House Church Manual

DESIGNED FOR THE FEW FOR THE SAKE OF THE MANY

HOUSE CHURCH

FOREWORD

HOW TO READ THIS BOOK

The longer I follow Jesus and the deeper I study his Word, the more clear it becomes that he has a glorious plan for his church. What follows in these next pages are the riches we have discovered in Jesus’ leadership that have brought stability, life and fruit to our community through our first seven years together. As Jesus explains at the end of the ‘sermon on the mount’ in Matthew 7, there is a marked difference between those who simply hear his words and those who do the work to apply his words to their lives. The former are those that have built on sand, the latter are those who have built on a solid foundation.

This is simple enough to understand in the context of our own lives, but much of Jesus’ leadership and teachings are meant to be applied in the context of community; a community he calls his church. Becoming a House Church leader is not only the invitation to build a solid foundation for your life, but more significantly, a response to the heavenly call to build up the church and prepare the bride for Jesus’ return.

In the next few pages you’ll find:

+ The vision of House Church and how it is an expression of the Kingdom of Heaven;

+ A foundation to build your leadership upon;

+ And some practical thoughts and tools to equip you as you lead the people God has placed around you.

I encourage you to resist the instinct to think about this content as a formula to apply, but rather, think about it as a foundation to build upon and a vision to follow. This is the first edition of this book and we will continue to refine its content as we gain feedback from you and grow in our leadership as a church.

I write this filled with gratitude that you have yielded yourself to the Spirit to see the Kingdom established through your life and leadership.

IN HIM, RYAN

JOHNSON

SEPTEMBER 2024

vision

vision

A People of His Presence

When God began to create this world and everything in it, he chose to have a relationship with humanity that was unlike anything else he created. He designed Adam and Eve to bear his image and partner with him to cultivate and spread the garden paradise called Eden to the ends of the earth. The essence of this paradise was found in perfect communion between God and his image bearing children. But somewhere along the way, this communion was compromised by Adam and Eve’s suspicion that God was withholding something good from them and they ate the forbidden fruit, undermining the intimacy of their relationship with him. From this moment, the fracture of communion between God and man cursed the earth and sent creation on a spiral toward death and decay.

But there is good news! Even though God’s design for life was compromised by desires outside of his design, he already had a plan for redemption that ultimately would not allow death to have the final word. Through Jesus, God re-entered his broken creation and offered perfect communion once again through his sacrifice. And the life offered to us in Jesus cannot be overcome by death in any of its forms.

From the beginning to the end, the story is already written and we know how it ends. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and all will be restored! But right in the middle, through the prophet Ezekiel, we see a vision that tethers Genesis to Revelation: a river that flows from the sanctuary of God and brings life to whatever it touches. This is a vision of Eden past and of eternity future, but we can’t miss that it is also a vision of the church, the people of God, now.

So why are we considering all of this as House Church leaders?

Before we put any thought into what our gatherings could look like, we need to be acquainted with God’s vision for them. If we’re not critical in our thinking, vision for House Church can slip into a church program or a social club. This will not only miss the mark of an abundant life but it may devolve into something draining people of life. In reality, House Church will be many things for many people, and it will bear different kinds of fruit, but the measure of health for it all is whether or not it is built on and sustained by God’s vision for his church.

As the church, we are participants in God’s great plan of redemption. We are, once again, a dwelling for God’s presence on the earth and through us his redemptive purposes in this world can flow.

POCKETS OF PARADISE

House Church serves to create spaces in homes throughout the city where God’s presence dwells with his people. These spaces are pockets of paradise where the river of heaven touches earth and flows through the people of God. They are a throwback to Eden and a foreshadow of heaven, conduits of life to whatever they touch.

Koinonia

Sometimes, bringing definition to spaces in church can be tricky, but if we’re not careful to define the culture of these spaces we can miss out on what is truly available by the Spirit in them. In the descriptions of the early church in the book of Acts, there is a Greek word that stands out from the rest because there isn’t an exact English equivalent. The word is koinonia, often translated as “fellowship”, but ultimately the essence of this Greek word is “to have in common”.

Simply put, that’s what the early church had - things in common. They shared everything, from possessions to potlucks, but it was also so much more than that. They were united in their desire and commitment to follow Jesus and were willing to face the reality of economic, social, and familial disruption. They risked their lives and livelihood to be identified as followers of Jesus and to proclaim his kingdom. That was their koinonia.

