20 House Church Tips

From time to time, as the Holy Spirit leads us, my wife, Barbara, and I are asked to come and either plant or encourage a new House Church (HC) group, usually within 300 miles. This past weekend was one of those privileged occasions. Since we returned home, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about various aspects of a successful HC and I started writing these down. Here they are; 20 House Church Tips. I hope this information will help you to either (A) decide whether to plant your own HC or (B) assist you in strengthening your existing HC.

1. HC’s have been around for a very long time.

HC’s aren’t a new thing. In fact, they’ve been around since the start of Christianity. The early HC’s were committed to being instructed by the apostles along with meeting in their homes, while some met in the temple every day. It’s been said they were more dedicated to relationship than to theology. These early Saints understood that “worship” was much more than merely singing a few goose-bump-raising songs; it was, in fact, their very lifestyle. They understood that “fellowship” was more than staring at the back of another person’s head or, at most, hand-shaking and back-slapping in the foyer. Each HC was not an entity to themselves, but they were under the covering of the apostle or Church Planter. In addition, they voluntarily submitted themselves to the apostles’ teaching. Read Acts 2:41-47 to gain a better understanding of the New Testament Church.

If your group is looking for accountability and training in things like Spiritual Warfare, Prophetic Ministry, Deliverance, or is just hungry to hear from somebody else who operates in the spiritual gifts or has an incredible testimony or a “now” Word from God, help is available. Just ask! I recommend an organization called Circuit Preachers International (CPI, www.circuitpreachers.net), a group with whom I am affiliated. These traveling ministers criss-cross the nation as the Spirit leads, and are always open to change course for the sake of The Body.

Why would your group need some stranger to come and minister? In Romans 1, Paul exhorts The Church there because their “faith is being reported all over the world.” He prays (v.10) that God will open the way for him to come to them. Why? Verse 11: “I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to make you strong…” 

That’s as good an answer as you’ll find. If you believe your group could use an impartation of “some spiritual gift” - even though, like the Church at Rome, your faith is being reported all over the world, I recommend the traveling ministers of CPI.

2. There will be a leader. His Name had better be Jesus.

An HC should have a leadership “team” rather than one individual in charge (that can become dangerously cultic). Don’t purposely set out to establish a leadership team; these things will happen “organically.” These teams tend to consist of two or three mature couples who will be responsible for praying for the group. Like everyone else, they will utilize and impart their spiritual gifts which were never theirs to keep anyway. 

Hopefully, these people have grasped the concept of church multiplication and recognize that they are not to get too comfortable shepherding the same people week after week. In fact, as any new HC is planted, these leaders are the ones who should go and resource the new groups. These individuals will probably be the ones to whom God spoke the vision of starting a House Church and, by the Spirit, most attendees will recognize this. The worst thing a group can do is draw straws THEN select a leader as the Jews did with Saul in 1 Samuel 8. (Read 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus for God’s guidelines leadership). 
3. Make sure you’ve been called to leave the traditional church.

God very clearly structured His Church, as outlined in His Word, for our protection and spiritual growth. Despite the abuses, Jesus died for His Church, the vehicle He uses to reach the world. 

Don’t be deceived into thinking that you’d be better off by yourself, alienated from the Body. I saw a documentary on lions in Africa and it’s the antelope who was separated from the herd that becomes dinner. There’s strength in numbers. The charcoal that tumbles away from the pile cools off quickly. God’s design is for us to have the support of other believers in our lives. We are not to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together.” That’s not a rule; it’s advice for our own good.

Whether you decide to stay where you are, or start a Church in your home, always remember that, regardless of our differences, it is us against the devil. It’s not us against them; it’s just us! Christians are only human, and we will hurt one another at times. 

Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and don’t jump too quickly into starting an HC. Don’t be surprised if things aren’t running as smoothly as you thought they might. Get your eyes off what everyone else is doing and onto what He wants you to do with the gifts and talents that He has given you. Be His co-laborer. An HC is a wonderful place to establish godly relationships while exercising and developing the gifts of each Believer, including those of the children. 

