Are House Churches Biblical?

Question: My family and I are considering joining a house church. We want to worship God without compromising. What are your thoughts?

Answer: The location of where you meet with a local assembly of believers should not be the focus. The New Testament Church met in a variety of locations, but for the most part they did meet in homes out of necessity (Acts 2:46; 20:20). In the very beginning, they met at the Temple. At Ephesus, Paul met for two years in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9-10).

A house church certainly can be biblical. It can also have some serious scriptural deficiencies. Unfortunately, this is often the case. Just because a group of believers meets in a home, this alone does not make it in harmony with Scripture. Consider a few of the typical problems seen in house churches:

1. The Lord gave to the Church pastors and teachers for the edification of the Saints (Eph. 4:11-12). The idea of everyone simply sharing their thoughts of what they think the Bible passage means is common in these movements. The lack of teaching by someone called and equipped for service is problematic, and it stunts the growth of believers. Worse yet, it can lead to heresy.

2. The New Testament demonstrates that the early Church did take up offerings to help the poor, aid the work of missionaries, and provide for the men called to teach and serve the church (1 Cor. 9:14; 16:1; 2 Cor. 9:6-8; 11:9). Many times this biblical function of a church is lacking in these situations.

3. Is the church worshipping? This was also a function of the New Testament Church and should not be missing in any group of believers (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

4. Is there Biblical leadership in place? (Acts 14:23).

5. Will the group enforce matters of church discipline? Unfortunately, this is a part of corporate church life (1 Cor. 5:1-13).

6. Is the group of believers working to advance the message of the Gospel? A church is not a social club. It exists to send men out into the world to share the Gospel (Acts 13:1-4). This should not be absent in any group of believers.

7. Is the Lord’s Supper being observed? (1 Cor. 11:26).

8. What is the real reason for meeting in a home? Is it because there are honestly no Bible believing Christians meeting close by? Or, is it because key individuals (or families) have a pride issue and feel that they know the will of the Lord better than every church in town?

These are just a few of the issues that should be raised when thinking about a home church. If you find yourself meeting with a group of believers dedicated to following the Word of God in all matters concerning the role and function of the Church, then the location isn’t important. If the problems listed above are not addressed, I would be greatly concerned.