel God directed you to do that but, in the end, just do it however you can.

To easy? What!?? lol. If it was too hard we'd be complaining about that. For all I know is it's easy because he made it easy for you...for all *I* know. And it may not be all that easy once you get into it but for all I know, God put it in your mind just they way to do it and that's why it seems easy. and all this is my taking your word for the fact God did indeed choose you for this.

The way I see it, start it, give it your best and if God wants it to succeed it will succeed.....that simple, in essence anyway.

Well, a lot of the things that God has told me to do, has been hard. It was hard to accept that God existed in the first place for me (I was an Atheist for about 8 years). The path that I'm currently following that God has been taking me on, is hard and has been hard. Nothing in life is easy so, it does make me question that if something is easy it might lead me astray.

But, you're right. It definitely won't be easy. I'll have to take theology classes, and do years of studying before I'm to become a capable minister in any way, shape, or form. It just seems like the easier alternative I guess? Because, if I become a minister for a large non-denominational church, I'll have to move, I'll have to learn to speak in front of a large crowd of 100+ people, whereas if I had a home church It'd be a much smaller audience (Which would be hard for me to do. I think 5-10 people would be my cap at the moment) ,

The only call that I know is strong, is the call to ministry. I know that is the right path but, how to take that path, I don't know.

What about if you found a pastor/teacher who could be like a mentor.

Just someone you could talk to and maybe who could help guide you? Tell you the things that are most important and just be like a sounding board for you?

That's a fantastic idea, I will do that.

If you have been called to preach God's word He will make your place to preach just as apparent. Why not start looking for a church that is at that point in their growth where they are looking for a head pastor.

If God has called you, He will send you and place you......You do realize you may have to relocate eh?

I disagree, many things that he's told me to do that were the right path were never made 100% clear and he's never told me 100% of everything all at once.

What were the early churches like? Certainly from reading the apostles letters, they were home churches which then grew until they needed a specific building to contain all the members.

Right, but one can also argue that times have changed and since the denominations formed, and a majority (if not all) of the churches today are home churches. So, I should keep with the times. But, then again whenever someone says "Get with the times." They also ignore the bible. Like, for say example Abortion. It's accepted across the country and if you don't abort your kid, it's considered "wrong" and the wrong way to do it.

Yet, the bible explicitly forbids it.

But, you're right, they are and were biblical at one point in time, I don't see why it cannot be done today and why it shouldn't be done today. I cannot think of a reason.

I wonder why you placed this in *Christian History* If you know that the Lord has called you to minister the Word, be confident, and just go out and evangelize in your locality, and then establish a non-denominational house church. Once it grows beyond that capacity, rent a hall and continue. The New Testament is full of house churches. And do not think that if a solution is simple it is NOT from God. The essence of genius is simplicity and the Bible speaks of the *simplicity of Christ*.

I placed it in Christian History due to an error, I thought it was the Christian Advice section when I posted it. But, I guess parts of this can be history?

Thank you for your fantastic advice, I will take it all into consideration.

The Church existed from Pentecost, and the Apostles set up local churches wherever they went. Yes, at first they met in homes, but they had ordained Presbyters, Deacons, and Bishops, and they didn't just study the Bible and Pray, they also had rites such as Baptism, Communion, Annointing the Sick, Ordination, etc.

I'm not sure who ordained you, but if in fact you are being called to ministry, it is essential that you go to school and study, so that you are fit to lead. A pastor needs more than just the typical layman's understanding in scripture, because people will come to you with unusual questions, and you will need to know the answers. Education will also train you in such things as Christian counseling. Ideally, this training comes before ordination.

You mentioned two non-denom churches. Why are you ruling out denominational churches? The only difference is a non-denominational church is independent, self sufficient. It has no larger governing body to report to (or to hold it accountable should it go astray).

I think it is admirable that you are attending Mass rather than attend no church at all, which must be difficult since obviously you are not Catholic (and therefore cannot receive communion).

I agree with you and all others who tell me, that I should study extensively before I take up priesthood. And I do agree with you, that I need to be able to answer ALL questions that people will be asking me and I will need to know the answers to more than just the frequently asked questions.