When we begin to serve others (and put their needs above your own) it is amazing how much easier it is to tolerate one another’s imperfections!

4. Teach what Jesus taught - His Doctrine and not those of man or demons.

If you want to see a House Church split, start basing your teachings and opinions on the things you learned from a denomination rather than the stuff Jesus taught. When teaching is necessary (fellowship is MUCH more important, trust me), make sure the teaching comes from that which Jesus taught, not those things that can easily be misinterpreted for which there might be a myriad of meanings. I have been teaching a study called “Jesus Said It” for over 10 years from High School to College to Business people to nursing home residents. These groups include people from all denominations including Mormons, Catholics, Pentecostals and Universalists. Guess what? We’ve never had one single fight break out!

There are three types of Doctrine mentioned in Scripture: those of man, those of demons and those of Christ and of God. Which would YOU prefer to be taught?

5. Don’t “plan” yourself into a hole!

1 Corinthians 14:26 lists some things each Believer might consider bringing to the gatherings. Imagine, if two people bring songs and another a Word that God has given them, by the time they deliver their messages, you eat and pray before leaving, you’ve had a very full Church experience - a genuine “Love Feast.” Though people might come expecting to sit passively and listen, just as they’d been trained, in time, they’ll see that “every joint supplying” includes THEM doing their part to bless everyone in the joint! 

Think of each gathering as you would any other family reunion or holiday gathering. Kids are welcome! We are trying to become a family, remember? A warring clan, preferably. Share your lives, not merely an hour. Gather on MORE than the appointed day. Be prepared to leave the gathering and go pray for a sick member or prayer walk a neighborhood or bless a home or, as we’ve done, go pray for a horse (he was healed). Attend each other’s functions. Have a Men’s meeting. Go bowling. Ladies, go shopping or go on an antique “road trip.” Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Have a prayer meeting or visit an Institutional Church and enjoy the music and message. Help each other move. Love one another. Prefer one another. Master all the “one another’s” in the New Testament (at the very least, aim for the moon; maybe you’ll land among the stars).

6. Keep it Duplicatable

Jesus said He came as an example. We are called to be “imitators of the Lord,” (Eph 5:1). First Thessalonians 1:6 says, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord” while verse 2:14 says the church in Thessalonica “became imitators of God’s churches in Judea.” Therefore, we should make sure that the things we do are things that other attendees can also do. After all, they’re watching and learning. When the day comes that you suggest planting a Church in someone else’s neighborhood, dorm or office building, if your HC is perceived as being too difficult for most people to duplicate - perhaps your meals are too gourmet - the first thought will be, “No, I can’t do all that stuff!”

Also, where room temperature is concerned, keep it cooler rather than warmer. And don’t bring in extra chairs until they’re necessary; no one wants to be alone in a sea of empty chairs. Live music is great but don’t ignore CD’s, something anybody can duplicate.

Remember, two or more gathered in His name is all it takes. If only one or two others show up, that must mean God wanted THEM to get all the love and attention on that day. A smaller group provides a wonderful time to minister deliverance or offer counseling and do that which might normally be a bit difficult with a house full. 

7. An army travels on its stomach

The army of God is a hungry band of warriors. Feed ‘em! Jesus modeled what it was like to always be eating at other people’s homes. There’s our Scriptural example! Dig in! It’s communion, folks. You, your Church family and your God. Some folks even go so far as to break bread and drink wine before the meal. Be led by the Spirit!

8. Plan your next Church Split!

Keep the Church multiplication concept in mind. Remember that you’re building community, not commuters. After anyone attends two or three times, ask them to pray about starting an HC in THEIR neck-o-the-woods. Make yourself available to resource them. Let them know they are ALWAYS welcome to keep attending fellowships at your house; you’re NOT kicking them out! Invite them whenever you attend a conference or concert or go out to eat. Keep them posted regarding church happenings that you hear about. Pop in on the new HC from time to time and always be available for lunch, dinner, by phone or eMail.

