Homechurchers

[boigrrrlwonder]

You out there? Care to tell me what homechurching looks like for you?

[TzippityDoulah]

I'm here

not exactly sure what you're wanting to know though... it wasn't a choice for us it just sorta happened b/c we can't find a church. right now it's our family and sometimes another. hopefully that will eventually change to more people, I'd enjoy the company!

[Lisa1970]

I am sort of religious, but I do not attend church anymore. I doubt I will again, at least not in the foreseeable future. I do not sit down and pretend we are at church and lead a traditional church service. But I do talk about my beliefs with my children and we talk a lot. You should do that whether you go to a church or not. They need to hear it from you.

[Whistler]

I would LOVE to home-church someday. So far because we need the fellowship we attend a "regular" church and our Small Group looks like a home church to me. We have a potluck dinner, hire a babysitter and have a time of study and fellowship. Sometimes we sing, but not usually.

[TzippityDoulah]

with home churches you don't have a sitter though - the kids stay with the whole time. it's not at all like a congregational church in that way. it's a whole family event. it's sorta like a bible study.... but not really.

[3jays]

I don't have much to add but home-churching would make my life a lot more simple! I would love to.

[EnviroBecca]

When I was 2, my family moved from one state to another and found that the Methodists in our new town were completely different, much more evangelical and judgmental than was comfortable for my parents. They were "church shopping" for about 4 years, but because they also were busy with young children, we didn't get organized to visit a church every week. If we weren't going to a church on a Sunday, my dad would do "Sunday school" with me:

We'd make a special place, either by choosing a spot in the yard (under the weeping apple tree, etc.) or by making a tent with chairs and a colorful blanket and a lamp shining on it for a stained-glass effect. We'd sing a hymn from a Little Golden Book of hymns that I had. My dad would read me a story from the Good News Bible (a very clear and simple translation), usually one of the classic OT stories like Noah's ark, Jonah in the whale, etc. We'd discuss the story. Then we'd sing another hymn.

It was useful to me in providing a structured spiritual experience (which is something I've always felt is important for reinforcing my connection with God) and making me familiar with stories that are well-known in our culture. If I were living in a place where I couldn't find an appropriate church right away, I'd do this with my child.

My partner and I did home church a few times several years ago, when he was seeking some type of spiritual practice and my church wasn't doing it for him (too fancy and too Jesus-centric for him--he was raised vaguely Jewish and now says he is a Jedi) but he felt that the basic structure was useful. I chose some Bible readings, we prayed together, and we blessed bread and wine and fed it to each other--it wasn't really Communion under my doctrine, but it was something worthwhile.

My church has home services sometimes, and I find those very fulfilling and think they're probably closer to what Jesus had in mind than our stone church with all its stained glass and woodwork and embroidered vestments and organ and silver chalice...but I adore all that stuff and find it fulfilling, too, as reminders of the grandeur of God. (I do worry that I'm one of those people mentioned in one of the OT prophecies, who are hated by God because of their love of the ceremonies and the sacred raisin cakes. I would like to taste a sacred raisin cake!)

For a while there, my son had some kind of "other church" going, with a yogurt communion, that seemed to be meeting in our house...but he hasn't mentioned it in quite a while.

[PaulaJoAnne]

We are happily fitted into a home church now.
If you peek at our blog, and look at the passover pics, you will see a good portion of our church.
I think we number well over 50 now, and that includes all ages.
The church is family integrated.

Start at 10:30 with standing and reading a Psalm together, followed by prayer and singing several hymns.
Then, one of them men teaches a Bible lesson to the children.
One of the men then preaches for 30-40 minutes.
We have a ten minute break, and then we gather for prayer requests and a time of intercesion for the requests.
We then have a time of silence for reflection and preperation for communion.
Communion is very special here.
The head of each household serves the unleavened bread and wine to his family in turn.
We then sing Break Thou The Bread Of Life, one closes in prayer, and then we eat lots of homemade food.

We have been so blessed to be a part of this meeting.
The father as the head of the family is stressed, and they do not leave the burden of keeping the children in line on the mothers.
In the two biggest families, older children are paired with younger ones to help keep order as well.

Time is taken each week street ministry in Anchorage, mens and womens Bible studies, and we support a few missionaries as well.

Everyone homeschools their children, bfs their babies, dresses only for the women, a few cover, but most do not, and prefer long hair, and of course, one leaves the number of children up to the Lord.

Most of them men are also self employed, and are excellent carpenters, although we do have a couple of doctors, and an organic farmer as well.

