There’s no place like home, these Christians say

July 29, 2007

Check out this article from the LA Times on house churches. A recent survey finds that small gatherings in believers' homes are attended by 1 in 11 US adults.

1 Comment »

Its amazing to me that anytime our culture latches on to a new thing we suddenly are very outspoken about the things that are wrong with the way we “used to do it.”

I can see the benefits of both home and mega churches. I agree that there is a shift in our younger generation, myself included at 32 years old.

The thing that I am wrestling with right now is the concept that I don’t have access to the big-time players (my megachurch pastor) and that leaves me to try and filter and discuss what he says with others. Its not a bad thing, but I want to talk and have a relationship with the person that is leading me.

I believe that when Jesus was not in His speaking or teaching mode, He was accessible to those that wanted to know more.

That said, I think those that are moving toward the House Church concept are wanting to be able to throw ideas back at the leader and get feedback; that’s something that you can’t do in a church of 4000 unless your “plugged-in” to the right connection.

Case and Point: I do realize that the major players of our Christian culture are busy people. I recently sent an email to a well-known mega church pastor wanting to draw more from him. I offered to drive to his city, and buy him lunch ONCE A YEAR.... 30 minutes out of 8544 hours in a year....just to have the opportunity to talk with him.

Upon pressing the send button for the email I automatically get an autoresponse saying “we cannot respond to every email, but if your question merits a reply we will do so as soon as possible.”

Its not the fact that there are probably a lot people wanting to do the same thing, I understand that, its fact that my email didn’t even warrant a “NO, I dont have time” that makes me feel disconnected.

Many megachurch pastors are viewed as corporate giants with people and administrations acting as buffers and handlers shielding them from body of believers. And if I wanted to talk an associate pastor I would have asked for one… right?

I think the small house churches are trying to gather and make a connection with leaders that they can actually talk to. Leadership is listening too! There is something to be said for being directly connected with your authority.

The only problem with small groups is that they may have trouble making a real global impact as a corporate body.

Just a thought.....
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Comment by Steven - Jul 31, 2007 @ 07:21 PM

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