9. Three types of HC’s in the USA…

1. The CELL group. 

This is basically a smaller group from a larger congregation who meet together in a home for prayer, study, worship and fellowship. They then meet together corporately with other  CELLS for a worship service which is conducted by the pastor, who is the leader of the corporate church. They also have a group leader who is in charge of conducting the home meetings. Though this type of church closely resembles the New Testament model, truth is, because of their denominational or “Big Church” oversight, the gatherings are often flavored with denominational expression and the moving of the Spirit often hindered by tradition, legalism or church doctrine.

2. Traditional Church Plant 

Often, because of lack of funds, the pastor will arrange to meet in members’ homes until they raise enough funds or interest to rent or purchase a building.  This type of HC plant is usually temporary, and the goal is to move into a more visible, permanent facility as they grow. Unfortunately, the lion’s share of these types tend to slip right back into a church-as-usual format.

3. Simple Church

The third type is relatively new to the United States, but has been around in other countries for many years. It is generally a group of people who meet together for prayer, worship, and fellowship. They will meet in homes, conference rooms, coffee shops, anywhere they are. The biggest shift from the New Testament model is that there are usually no appointed leaders, or any set order to the service. If someone feels led to sing, they sing. If someone feels led to read a verse, they read. Amazingly, there is actually order to these gatherings even though there may be no set structure or human leader. Apparently, God is big enough to cover for our inadequacies.

10. HC’s are not hindered by traditional church mindsets

The trend in the USA to move toward HC’s can be positive in that as the Body of Christ, we should be prepared to worship anywhere and at anytime without the traditional church settings and trapping to which we’re accustomed. It is possible that we - yes, even in America - will face a time when we will not have the religious freedoms that we enjoy now and may have to worship in less conspicuous places. The key is to be willing and able to change if necessary. We must all embrace the fact that we are “The Church” whether we’re at work, at school, at Starbuck’s, or at home. We must renew our minds to the truth that the same Spirit that raised Jesus, lives within us. We, as The Church, can appropriate all the power we need to overcome anything life throws at us or anybody else. 

11. The structure of your HC should line up with the New Testament model.

If you are considering starting an HC, carefully examine Church history and the New Testament Church model as well - the ONLY model on the face of the planet that’s actually working because it has “multiplication mentality” at its core. Prayerfully compare your HC to this model, being willing to make any changes that are necessary. God loves to do new things, but He does have foundational principles that He requires His Church to be built upon regardless of where we meet, or how we worship.

One variation that MANY HC’s ought to consider is the model of all the HC’s gathering together to receive the ministry of the apostle (see Acts 20:7-12 describing Paul in Troas) where people came together for a “meeting of the work,” as Watchman Nee called it. These can be meetings with much celebration and feasting but, also, will serve as a wonderful time to hear from and receive spiritual impartation from ones so prophetically gifted.

12. Make sure your motives are right.

It is of the utmost importance that anyone who is praying about starting an HC make sure they are doing it for the right reasons. The only reason should be this: the Holy Spirit led them to do so! If the Lord has not called a person to undertake such a task, then it will be a great disaster and people will get hurt. 

Again.

An HC should never be started because a person is bitter or angry at their church, nor out of rebellion simply because they don’t like anyone telling them what to do. 

One more thing: never start an HC without full support of your spouse.

13. Money. Money. Money.

Where your HC is concerned, the question will come up: “What do we do with our money?” Once you’ve “hashed out” what it means to tithe (I can help if you’re interested), and you’ve taken your Church through some sort of financial training course (I recommend Dave Ramsey’s stuff), your church is going to start accumulating money. Though some people love the idea of house church, mistakenly believing that, because there’s no overhead, they can hang on to their cash, the truth is, those who are crazy nuts in love with the King and His Kingdom are looking for opportunities to sow and bless. I’m glad to say that, as I travel and talk with those involved in the HC “movement,” many groups have truckloads of money coming in and going out. Some have become incorporated non-profit entities while others merely have a checking account at their disposal and have appointed a treasurer to write checks to support those whom the group has agreed to bless.

