Housechurch.

[minichef]

Well... Which is it?

[LJ Gibbs]

Any place that two or more believers come together to pray,worship, or share Christ with others is where the church is. The house is merely a building just as any other building so I voted yes.

[Laura Ingalls]

Well, since the Bible does mention the fact that the New Testament church met in each other's houses, I would hope everyone would agree that it is just as valid as a church meeting together in larger buildings.
My family has been members of a couple different home churches, and we desire to be in another one. One potential problem with the ones we've been a part of, is that they are naturally smaller in size, which is a good thing in many ways. You get much closer relationships, more participation, etc. However, when families move or something, it really makes a dent in your congregation.

[The Top Crusader]

There are great benefits but when bigger churches launch that kind of thing I have seen it tear the church apart... so I suppose if there is no parent church they are under they probably are better off.

[Joanne]

Well, since the Bible does mention the fact that the New Testament church met in each other's houses, I would hope everyone would agree that it is just as valid as a church meeting together in larger buildings.

While I don't disagree with all house churches, I think it is important not to say that just because the Bible mentioned it means it's ok. I could talk about having church in a boat in a letter to someone, but just because I mentioned doesn't mean they should do it or everyone else should.

[Laura Ingalls]

I'm not saying, "EVERYONE SHOULD HOUSE CHURCH!!" I do, however, think that people should definitely look to the NT more as an example of how a church should be. One thing seen throughout is that they were indeed smaller groups meeting in each other's homes. Just as we see in Acts that they continually devoted themselves to prayer, breaking of bread, etc. we also see them in homes. It's not just that it's mentioned in a neutral or a negative way, like say David and Bathsheba is mentioned and we don't follow that example. It's the way the church started, and I think it's an important thing to take note of. I also think it's rather funny that nowadays, lots of people think churches that meet in homes are really weird and strange, and even NON-Biblical, when that's what is all throughout the NT.

Note, just because a church is in a house, does not mean it's following the other examples/commands for the church in the Bible. There can be really doctrinally messed up house churches. But there are just as many messed up "real churches", as some people put it. It's not the fact that it's held in a home that's wrong.

Balloon 20

PM this number to Marvin!

[Jesus' Princess]

I don't think it matters whether you meet in a Church building, a house, or a boat in the middle of the ocean, you can have church where ever you want. Just because it's in a big Church building does not mean that it is "better" than the people who choose to meet in homes. As long as the doctrine is sound, house churches are wonderful. (the same with larger churches)

[John Chrysostom]

I think wherever you meet though it is important to be part of a larger church body, the verse in Acts says "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." I've been to several home churches and non-denominational churches where the lack of oversight became a problem once there was disagreements amongst the elders and pastors.

As several of you have said the location doesn't matter and I agree I think the doctrine is the important thing.

[SoccerLOTR]

I think wherever you meet though it is important to be part of a larger church body, the verse in Acts says "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." I've been to several home churches and non-denominational churches where the lack of oversight became a problem once there was disagreements amongst the elders and pastors.

As several of you have said the location doesn't matter and I agree I think the doctrine is the important thing.

Yes. Pretty much my answer...It depends on the church. Many house churches where the main difference is only location I have no problem with...but if it is only one or two families (particularly one) then i don't feel like it is really good fellowship with other believers, as I believe is one of the main objectives for the church.

[Josef1004]

I don't think it matters whether you meet in a Church building, a house, or a boat in the middle of the ocean, you can have church where ever you want. Just because it's in a big Church building does not mean that it is "better" than the people who choose to meet in homes. As long as the doctrine is sound, house churches are wonderful. (the same with larger churches)

You talk about "having church" as if church were an activity. Don't you think though, that the church is actually a body of believers?

[Jesus' Princess]

Yes I do, but what I meant was that the body of believers can meet anywhere, it doesn't have to be in a church building. Our house church has met in houses, back yards, one time in someones barn building, it didn't really matter where though, What mattered was that we were gathering together and worshiping God, and fellowshiping with one another.

[LJ Gibbs]

The building no matter where you meet has absolutely nothing to do with the church

The Church is whenever two or more believers are gathered together in the name of Christ. You want to look to the NT for the church. Thats where its at. Its where all believers regardless of denomination rise up as the body of Christ. The building is nothing but wood, metal, stone, brick and fiber glass. Its the people. The people are the church.

[John Chrysostom]

I agree the Church is the people not the building, however I think the definition has to include more than just two people gathering in God's name, when we look to the Church in Acts it talks about prayer, communion, and a shared belief in the doctrine of the Apostles. Like I said earlier if a church, whether it's a house church or a mega church with tens of thousands of people, has wrong doctrine and no oversight it is in trouble.

[Josef1004]

The building no matter where you meet has absolutely nothing to do with the church

The Church is whenever two or more believers are gathered together in the name of Christ. You want to look to the NT for the church. Thats where its at. Its where all believers regardless of denomination rise up as the body of Christ. The building is nothing but wood, metal, stone, brick and fiber glass. Its the people. The people are the church.

And when they are not gathered together, do you think they cease to be a church?