Article From The Simple Church Journal

The following article is from the Simple Church Journal aka House Church Blog. It is from a book titled "The Simple/House Church Revolution" by Roger Thoman.

My intention for posting it is not to continue the argument of house church vs. traditional church. For me that has been resolved by my understanding of "one body, many parts". I think it is a simple reminder of what the church is.

Read it and be reminded and encouraged. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 2: Defining "Church" (Webster Has It Wrong)
From "The Simple/House Church Revolution" Book. The entire book can still be downloaded here.

Church according to Miriam-Webster’s online dictionary:
1: a building for public and especially Christian worship
2: the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3: a body or organization of religious believers: as a: the whole body of Christians b: denomination c: congregation
4: a public divine worship
Webster defines church according to the way this word is used today. I was taught this same definition as a little boy when I would put my hands together and recite the rhyme: “Here is the church, and here is the steeple; open the door and here are all the people.”

Jesus, however, introduced the term “church” with a very different meaning in mind. He used a word “ekklesia” that simply described a group or assembly of people. This is the original definition of the word. He described “church” as those people who were following Him—people walking in allegiance to him. People. His followers. Nothing more than that.

Jesus did not spend much time describing how to organize his people together or how to do meetings. Rather, his focus was on a lifestyle of loving others and obeying Him: “Go into all the world…” “Let your light shine…” “Do what you see the Father doing…” “Love one another…” Church, as defined by Jesus, was simply his followers living life for and with him.

Over the years, however, the word “church” began to include the many structures and forms that we added to the original meaning:
• Public meeting places (buildings or storefronts)
• Organizations of believers who get together to be led by a worship team and preached to by a pastor
• Denominations that we join
But, as John Eldredge reminds us:
Church is not a building. Church is not an event that takes place on Sundays. I know, it's how we've come to think of it. ‘I go to First Baptist.’ ‘We are members of St. Luke's.’ ‘Is it time to go to church?’ Much to our surprise, that is not how the Bible uses the term. Not at all.
No. Not at all. Church is God’s people—those who are choosing to live life with Jesus… 24/7. That is it. Nothing more.

But don’t God’s people gather together? Yes. We do see gatherings take place in Scripture. Many gatherings. Most often informal and simple. Normally in homes (Romans 16:5). Everyone participated (1 Corinthians 14:26). They functioned as spiritual families that cared deeply for one another (Romans 12:10). Yet the focus of the church (God’s people) was a lifestyle of Jesus-following, rather than organizing events, attending programs, or joining organizations.

Perhaps the best way to describe the church of the New Testament is as small, vibrant, caring families of believers who are loving others and reproducing themselves into every corner of the world.

The Things I Learned About Church From Bible College

I attended a Bible College as a brand new Christian hungry to live a life useful to God. I loved reading the stories of the disciples following Jesus, traveling with him, ministering with him, doing miracles alongside of Jesus as he poured out his life for others. I thought it was fantastic. I enjoyed studying the book of Acts and seeing God’s people going throughout the world, filled by the Spirit, walking in God’s purposes and power. But, as a subtext, I was also taught to “do church” in Bible college. It was not a specific class. There was no text book. I simply learned to follow “how it was done” by those around me. Frankly, the way I learned to “do church” did not look much at all like the lives of the early disciples that I was studying and wanting to be like.

Nevertheless, by the time I felt called to pastor a church, I no longer questioned how church was done. We started with a building and a core group of Christians. We invited, and planned, and organized, and put together Sunday events. We built more buildings and started more services to invite people to. We developed programs for young and old, men and women, married and divorced. We hired staff and we organized ministry teams.

Without realizing it, we were following human traditions for church life that were developed over the centuries: cathedrals, pulpit-led services, pews, order-of-service, etc. All of these things may be useful in their place (God can use anything), but they have no place in the basic definition of “church.”
Sadly, as the church has adopted more and more traditions and become more and more institutionalized, it has become largely ineffective in its impact on earth. In the western world, where we have created the best organizational church systems that exist, Christianity is declining. In contrast, in parts of India and China where the expression of church is largely organic, simple, and fluid, the church is flourishing.

Our longing is to see the church restored to its essence of life and vitality so that she becomes the full expression of Christ’s power and love on earth. This is the great hope of God’s kingdom coming to influence, save, and redeem a lost planet. Priscilla Shirer made this comment:

In the first century in Palestine Christianity was a community of believers. Then Christianity moved to Greece and became a philosophy. Then it moved to Rome and became an institution. Then it moved to Europe and became a culture. And then it moved to America and became a business. We need to get back to being a healthy, vibrant community of true followers of Jesus.

Being Church.

My Filipino friend, Molong Nacua, wrote an excellent article entitled “Being Church” that reminds us of the true meaning of “church:”
Church is where Christ lives, not the place where we meet. It is Christ-empowered people, a kingdom of priests for the purpose of winning against the works of the devil and establishing God's Kingdom (1 Cor. 3:17; Matt. 18:19; Ex. 19:6)… Christianity is not about doing church, but being the church. Church is not some place to go to participate in, but it is about being who you are in Christ and thus experiencing His real life in you. Your Christianity was never defined by attending a particular church. It is defined by Christ in you. In other words, you are a Christian 24/7, not because you participate in a two-hour worship service, but because Christ lives in you every minute of every day.