I ruled out denominational churches for reasons I've stated a few times in this topic already. I feel that denominations have over the years, lost the word of God. I became non-denominational because it was the Christian denomination that fit me and my religious beliefs the best and fit the word of God the best. I can either choose to relocate to a bigger city, or start my own church.

Nothing wrong with being Catholic. In fact, personally I hope you reach the point where you return to the Catholic church. But that's just me. As to whether you should attend church, THAT is BIBLICAL:
"Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

I never meant to say there was, my mother, Grandfather, and grandmother, are all Catholic. A majority of my family have been Catholics and Protestants. I personally was born and raised Catholic, I just never really fit in with the Catholic church and ever since I was a child, never agreed with their religious beliefs. I don't mean to call them wrong, we are all Christians. They just don't fit with me and they don't fit with the bible.

I believe the bible to be 100% accurate fact and, I can't be Catholic while believing those things. Because they practice many things that aren't in the bible. So, it's nothing against Catholics they are free to believe what they want to. It just, doesn't fit with me and, I never belonged there.

Hey, to be perfectly honest with you I didn't read any of the comments here so idk if anyone already said this, but it's all I could hear when I was reading your words. "Where two or more are gathered in one place, He is there." 18:20 I don't think you are not a Christian or stupid or any of that nonsense. I think you are doing exactly what you should be. You are seeking God and trying to understand what he is telling you. Know what I think? I think he meant for you to minister to you and your family. There isn't a church in your area, so set up Sunday service at home with your wife. Do communion. Invite a few friends for a bible study. Start small. If God wants you to start a church it will just happen. More and more people will come and the demand will get stronger and you will see the need more and more. Eventually it will be screaming in your face, but that might not be the path for you. Either way. I know I'm not the one repeating that verse. It fits too perfectly to your situation. Just remember. Where 2 or more people gather in God's name he will be there. Go ahead and start with your wife as your congregation. Bless you friend. Remember also, if you can't hear His answer, be still and know that he is God. He is in control and will lead you, have faith.

Thank you for your encouragement! I will do that!

Oooohhh don't ever let yourself fall into that trap! God does not ever get tired of hearing from us. He rejoices when we call out on him. For anything. Even the redundant repetitive stuff. He very well may have guided you to ask cf to help with your own doubts but he did not tell you to go find an answer some place else. That is not the nature of our God. Our prayers are a pleasant aroma to him.

Thank you for reminding me of that fact! I had forgotten.

For most of us in ministry, a sense of vocation develops over time.

When I first recognised a call to ministry, I thought God was calling me to be a prison chaplain. I now recognise that actually, I am probably better in parish ministry than I ever would be as a prison chaplain; but more to the point, I also understand why that is, because I've had experience of a range of ministry contexts and also learned more about my own gifts.

Most of us are pointing out to the OP that this is probably the start of a much bigger process which he will undergo over time, and that he needs further training and experience. As he gets those things, he will understand more about what God is calling him to. In the meantime, it will hardly hurt him to learn some more!

Right, which I agree to. Some of the things God asks us to do are just not 100% clear and we are meant to figure out for ourselves. I'm going to need many years of training and experience before I can fully set this into motion.

I was a pastor for many years, so I definitely get the growing sense of vocation and the refinement that happens as one learns about one's own self and the needs of the community. Perhaps that is why the OP stuns me a bit, as typically those claiming a direct line to God with no clear focus have turned out to have other motivations, in most cases that they were not even aware of, suggesting they needed more experience and training than a rubber stamp to do some kind of "new" ministry. The "I will obey no matter what" attitude is especially troubling. I've worked with people who thought God was calling them to all kinds of odd sacrifices, when in reality there were other issues at work. I'm being vague because I don't mean to suggest that the OP author is exactly like these people I've known, but the language used is strikingly similar. I've seen people use "God told me to go into ministry" as a way to escape other realities they needed to face.

Your words are wise, I agree with you. I will take them into account.

How did you get Ordained? I am wondering what your Christian background is, and what version of the Bible do you use? Thanks for answering my questions.

I had already stated this on page 2 but, It's getting to be a big topic so, I understand why you haven't read it all. I was ordained online by the Christian Harvest Church. Which, gave me the legal right to perform everything and to be ordained but, as many people have pointed out throughout the topic that I agree with, it doesn't make me ordained by God. I still have a long way to go before that happens.