[holyhelianthus]

I have a quick question- Is home church when a family does their own thing church-wise at home (think homeschooling) or is it when a family finds a group of individuals who hold church in the home of one of the members- or can it be both?

Dh and I both are interested in homechurching (though maybe to a different degree?) so I'd love to chat about that but we are interested on a family level not a group level if that makes sense so I will wait to share/discuss until I know if this is the right place! (sorry to barge in if it's not)

[HisBeautifulWife]

Originally Posted by magstphil

I have a quick question- Is home church when a family does their own thing church-wise at home (think homeschooling) or is it when a family finds a group of individuals who hold church in the home of one of the members- or can it be both?

It can be both.

We know of a few home church groups and once DH has a work schedule when he has weekends off then we might consider going. I have to pray on that though.

But for now we worship at home. It's not just for the convenience though, I am very picky about where I get my spiritual nourishment from. I don't trust any and everyone who calls themself "Pastor" and I believe that very few churches these days are filled with the Truth. The time of deception is here, so for now this is what we've been called to do. But I admit that it's not for everyone.

[PaulaJoAnne]

The Biblical pattern for the first "church" is found in Acts, where "meeting from house to house" is mentioned.
Granted, that does not mean that is the only way to meet.

One certainly can "home church" with only the immediate family, but I wonder if that defeats the very purpose of the church?
Does immediate family provide the the mandated elders to oversee the flock?
What about fellowship and accountability?

Even if there are none very close by, possibly one can find other families with whome one can get together with at least once or twice per month.

Just some thoughts....

[holyhelianthus]

Originally Posted by PaulaJoAnne

The Biblical pattern for the first "church" is found in Acts, where "meeting from house to house" is mentioned.
Granted, that does not mean that is the only way to meet.

One certainly can "home church" with only the immediate family, but I wonder if that defeats the very purpose of the church?
Does immediate family provide the the mandated elders to oversee the flock?
What about fellowship and accountability?

Even if there are none very close by, possibly one can find other families with whome one can get together with at least once or twice per month.

Just some thoughts....

Yes I see what you are saying here so let me explain what Dh and I have been thinking of...

For starters right now with this pregnancy church has been a no-go since early December. I have been able to make it once and only for sacrament meeting (we are LDS and have an hour of sacrament meeting and then an hour of Sunday school and an hour of gender separated classes). So our present situation is what brought this to our minds.

But on thinking on it further I have to admit *putting on flame retardant suit* that church isn't always fulfilling for DH and I. It's not so much about what is or isn't being taught it just seems that church is more of a social function. Now being LDS church is somewhat mandatory in that we can't hold a temple recommend if we don't attend regularly and we don't want to miss the sacrament (taken every Sunday). Besides that there have been times where a testimony or lesson or what have you has really touched us and stirred something in us. Really, we don't want to stop going to church altogether but we do want to have a homechurching (think homeschooling) type "supplement" for us and our littles. Now we do do Family Home Evening but that is focused on the Virtues (google The Family Virtues Guide) and what we are looking is something gospel oriented for gospel learning and discussion. We would like to have a lesson and scripture reading with some hymns and prayer and so on.

So what we are thinking I guess is a home church lite? I don't really know but I will lurk here for more ideas. To us learning is best done in the home if that makes any sense. We don't plan on not going to church but to us church should be more of a supplment for what you learn at home.

Clear as mud? :

Like I said, sorry to barge in.

[kimiij]

Interesting thread. PualJoAnne, your homechurch group sounds really great.

I also like the concept of family homechurching but it would likely be a supplement to a community church.

[holyhelianthus]

Originally Posted by kimiij

Interesting thread. PualJoAnne, your homechurch group sounds really great.

I also like the concept of family homechurching but it would likely be a supplement to a community church.

So I'm not alone?! :

[HisBeautifulWife]

Originally Posted by PaulaJoAnne

One certainly can "home church" with only the immediate family, but I wonder if that defeats the very purpose of the church?
Does immediate family provide the the mandated elders to oversee the flock?
What about fellowship and accountability?

Without writing an essay, this is what God has called us to do.

In the past I don't think it would have been a good idea for us because we weren't mature enough, but now I can see how it is.

Now is the time of the Apostate Church. Plain and simple I can see it everywhere I turn.
I am not willing to risk it just so I can look like a good little Christian who goes to church...home church or not.

Coming together with like-minded believers is very important, but it's not more important than being filled with Truth. We can come together in other aspects but I will be very discerning about who is ministering to me. I cannot allow myself or my family to receive spiritual guidance from any old person. Christians have been mislead for too long and it's time to wake up!

