The home church ( cell, simple, organic church) over the last several decades has progressed from infancy, ( actually it has been reinstituted ) to become a commonly accepted expression of Christian church. ( see barna.org) Just think, in just 30 to 40 years or so, the centuries old, internationally recognized form of church as we know it, and the denominational structure that supports it, has now broadened to include an entirely different form of structure and community. Community really is the key to house church as almost everything about house church including worship, prayer, service, leadership development, evangelism, etc., is developed out of relationship.
I am pointing this out to highlight the reality that this radical evolution has occurred in such a short period of time that it is mind boggling to consider the future of house church. Especially in these times when it seems that there is nothing that is resistant to change, the church will continue to change and morph into a variety of expressions. Some forms will cease to exist, at least in any measure of effectiveness. The emergence of the house church as a movement in the United States has continued despite overwhelming odds and despite, or maybe partially due to, the lack of top-heavy organization and CEO type central leadership. The "organic dynamic" of house church and the freedom to develop without tight regulation has undeniably added to it's health and growth and yet, without question, this liberty has allowed for the surfacing of the very difficulties that must be resolved if the movement is to improve it's effectiveness, energy, and sustainability.
Blessings, John Henry,
Senior Elder of House to Home Church
