What we're doing

[mont974x4]

A few years ago the leadership at the church we were attending and serving in started to push for some whacky new policies. When I tried to talk about it I was dismissed. When I forced the issue, simply demanding an answer of the consequence of not signing an agreement I was told to resign. So we left. I had been feeling the call to pastor for some time, but wanted to keep my pride in check. Some people asked me about planting a church, and I refused. We hunted for a new church home and found one. While having lunch with the senior pastor I mentioned praying about full time ministry. He said I was doing the work of a pastor already so we should make it official. He got the board to create an unpaid pastoral position for me and helped me get started with classes. When he retired the board fired me over doctrinal differences. The differences were always there but apparently the board was unwilling to work through them and the senior pastor retiring opened the door. Again I was asked about planting a church, and again I refused...still wanting to keep my pride in check and wanting to confirm that it was God's plan and not mine (or other peoples). After hunting again for a home church for a few months I had many people, who did not even know me, ask me about planting a home church. So, I accepted the confirmation and we started a home church.

Attempting to model what we see in the NT we meet in one home Sunday mornings. In this service I prepare a message which is followed by open discussion. Following this we have dinner (lunch) and fellowship. We are joined by people from various churches on a semi-regular basis. One evening a week we meet in my own home. We have supper which is followed by a verse by verse study of a book of the Bible (currently Hebrews) and this is taught by me and two other people on a rotating basis. We are also joined by people from other area churches on a regular basis.


It's been an interesting, and at times heart breaking, ride but God is n control and we are waiting in anticipation to see what He has planned.

 

[Johnnz]

I can identify with your journey. Form is less important that function - seeing people learning to relate to Jesus is what church is about, not about structures, roles and traditions, unless they too allow for real expression of the life of Jesus within his people.

John
NZ

 

[mont974x4]

Sorry I did not respond earlier. One of hiccups CF had over the last few days kept this post from showing up on my subscribed list. I actually did not even know my OP went through.



I must say I am impressed with the growth the people in our small fellowship have shown in the last few months. The glory belongs to God and I am thankful I am able to watch it.

 

[Vince53]

We helped start Community Bible Church of Chapala (Mexico), a branch of Community Bible Church of San Antonio, Texas. From them, I learned the idea of having a multi-site church.

The two founders got discouraged and quit, and the church in Texas eventually abandoned all their satellite churches. But we continue to show Christian cartoons in Spanish at a local orphanage and at a Mexican church on Wednesday nights. On Saturday, we bring most of the kids who attend a children's church run by the Assemblies of God. (We are Baptists). We are cautiously starting a ministry of helping retirees down here.

Eventually, my wife and I stopped watching the sermons from the church in Texas. We contacted them, and they were very polite but firm in stating that we had not gone through their classes and so could not have one of their satellite churches.

So here we are, the only surviving church that they started, and God is blessing us.

 

[mont974x4]

He certainly blesses obedience. We get too wrapped up in programs when a simple preaching of the pure Word led to great growth in the NT. I say if it was good enough then well it is good enough now!.

His Word will accomplish what He sets it out to accomplish.

 

[dongt44]

God be with you. Too often organized religion is simply that organized, sharing much in common with the corporate entities of this world. What you are doing is different, and will bring with it its own challenges. If, however, your congregants are being fulfilled by it, then God be praised. Just keep on doing what you are doing.

 

[dayhiker]

I agree with the pastor ... the people also see the anionting of the Lord on you .. so do what God has called you to do and don't worry about the legalists that don't see the hand of God moving.

dayhiker

 

[Stan53]

Your small church group sounds very much like an open brethren church I attended occasionally as a young man and even younger believer. For what it is worth, I firmly believe that there will come a time, not far away, when small group/home churches/Acts Churches will be the only church.
Blessing in Christ.

 

[mont974x4]

Thanks for all the kind words folks.

Stan, I think you're right.