14. The Kids.

There is no junior Holy Spirit. God will use whosever will, regardless of age. Kids tend to really enjoy an HC group that includes them. Let them testify. Let them pray. Don’t leave them out but don’t build a group around them either. If your teens would like to start their own group, resource them! You buy the pizza. Shuttle them to the next Christian concert or youth speaker. If there are crying babies, train your parents to take them to a bedroom you’ve prepared for them. Quiet toys like crayons and coloring books or Christian videos might help, too. God may place a youthful couple or individual in your midst who will take them outside but don’t burn that individual out! Also, shy away from making every gathering movie-time for the kids. Think “family gatherings.” If I had my choice of the whole Church trying to have a Bible Study or playing kick-ball with the kids, kick away… but schedule a Bible Study for during school hours when adults can talk seriously or pray.

15. Pray for that “Person of Peace.”

Luke 10:2-9 is a great passage for learning about HOW to set about “being” - not GOING to - church. Begin praying that God will order your steps across the path of a “person of peace” (V. 6). This is an individual who is ready To hear the message of the Kingdom; a person with whom you can work to build The Church. Such Divine appointments will happen regularly as you’ll see!

16. Stop inviting people to “church”

I stopped inviting people to church and have simply invited them to join a few friends for dinner. The word “church” means many things to many people. Think about it: If we ARE “The Church,” how can we invite them to “US”? On the other hand, if your group, “The Church,” are having dinner, invite them to join you and make new friends! Since they are a “person of peace,” they’ll likely appreciate the flavor of your gathering, enjoy receiving prayer or exercising gifts and recognize it for what it is without labeling it: CHURCH!

17. Consider meeting on Sunday’s

Our group meets on Thursdays but I know of other groups that meet on Sunday for lunch. Sunday meetings also allows some to participate in their traditional church and get home in time for HC. The Sunday groups, in my opinion, do tend to include more people, maybe that’s because many folks are still programmed to attend something on Sunday. 

18. DETOX time!

Get ready! You are likely to attract many people who cannot get free from church traditions. They’ll find a place on your couch and stay glued there. They’ll sit passively waiting for someone to preach at them. These people are in need of DETOX! I always say that, if you awaken on Sunday morning feeling guilty for not sitting in a building to listen to some preaching, you need deliverance. 

You’ve been warned. Many people will LOVE the HC concept but won’t be able to break free from the legalism of religion. We aren’t even talking about religion here; we’re talking about RELATIONSHIP!

The secret? Don’t necessarily build with “church people.” Look for unchurched, luke warm, “got-my-ticket-punched-in-high school” types with which to build. They’re not as burdened with legalism and religiosity (but they DO have OTHER problems). Look for people who need love, acceptance and approval - the kind that will be shocked that you’ve included them. Go after the Gentiles and not the Jews, so to speak.

19. Don’t forget “The Ghost”

An old preacher friend once asked about our meeting, “Did the ghost show up?” Sadly, in far too many HC’s, the Holy Spirit is not allowed to move freely through the gathering. Overall, the meetings are, in essence, little more than mini-Church with every detail being planned and even rehearsed. Nobody exercises or develops their spiritual gifts. Few people enter into truly deepening relationships. It’s a programmed pattern that many Christians simply cannot seem to break. 

My advice? Break it! If the infilling of the Holy Spirit was important enough that God used it to kick-off The Church, doesn’t it stand to reason that we, too, should seek Him as well? 

The Holy Spirit: Don’t start an HC without Him!

20. Last but not least…!

Whenever Barbara and I go to plant a Church or encourage a group, we bring along a wonderful DVD entitled “When you come together.” It’s available FREE from House2House Ministries (www.House2House.com). Click here for 2 minute and 19 sec Preview. 

I utilize the 10 minute “Interview” segment the most but it’s all good. You can view that on YouTube by clicking HERE. 

Now, ask yourself:

What caused the early House Churches to fail? 

Why are they the only model of Christianity that’s working, mainly in the 3rd world? 

Has there EVER been a tidy move of God?

More Questions? Just ask!

Every blessing,

Michael Tummillo

A servant of God

www.YourTown4Jesus.com