My Christian Background? I was born, baptized, and raised Catholic and barely followed the faith for 18 years.

I quit Sunday School after a few months, But took classes during the weekday after school to make my mother happy. I received my first communion late at the age of like, 14. And, I never had my confirmation.

At the age of 18, I left Christianity for good for a while and became an Atheist. Then, around the age of 26 or so after I couldn't take my Sinful life anymore, because it was completely falling apart. I rejoined Christianity, accepted Christ as Lord and savior and rose to what I believe was Heaven, was visited by the holy spirit, and cleansed of my sins in a dream that night. I also met my wife a few months after that and my life began to change for the better.

Skipping over a few irrelevant parts, I spent about 2 years studying the bible and trying to find a denomination that fit with the bible. I finally found Non-Denominational Christianity and it fit perfectly and I have considered myself Non-Denominational ever since. I haven't walked in a church since I was 27 (It was a Catholic one). And before that, I was about the age of 15.

My wife and I got married last year and have been trying to find a Church to attend with no success. So, both of us feel like Heathens and feel that, it's about time we start attending church and getting as close as possible to God again. And, that's about all of my Christian Background skipping the irrelevant parts.

I have been using the King James Version of the bible since 2015. Before that, I read a Catholic one online and used my wife's Catholic one. I believe It's NLT. But, I'm not sure.

Wow. Less than 2 weeks to get ordained. That's fast. I would have expected years of preparation and study.

You certainly aren't the first person to think about starting a new congregation because you didn't like what's available in your community. New congregations start up all the time usually because the person doesn't agree or thinks they can do better than the dozens of congregations in the area. There's a lot more to being a pastor than just knowing scripture. You could start by leading a weekly bible study group.

It's very fast. I now realize that, it was a mistake and I should have taken the much, much longer path and gotten ordained by a non-denominational church in my State instead. I guess, I just wanted to rush everything because, I usually give up on things way too early and, I didn't want to give up on this.

 

[RDKirk]

What I said was incomplete, not incorrect. I was in a rush that day. I meant to say that the early churches were mostly all very small home churches.

Nope, not incomplete but incorrect. There was only one congregation per city. That congregation may have met most often in small groups simply because there were no large facilities permitted (except rented facilities as Paul rented in Ephesus), but "home church" is an incorrect concept. They were city-wide congregations that met in homes.

 

[Paidiske]

It's okay. You have time to do the work you need to do now. Your path might have been a bit irregular but God will still be able to do something useful with it!

I just wanted to say - you don't need to be able to answer all questions you get asked. And in fact it's important to realise that there will always be questions which you can't answer. Sometimes that will be the start of a process of you and the person asking exploring the question together (if it's a faith-related question).

But sometimes the right thing to do will be to refer that person on to someone else with more expertise in an appropriate area. I refer people to doctors, counsellors and the like often, even lawyers sometimes, or whatever, because I'm not any of those things and it would be dangerous for me to pretend to be competent in that area.

 

[BryanMaloney]

"Nondenominational" is a denomination. It just isn't a hierarchically-governed denomination.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Most home churches I see are more of bible studies almost. Not like a traditional church where theres a pastor, communion...etc. That aside if you can't find a church to go to just watch live streams every sunday online. Theres an infinite amount of places you can watch. When we don't make it to church, we just watch the stream online. And best part is lets say you are gone on a sunday, you can go home and watch the service at any time since they record them and put them online.

 

[farout]

Okay, so here's the problem.

I and my wife recognize the need and necessity to go to Church. However there are only two non denominational churches in our area and, one is in town. The church in town, does not follow the word of God. They don't even practice communion (A very important part of a Christian church) in their church.

So, I've marked it as a church for us to avoid. There is one other church within 60 miles of here that I have not checked out yet.

But, we have no car and cannot afford to buy one and, 60 miles is a long commute to take by bus. If a bus, even exists to the town that we'd have to go to. We usually hitch a ride with my mother while she attends her Catholic Churches Sunday service.

I know, these all sound like excuses but, I don't mean them to sound so.

And, about 2 weeks ago while I was praying the Lord told me to become a minister so, I got ordained and started to work on my own Church group and doing research on becoming a minister.