Almost everything about our time and place is completely different from that of the early church. House Church isn’t a call to emulate every aspect of the early church, but it does prompt us to ask what is essential in the body of Jesus, regardless of the region, economy, political and social structure it exists in. Koinonia is not merely considering what the early church had in common, or what our community has in common, but what we, the church across 2000 years of history, have in common.

For House Church to be as effective as the early church in bearing fruit that turned the world upside-down, we need to have more in common than just attendance on Sundays and the desire to make friends. We need to discover a deeper reality in our walk with Jesus that causes us to be distinguished from the patterns of the world and commit our lives to those who desire self-denial in the pursuit of becoming like Jesus.

The Few for The Many

DESIGNED FOR THE FEW

We see in the gospels that there were two distinct groups that followed Jesus. One group was the crowds that gathered to witness his miracles, hear the power of his words and count themselves part of the movement. The other group was made up of the disciples, the ones who desired to follow Jesus no matter what it cost and where it took them. Both of these groups could be considered followers of Jesus, but they were clearly distinct in their commitment to respond to the fullness of Jesus’ invitation.

Jesus would often say and do things that would divide and bring definition to those that would gather around him. During his sermon on the mount, he described a narrow gate that opens up into a narrow path that leads to life and only ‘a few’ find it. Conversely, he said ‘wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it’ (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV). Jesus’ desire is that all enter the narrow gate, but the reality is that only few actually decide to move through it.

Jesus continues to speak to his disciples in Matthew 16:24-25 and says “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

It is clear that Jesus was bringing distinction to the culture he was building. It would be made up of those who desired to give up their lives to find their lives in him.

One of the temptations of this framework is to widen the gate culturally so that the many can be a part of the movement. This seems like a compassionate approach and might pass, for some, as the right thing to do, but it ends up diluting the culture to the point that it is something other than what Jesus designed.

The invitation to House Church is for everyone, but it is designed for the few - those who have the desire and commitment to follow Jesus on the narrow way that leads to life.

FOR THE SAKE OF THE MANY

But in it all, we encounter the powerful paradox of this upside-down kingdom Jesus is building. Through this narrow gate, only a few entered, but on the other side of it was the culture of heaven that became an irresistible invitation for multitudes of people that would soon choose to go through the same narrow gate. What they had in common, their koinonia, was the culture of the narrow road, and because of that heavenly culture “…the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Time and time again, in the book of Acts and throughout the history of the church, thousands of people at a time would respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. This is the fruit of an environment designed for the few that would become an invitation to many.

Peter writes “The Lord is … not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus came so the world might be saved and he does not ever reject those who want to follow him, but he does prescribe what it truly means to follow him. Jesus came to bring abundant life, but he clearly said it’s on the other side of daily self denial. House Church is designed to create environments that perpetuate life, but not by our means, craftiness, or innovation. Jesus is building his kingdom with his culture and we desire House Church to embody the culture of heaven whenever we gather and wherever we go.

HOUSE DESIGNED FEW FOR OF THE

To be clear, the invitation to House Church is for everyone, but the culture is not determined by everyone. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes an environment in which the Spirit of God is honoured and is manifesting in spiritual gifts which surely would have been an uncomfortable and jarring environment for an outsider. He says in that space, as the Spirit moves and the gifts flow, “… if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgement by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). In our 21st century church-growth mindset, we can be tempted to create environments in which the ‘unbeliever’ or ‘enquirer’ is comfortable and make sure they are not disrupted. The goal isn’t to widen the gate and broaden the road to create a more comfortable environment, it is to walk in the culture of the narrow road, in the presence of God. That is the space in which the unbeliever will be convicted that God is truly among these people.

CHURCH IS FOR THE THE SAKE MANY

House Church isn’t built on exclusivity, it’s focused on equipping a few to reach the many. As these disciples grow and multiply, their influence naturally spreads, drawing more people into a transformative relationship with Jesus. By going deep with the few, we’re equipping them to reach the many, empowering a gospel reality through their lives so the culture of heaven can touch the darkest corners of our city.

LET EVERYONE COME!

But let them come into an environment where they can encounter the presence of the living God in the company of his set-apart people.

TO HIM

Within this koinonia, there is a heavenly culture of hospitality, compassion, service and welfare that is for everyone and given without reservation. We will discuss this later in more practical detail, but for the sake of vision, we need to know that it’s the culture of heaven through our hospitality, compassion, service and welfare that has the potential to impact and change someone’s life.

Jesus is clear in his vision for his church that alongside loving God, we are called to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. All of the law, God’s culture of blessing on earth, is fulfilled in loving God, loving ourselves, and loving our neighbours. This is clear in Jesus’ teachings, but we can easily miss the heaven-on-earth potential in these commands to love if we miss the priority in them.

