You probably already know that I walked away from pastoral ministry at a traditional church over 11 years ago to start a church that meets in homes around Orange County, California where 100 percent of the offerings go to support the poor in our community. You probably also know that I’ve since moved to Boise, Idaho and started a new house church group here, and may actually start a second one very soon.
You may even know that I’ve written a book called “Jesus Unveiled” which is about to be published in a few months, about how God’s design for His Church has always been about people who gather as living stones and where everyone is a priest of God offering themselves as daily, living sacrifices.
So, it might be a shock to you that I would say, “House Church is not the answer”. But, I am saying it. It’s not the answer.
Jesus is the answer. The Gospel of the Kingdom is the answer. Living out the teachings of Christ is the answer.
What counts is simply this: Surrendering to Christ alone as a daily follower of Jesus.
So, it’s really not about where you meet on Sunday mornings. It’s more about what happens every other day of your life.
Does it matter how you gather? Yes, I’d say it does matter. Especially if you have any real hope of stepping into the awesome reality of having Christ as your functional leader and head in the Church.
Does it matter if you submit to a pastoral authority? Yes, I’d say that you shouldn’t do that. Especially if you have any real desire to become a member of the priesthood of all believers and fulfill your calling within the Body of Christ.
Does it matter if everyone in the Church has an equal opportunity to speak, and teach, and share, and use the spiritual gifts God has given them? Absolutely! Without this the Church is not a Body at all, according to Paul the Apostle. What makes us a “Body” is when Christ alone is our actual head and when everyone else is working together to share their spiritual gifts for the building up their brothers and sisters in Christ.
But gathering in a home won’t cut it. Meeting in a circle and singing songs won’t accomplish anything. Having a great meeting about Jesus is not the same thing as having an actual meeting with Jesus.
House church is not the answer. Jesus is. And learning to gather beneath the shadow of His wings, and learning to hear His voice together, and actually encountering the Risen One in the fellowship of other submitted and surrendered believers is what every follower of Christ is made for.
Whatever you do, please don’t settle for house church. Gather together with Jesus as your only focus, and accept no substitutes.
**
Keith Giles was formerly a licensed and ordained minister who walked away from organized church 11 years ago, to start a home fellowship that gave away 100% of the offering to the poor in the community. Today, He and his wife live in Meridian, Idaho, awaiting their next adventure.
His new book “Jesus Unbound: Liberating the Word of God from the Bible”, is available now on Amazon and features a Foreword by author Brian Zahnd.
He is also the author of the Amazon best-seller, “Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics To Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb” with a Foreword by Greg Boyd.
Keith also co-hosts the Heretic Happy Hour Podcast on iTunes and Podbean.
BONUS: Want to unlock exclusive content including blog articles, short stories, music, podcasts, videos and more? Visit my Patreon page.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In