At first, I was going to do the Church online but then, I realized "Oh yeah, if I do my church online on Youtube, how are we going to have communion?" and 'Having online service just isn't going to be the same as physically being there."

So, my idea is this.

I can start my own church from my own home and be the minister of that church.

And, by communicating with the masses online. I can reach out to thousands and thousands of Christians. More than I ever could in ANY church.

Obviously not to many people here on Christian Forums have a problem with that, as well... Christian Forums exists.

I also want to write my own book teaching the word of God to the world.

I can talk to fellow Christians around the world by communicating with them online, developing friendships with them, helping with them with their daily problems, and talking about Christianity and the ilk.

And, I can fill the ministerial parts of my obligations by running my Church from my own home trying to get as many members into my home as I can. And, if it ends up only being attended by my wife and family? At least I tried.

But, we could have communion, I could write up sermons and service, I could do everything that a church does, only from the privacy and comfort of my own home.

And it wouldn't be sinful because, I'm an ordained minister who both legally and biblically can perform those rites.

I also know legally speaking, I can start my own church from my home and run a church from home.

However, I want to know about biblically. I want to know if this is what the Lord was talking about when he told me to become a minister. If not? I'll continue to search for the answer.

It seems like the perfect plan and the perfect solution to our church problem, only... TOO perfect and far too easy. Usually the right and proper path that God wants you to take, is not easy. Which, is causing me to have doubts. I have asked God in prayer and he told me to post and ask for advice here. So, here I am.

And, I have one thought.

If this was a way to be Christian, why haven't Christians thought of it and practiced it before? And if they have, why haven't I noticed it before or seen anyone doing it through online research?

So, it seems like I already know the answer and this is NOT what God meant when he said he wanted me to be a minister.

And please, don't call me stupid or "not a Christian". Because, unlike many Christians out there? I'll admit my mistakes. I'll always search for the truth. I won't just pick the first answer someone suggests and then go with that. I'll do weeks and weeks of research and bible study to get the right solution to my problems. I want to weigh all of the options so that I can figure out what God meant when he told me he wanted me to be a minister and run my own church. If running my own church was even the solution. Maybe he wanted me to be a life coach minister or other kind of minister. I'm supposed to figure out this journey alone. God will not completely show me the way.

I just want a solution to this problem besides, move. I don't want to move far away from my family when my parents are as old as they are and, our entire family pretty much lives together. But, if that's what God wants? That's what he wants. I'm to obey.

I read your very long answers, that must of taken you a good amount of time to respond to all of us, thank you.

Being called to be a Pastor requires preparation, and when God calls it all begins with "Here am I Lord". Just a few ideas for you. Get a Bible that is as accurate as possible, the NLT is NOT even close, as it is a paraphrased version to make easy reading to just get the ideas of what is being said. The most accurate Bibles are 1. New American Standard Bible. 2. English Standard Version. 3. Holman Christian Standard Bible. Most of the other versions are gender neutral, mostly dynamic equivalent translations. For you learning what the Bible says about the basic areas of Christian growth is vital to begin the preparation to become a Pastor / preacher.

You need to start educating yourself with Bible courses, either by long-distance learning or by moving to where a Bible school is located. Just the desire is the first part of Gods calling. Preparation is the next part of your calling. Some Try to avoid preparing and just jumping right in without any training what so ever, and end up shipwrecking their faith and hurting people who began to be a part of a church these ill prepared pastors started.

You need to pray for God to verify your call and that is done in many ways, but always by a burning desire to Follow Jesus. I would not be hung up on non denominationalism. Try going to say a Baptist church. God works is many churches that not too many are alike except for basic Doctrines.

My wife and I found God gave us ample opportunities to serve and preach while preparing for ministry. One word of caution, I would be very careful of borrowing to get your preparation in educating you and your wife. My wife and I both did our college and Seminary together, but at different paces. We both felt we needed to prepare as a couple. Otherwise we felt is would be a disadvantage in our growth as a couple who wanted to grow together. That has proved to be a good choice.

Do not forget the evil one is going to do all he can to put obstacles in your path, and bring discouragement, cause fights, and financial troubles and more to do all he can to stop you from growing in your faith and following the call you believe God is drawing you to/

Be much in prayer that Gods call may not be in ministry, but just for you to be as close to Jesus Christ as possible as both have similar feelings. May God direct path, and be with you.