To help us understand, let us consider Revelation 1:5b-6:

TO HIM WHO LOVES US AND HAS FREED US FROM OUR SINS BY HIS BLOOD, AND HAS MADE US TO BE A KINGDOM AND PRIESTS TO SERVE HIS GOD AND FATHER — TO HIM BE GLORY AND POWER FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN.

The first two words of these verses, to him, are simply a proposition and a pronoun, but within these words lie the power and potential of the church. These two words simply speak of orientation:

TO: A DIRECTION HIM: THE OBJECT OF OUR ATTENTION

The invitation to follow Jesus is to him — simple enough! But we discover a deeper implication in these words when we hold them up against another two words that they are in conflict with: to me.

A LIFE THAT IS ORIENTED TO HIM STANDS IN CONTRAST TO A LIFE THAT IS ORIENTED TO ME.

Jesus said it best, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). This is a culture of honouring his presence as the highest priority in our lives and in our gatherings. Even Jesus wasn’t oriented to himself. He was oriented to the will of his Father. He didn’t do or say anything that wasn’t first found in the Father’s heart.

House Church is a movement dedicated

to create spaces

filled with people who are to him, first.

BLESSING OR BURNOUT?

Jesus famously said “… my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). His invitation was for those who were burned out on man’s religious mechanisms to come to him. The burden Jesus was offering to share was simply to do the will of his Father in heaven. Instead of the lifeless, draining burden to please man and our own egos, he invites us into his burden that is easy, light and comes inherent with supernatural rest.

One of the reasons this conversation is vital in the church is because of the increase of burnout culture. In the age of church growth mechanisms where success can seem to look like larger gatherings, better music and bigger social media followings, we can be tempted to prioritize compelling marketing campaigns to capture the heart of man rather than please the heart of God in our churches. As Jesus put it to Peter “... you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23).

During Saul’s reign, a dark chapter in Israel’s history, the Scriptures describe how the presence of God was not honoured. At one point under his leadership, the ark of the covenant was captured by an enemy nation. It was quite the holy disruption for them so they sent it back to Israel where it was relegated to the house of Levite for twenty years.

When David became king, he knew the blessing God intended for Israel would come from his presence becoming central again so he initiated the comeback plan for the ark (2 Samuel 6). One thing had changed from the time Israel previously had possession of the ark, it was now riding on a new cart. It was an innovation that made it quick, easy and convenient to transport this big piece of heavy furniture inlaid with gold. When David went to retrieve it, he had the Levites guide it from their home while it was being pulled by an ox. At one point on the journey, the oxen stumbled, the ark became unsettled, and a man named Uzzah reached out his hand to stabilize it. As he did so, he was struck dead.

ONE’S MINISTRY BEFORE THE ARK CAUSED THEM TO BE ROBBED OF LIFE, THE OTHER’S MINISTRY BEFORE THE ARK BECAME A SOURCE OF LIFE.

This was a difficult time for David, so much so that he became angry with God and sent the ark to the house of a man named ObedEdom the Gittite. David essentially deemed the presence of God to be too dangerous and costly that he sent it into obscurity into a gentile’s home. What followed would shape the course of Israel’s history forever. After three months, David was provoked to a healthy jealousy as he caught wind that the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household. So David went and retrieved the ark and brought it back into Jerusalem. This time, though, he had it carried the prescribed way, on the shoulders of the Levites.

There is much to be gleaned from this story, but the key takeaway for us in House Church is the potential for burden that leads to burnout if God’s presence is not honoured. But our standard is hardly just the absence of burnout. We want to experience what we see in Obed-Edom, his family, and in the about-face of David. God’s presence is meant to be a life-transforming blessing. How can we make sense of the contrast between these two experiences of God’s presence?

One’s ministry before the ark caused them to be robbed of life, the other’s ministry before the ark became a source of life.

What was it about Obed-Edom’s care for the ark that invoked the blessing of God? Well, let’s start by asking the obvious question: What would you do if a large piece of furniture was moved into your home that is potentially dangerous to anyone who mis-handled it? The simple answer is that it would be wise to arrange everything around it. The ark should become inspiration for your interior design. Your lifestyle should revolve around the ark. For ObedEdom, this surely would have begun as a healthy fear of God, but as he arranged his life around his potentially deadly decor, it became a blessing not a burden. This is the beauty of a life arranged around the presence of God.