Again, my intention is not to step on toes. If anyone is offended please forgive me. I was encouraged as I read this article that I am a part of the church. It excites me to see the bigger picture. God bless y'all real good.

I Need Them! They Need Me!

I see the church differently today than I did twenty-nine years ago. I was twenty-one years old when I became a believer. I was "saved" in the Lutheran church, Missouri Synod. After two years I joined the Wisconsin Synod which was more conservative. Later I spent time in a non-denominational church and eventually ended up in a pentecostal church.

I held different positions from youth leader to worship leader. I was on a pastoral search committee and lead a small group.

At one time I thought of church as only the people that belonged to my group. Church was confined to everyone within the four walls of the building. I was only seeing a part of the picture. The building had windows but I thought they were for letting in light not looking out into the world. I'm glad God is bigger than that. I am thankful that He began a good work in me. (Philippians 1:6)

I am no longer a member of a particular church body. I meet with a group of people on Sunday morning for coffee, bagels, Bible study, and encouragement. I still lead a small group. I am a part of the body of Christ! I always was! Today I have a fresh perspective on what that means.

Does this mean that believers who gather in different places with different forms are not a part of the body? NO! That's the point! We're all a part of the body! I need them! They need me! Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. One body, many parts!

When another part of the body has a need and I can help, I should. When another part of the body needs encouragement, I should speak up. When another part of the body needs prayer, I pray. Should I not fellowship with other parts of the body because I'm not a member of their church? Should they keep me from fellowship because I'm not a member? 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."

This world has enough challenges. We need Jesus and we need each other. How healthy is a body with missing parts? God bless y'all real good.

Thoughts on 2 Timothy

This past Sunday we touched on 2 Timothy at B & B Fellowship. As the day progressed I felt the need to look at it further. I then decided to look at it with our Wednesday night group. We read the whole book out loud from the Message Remix Bible. As an old friend used to say, "The Lord blessed me down to my shoes!"

2 Timothy is Paul's last letter. What was on his mind? What would you want to say to someone if it was your last letter?

I see it as a letter of encouragement, speaking of Timothy's "honest faith" and his "special gift of ministry". Paul says, "So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us." He goes on, "throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me.."

Timothy is warned to "stay clear of pious talk" (his words must be backed by a godly life) and to "run away from infantile indulgence" (run after mature righteousness).
"Refuse to get involved in inane discussions, they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool..."

It wouldn't be easy though. He would have to "take your share of the suffering for the Message". He says, "When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did." Paul was writing this letter from prison having been abandoned by many of his followers (2 Timothy 1:15). Timothy should not expect anything better, neither should we.

There's so much more. Get your Bible out and read 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT) says, "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Read it and let me know what stands out to you.

Finally Paul says in chapter four, verse two (NLT), "Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."

God bless y'all real good.

The Meeting Place Doesn't Manifest God's Kingdom

I entered the house church verses traditional church debate about two or three years ago. My wife attends a traditional church. I attend a fellowship that meets in a house on Sunday morning.

For those of you that might be concerned because my wife and I don't worship at the same place on Sunday morning, don't be. We have a small group that meets in our home on Wednesday nights. On occasional Sunday afternoons we meet with other believers for singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. We are "not forsaking our own assembling together".

My two Sunday meetings are not defined. By that I mean they are less structured. Wednesday night is a little more structured. We have a Bible study, either a book of the Bible or a topical study. The folks that attend the Wednesday meeting have a pretty good idea what to expect.

The different meetings mentioned above are a part of God's kingdom. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them." Mat.18:20.

Because of my situation, I feel I have more freedom to serve where I'm needed. I can help a friend with music ministry at his church. I can fill in for a youth pastor who's on vacation at another church. Guess what? When I'm doing those things, I get to fellowship with other members of God's kingdom!

Others are called to serve one particular assembly. My wife fits that category. She's a treasurer and board member. She's made a commitment to serve the Lord at the church she attends. Hey! We're all a part of God's kingdom!

Luke 9:49,50 says, "John answered, 'Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow us.' But Jesus said to him, 'Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you."

The kingdom is manifest when people that are "for Him" gather. Where they gather is not important. It can be in a cathedral or a cafeteria, in a building or at a bus stop. I am really excited by what the Lord has been showing me concerning His kingdom! God bless y'all real good.

The Church (What Do You Think)

THE CHURCH. If I were to gather my Christian friends in a room and open a discussion about the church, it would probably release a set of fireworks that would make the Y2K New York harbor fireworks look like a sparkler in the hands of a 3-year old. The opinions (all based in Scripture) would be diverse to say the least.

What I would like to do is hear from you. How would you define "church"? I read a quote basically saying that we have replaced the "Kingdom of God" with "church" therefore losing the meaning of both. What do you think about that? Let's see some fireworks! (If this stirs up anger in you please count to ten before responding)