 

[farout]

Most home churches I see are more of bible studies almost. Not like a traditional church where theres a pastor, communion...etc. That aside if you can't find a church to go to just watch live streams every sunday online. Theres an infinite amount of places you can watch. When we don't make it to church, we just watch the stream online. And best part is lets say you are gone on a sunday, you can go home and watch the service at any time since they record them and put them online.

That would be fine for shut inns. However Scripture says otherwise. Hebrews 10:24 and 25 makes it clear we are to be a part of a local body. That may require several options. But God will show us His way if we submit our will to His and walk out in faith one step at a time. Perhaps some other couple could take them with them where they go. There is always Gods way and our way. Satan does all he can to stop us from going to church. Clothes are still wet in the dryer, fight with the mate, kids act up, car won't start, alarm did not go off, it's raining, snowing, it's too hot, I am too tired. There are millions of reasons Satan uses to keep us out of Worshipping the Lord at Church. The real test of Faith sometimes is getting out of bed.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Well you won't go to hell or be in sin if you don't belong to a body. Though obviously you probably will fall from God since you have no input/output through anyone.

 

[ToBeLoved]

For most of us in ministry, a sense of vocation develops over time.

When I first recognised a call to ministry, I thought God was calling me to be a prison chaplain. I now recognise that actually, I am probably better in parish ministry than I ever would be as a prison chaplain; but more to the point, I also understand why that is, because I've had experience of a range of ministry contexts and also learned more about my own gifts.

Most of us are pointing out to the OP that this is probably the start of a much bigger process which he will undergo over time, and that he needs further training and experience. As he gets those things, he will understand more about what God is calling him to. In the meantime, it will hardly hurt him to learn some more!

I thought God wanted me to marry my ex-husband. I was wrong.


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[ToBeLoved]

"Nondenominational" is a denomination. It just isn't a hierarchically-governed denomination.

Thank you ! I have been saying this
Forever.


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[PastorFreud]

I thought God wanted me to marry my ex-husband. I was wrong.


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My wife would say the same thing about her ex-husband. She was so sure she was supposed to marry him and deliver him from his "gayness." Didn't happen. 12 years of a very difficult life for her and a realization that feelings, no matter how strong they are, are not the Lord telling her to do something. She now uses wisdom and processes her feelings to see what possible meanings they may have. She loved her ex, he loved her. Love alone is not enough. In a similar way, a "call to ministry" might just be strong compassion, and it might be better directed into other ways of serving.

 

[farout]

Well you won't go to hell or be in sin if you don't belong to a body. Though obviously you probably will fall from God since you have no input/output through anyone.

If we do not obey in the small issues do you think Jesus will trust us with bigger issues? Being called to be a pastor and not going to Worship with other believers, is a serious flaw right off the bat. Gods Word has spoken and for me that settles that.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Oh no I agree. Bu being called to be pastor may or may not be true, sometimes its the person wanting it. Sometimes its God. In the end obviously we cannot say which because only God knows. As for worshiping with other believers, I agree. You should be doing it. However I have seen many who don't because they see no evidence that it is a sin if you don't go at all. Which sadly its up to them. But you will never grow as a christian sitting at home and ignoring church.

 

[joshua 1 9]

There were no church buildings, but there were definitely churches--congregations

There were seven churches and we can read about them in the book of Rev. Their strengths and their weakness. Some people feel they are a type of the different churches that we still have in the world today. Although every now and then someone will say this is no longer the church age, this is the Kingdom age. But as a dispensationalist I believe this is still the church age. (Age of Grace, Holy Spirit Dispensation)

 

[Sola1517]

Okay, so here's the problem.

I and my wife recognize the need and necessity to go to Church. However there are only two non denominational churches in our area and, one is in town. The church in town, does not follow the word of God. They don't even practice communion (A very important part of a Christian church) in their church.

So, I've marked it as a church for us to avoid. There is one other church within 60 miles of here that I have not checked out yet.

But, we have no car and cannot afford to buy one and, 60 miles is a long commute to take by bus. If a bus, even exists to the town that we'd have to go to. We usually hitch a ride with my mother while she attends her Catholic Churches Sunday service.

