Starting a House Church

In recent decades, Christianity as a movement has been sweeping through much of the non-Westernized portions of the globe?especially in places like China, Africa, and South America, says Sam O'Neal in the introduction to this resource. "And the main vehicle for this rapid and exponential expansion has been the house church." Church leaders in America are growing increasingly interested in the house church, a model that has many strengths. But it's also a model that is little understood. In fact, says O'Neal, "the majority of American house churches do not remain in existence for more than a year." The articles in this 32-page resource can help you better understand how a house church works and how to sustain its ministry for the good of the Kingdom. Table of Contents: How to Use This Resource Take a quick peek here to maximize the content in this training download. Sam O'Neal House Churches in North America (free sample) A broad look at the simple church movement. Bill Tenney-Brittian Finding the Right Vision and the Right People Important steps in the formation of a house church. Trevor Lee Your First Gathering as a House Church An accessible house, good food, and friendly people are parts of a great plan for launch. Lee Dean How to Have a Participatory Church Meeting Six guidelines that should frame our gatherings today. Rusty Entrekin Seven Habits of Highly Effective Simple Churches The key practices that converge in a healthy body of believers. Don Graves and Ron King Helpful Hints for Hosting the Lord's Supper Use these practical guidelines to keep things running smoothly. Sandra Atkerson Overcoming Obstacles A candid look at the challenges most house churches face. Danny R. Von Kanel Take Advantage of House-Church Networks Tap into local, regional, and national networks to help get your house church thrive. Lee Dean Why House Churches Need Accountability Vital practices that can maintain healthy house churches and networks. Bill Tenney-Brittian Addressing the Threat of Heresy What are we actually afraid of, and what can be done about it? Neil Cole