Our guidance has to come from God and His word. That is more important to me than what anyone says. That is who we are accountable to. And actually we are accountable to everyone in our lives because we need to make sure we are living the life that God requires. Trust me I take that very seriously.

I would love to attend a home church with other folks and when God tells us we’ve found the right one then I will go. But until then, my family and I will continue to worship and study God’s word without distractions from false teachings and vain traditions. For example, when I find a home church that believes that Easter and Christmas should not be celebrated by Christians, then my ears will perk up and I’ll be inclined to give them a chance. (At one time I thought only crazy people thought that but my eyes have been opened)

The Bible tells us a lot of people are going to be deceived in the end. Even people who you think wouldn’t be will be. I’m just making sure we won’t be in that group.

[PaulaJoAnne]

[QUOTE=
For example, when I find a home church that believes that Easter and Christmas should not be celebrated by Christians, then my ears will perk up and I’ll be inclined to give them a chance. [I](At one time I thought only crazy people thought that but my eyes have been opened)[/I]

QUOTE]

Cetainly not crazy for thinking/believeing that!
We do observe both, but not in the "traditional" way, thats for sure!
We are more interested in observing the feasts God commanded. Passover for example.

[lil_earthmomma]

Originally Posted by HisBeautifulWife

For example, when I find a home church that believes that Easter and Christmas should not be celebrated by Christians, then my ears will perk up and I’ll be inclined to give them a chance. (At one time I thought only crazy people thought that but my eyes have been opened)

The Bible tells us a lot of people are going to be deceived in the end. Even people who you think wouldn’t be will be. I’m just making sure we won’t be in that group.

I respectfully request more information. I love christmas and easter. Not santa and easter bunnies, but Christ and well... Christ!

We live in a tiny village with no church. So we "homechurch"! : I didn't know that's what we were doing, but it is!

Now that it's nice out, we mostly have church outside. Our littles are very small, so we sing songs, pray and while the kiddos play, dh spend some time together in prayer. We try to make sunday very special and family oriented and spiritual.

[HisBeautifulWife]

Originally Posted by lil_earthmomma

I respectfully request more information. I love christmas and easter. Not santa and easter bunnies, but Christ and well... Christ!

Sure, I will give you some links but let me start with this

Jeremiah 10:2-5

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good

But even without this verse, there is more to prove that this is just not from God.

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/christm1.htm
http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract4.html
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/christm3.htm
http://www.libertytothecaptives.net/Christ_Mass.html


Now let me add that I LOVED Christmas and that was a tough one to give up. I am still struggling. But I know what the Truth is. I tried to work my way around it but I realized I was just trying to justify what I wanted.

-Oh it doesn't mean that to ME.
-Oh well it means something different to me. Back then they worshipped the trees so Jeremiah 10:2-5 doesn't apply because we don't worship Christmas trees. We changed the meanings so its fine.
-Oh well I am keeping Christ first so that makes it better.

They were all justifications for me to do what I wanted to do.

The Bible clearly says not to try to turn evil into good (Ephesians 5:11) and if I can accept that as it pertains to Halloween, then how can I not see how it applies to Christmas and Easter?

Christmas is a lie and one of Satans clever little traps. The very meaning of the word Christmas (death of Christ) should be offensive let alone it's pagan origins.

Jesus wasn't lying when he said deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me.

Satan is a liar, and a very good one. Verses to consider if you struggle with understanding how something that seems so good could be harmful.

2 Cor 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Matthew 15:8-9 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Matthew 15:3 Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them

As for Easter...it's very similar but people have a harder time accepting the Christmas one than the Easter so that's why I focused on it. But those same sites have links about that.

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by HisBeautifulWife

I would love to attend a home church with other folks and when God tells us we’ve found the right one then I will go. But until then, my family and I will continue to worship and study God’s word without distractions from false teachings and vain traditions. For example, when I find a home church that believes that Easter and Christmas should not be celebrated by Christians, then my ears will perk up and I’ll be inclined to give them a chance. (At one time I thought only crazy people thought that but my eyes have been opened)

So... I can't imagine you just ignore the story of Christ's birth or the Crucifixion or the Resurrection?

[holyhelianthus]

Originally Posted by Bluegoat

So... I can't imagine you just ignore the story of Christ's birth or the Crucifixion or the Resurrection?

Define ignore.

Does not having a big holiday celebration for it = ignoring? I would think just reading the Bible and being mindful of it is in itself not ignoring it.