I know, these all sound like excuses but, I don't mean them to sound so.

And, about 2 weeks ago while I was praying the Lord told me to become a minister so, I got ordained and started to work on my own Church group and doing research on becoming a minister.

At first, I was going to do the Church online but then, I realized "Oh yeah, if I do my church online on Youtube, how are we going to have communion?" and 'Having online service just isn't going to be the same as physically being there."

So, my idea is this.

I can start my own church from my own home and be the minister of that church.

And, by communicating with the masses online. I can reach out to thousands and thousands of Christians. More than I ever could in ANY church.

Obviously not to many people here on Christian Forums have a problem with that, as well... Christian Forums exists.

I also want to write my own book teaching the word of God to the world.

I can talk to fellow Christians around the world by communicating with them online, developing friendships with them, helping with them with their daily problems, and talking about Christianity and the ilk.

And, I can fill the ministerial parts of my obligations by running my Church from my own home trying to get as many members into my home as I can. And, if it ends up only being attended by my wife and family? At least I tried.

But, we could have communion, I could write up sermons and service, I could do everything that a church does, only from the privacy and comfort of my own home.

And it wouldn't be sinful because, I'm an ordained minister who both legally and biblically can perform those rites.

I also know legally speaking, I can start my own church from my home and run a church from home.

However, I want to know about biblically. I want to know if this is what the Lord was talking about when he told me to become a minister. If not? I'll continue to search for the answer.

It seems like the perfect plan and the perfect solution to our church problem, only... TOO perfect and far too easy. Usually the right and proper path that God wants you to take, is not easy. Which, is causing me to have doubts. I have asked God in prayer and he told me to post and ask for advice here. So, here I am.

And, I have one thought.

If this was a way to be Christian, why haven't Christians thought of it and practiced it before? And if they have, why haven't I noticed it before or seen anyone doing it through online research?

So, it seems like I already know the answer and this is NOT what God meant when he said he wanted me to be a minister.

And please, don't call me stupid or "not a Christian". Because, unlike many Christians out there? I'll admit my mistakes. I'll always search for the truth. I won't just pick the first answer someone suggests and then go with that. I'll do weeks and weeks of research and bible study to get the right solution to my problems. I want to weigh all of the options so that I can figure out what God meant when he told me he wanted me to be a minister and run my own church. If running my own church was even the solution. Maybe he wanted me to be a life coach minister or other kind of minister. I'm supposed to figure out this journey alone. God will not completely show me the way.

I just want a solution to this problem besides, move. I don't want to move far away from my family when my parents are as old as they are and, our entire family pretty much lives together. But, if that's what God wants? That's what he wants. I'm to obey.

You know I thought about doing something similar, the Church in the first century was no where near as institutional as the church of today. As a matter of fact I think that the church should de-institutionalize.

How do you plan on getting members? Door to door?

 

[RDKirk]

You know I thought about doing something similar, the Church in the first century was no where near as institutional as the church of today. As a matter of fact I think that the church should de-institutionalize.

How do you plan on getting members? Door to door?

What do you mean by "institutional?"

 

[Sola1517]

What do you mean by "institutional?"

Having a building and a weekly offering to help the church keep the building.

 

[Meowzltov]

My beliefs fit in the most with the old times and with non-denominational Christianity.

A non-denominational church is simply a church that doesn't answer to a larger body such as a denominational headquarters. This means that should it go astray, there is no one to hold it accountable. It is independent. There is absolutely no guarantee that it is closer to the original teachings of the apostles than any denominational church.

 

[Sola1517]

A non-denominational church is simply a church that doesn't answer to a larger body such as a denominational headquarters. This means that should it go astray, there is no one to hold it accountable. It is independent. There is absolutely no guarantee that it is closer to the original teachings of the apostles than any denominational church.

I think it depends on the kind of person leading it. As long as it's based on the Bible (specifically Christ's example) it's what I want to model.

 

[Meowzltov]

I think it depends on the kind of person leading it. As long as it's based on the Bible (specifically Christ's example) it's what I want to model.

All churches are based on the Bible. It all depends on the INTERPRETATION of the Bible.