This new arrangement for Obed-Edom’s family became a baseline of blessing for the entire nation. Not only that, it gave David a vision of what it truly meant to minister to God in his presence and would one day become a vision for the gentiles to be included in the family of God (see Acts 15). All because one family decided to make God’s presence central in their home.

Presence-Based Spirit-Led

For House Church to be the source of life it is designed to be, God’s presence must be the highest priority in every gathering. This will be the difference between blessing and burden in ministry. The flow of life from his presence is the source for everything we do as a community. This does not simply mean we ignore the needs in our lives and the lives of others, but it is a continual focus on who we know our source for those needs are.

Paul puts it this way, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In the same vein, we see the same instructions to Israel through Joshua “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:3-4). Throughout the history of God’s people, we see the instruction to follow the leadership of God’s presence. He is the good and perfect Shepherd who will lead his people.

When Jesus was twelve years old, he travelled to Jerusalem with his family to the Passover festival (Luke 2). Every year, they would go to the festival and return home after. This year though, as Jesus’ family was well on their way home, they realized he wasn’t with them. They grew distressed and searched for him, but couldn’t find him until three days later when they returned to the temple and found him listening to the teachers and asking them questions.

When they left Jesus behind, Mary and Joseph did not stop loving Jesus or desiring him to be with them, they just lost track of his presence. They expected Jesus to be with them because that was their routine; they went to the festival and returned home, yearafter-year. Every year, Jesus was with them as they travelled home, until he wasn’t. They walked ahead of Jesus and didn’t even realize it because they expected this trip to be like all the others.

When Paul addressed this to the followers of Jesus in Galatia, he contrasted “keeping in step with the Spirit” with “gratifying the desires of the flesh”. Sometimes the desires of the flesh are obvious and overt, but with Jesus’ parents, the desire of the flesh for his family was simply to go home. There are subtle expressions of the flesh that don’t often raise any alarms in us, but can be the very thing that stands in conflict with the movement of the Spirit.

Just like Mary and Joseph, we don’t stop loving Jesus and intentionally abandon him when we go on ahead of him without him, we just simply become unaware of his absence in the familiar routines of Christian living. If we are not careful to consistently inquire of God’s leading, we can find ourselves desiring the consistency and comfort found in our predictable gatherings. As a result, we can find ourselves out of sync with God’s heart for us and the people we lead.

GIFTS OF THE BODY,

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT:

One of the primary ways that the Spirit will lead a gathering of people is through gifts that Paul calls the manifestation of the Spirit. The scriptures tell us that we should not only embrace these gifts, but eagerly desire them. He lists them out in 1 Corinthians 12:

WISDOM:

THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND APPLY SPIRITUAL TRUTHS IN PRACTICAL SITUATIONS. IT’S ABOUT MAKING GODLY DECISIONS AND PROVIDING INSIGHTFUL GUIDANCE.

FAITH: AN EXTRAORDINARY TRUST IN GOD THAT GOES BEYOND REGULAR FAITH. IT ENABLES BELIEVERS TO CONFIDENTLY RELY ON GOD’S PROMISES, EVEN IN SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS.

KNOWLEDGE: A SUPERNATURAL UNDERSTANDING OF FACTS OR INFORMATION THAT COULD NOT BE KNOWN NATURALLY. THIS GIFT HELPS IN RECOGNIZING DEEPER TRUTHS AND MYSTERIES.

PROPHECY: THE ABILITY TO RECEIVE AND COMMUNICATE MESSAGES FROM GOD TO OTHERS. THIS GIFT IS USED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, AND EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH.

FOR THE BODY

MIRACLES:

PERFORMING SUPERNATURAL ACTS THAT DEFY NATURAL LAWS, DEMONSTRATING GOD’S POWER AND AUTHORITY. THIS GIFT IS USED TO BRING GLORY TO GOD AND CONFIRM HIS PRESENCE.

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN SPIRITS:

THE DISCERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE WHETHER SOMETHING IS INFLUENCED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, HUMAN SPIRITS, OR DEMONIC FORCES. IT HELPS PROTECT THE CHURCH FROM DECEPTION.

HEALING:

THE ABILITY TO BRING PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, OR SPIRITUAL HEALING TO OTHERS THROUGH PRAYER AND THE POWER OF GOD. IT IS ABOUT RESTORING HEALTH AND WHOLENESS.

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES:

TONGUES:

THE ABILITY TO SPEAK IN A LANGUAGE UNKNOWN TO THE SPEAKER, WHICH CAN BE USED FOR PERSONAL PRAYER OR, WHEN INTERPRETED, FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH.

THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF MESSAGES SPOKEN IN TONGUES, SO THAT THE ENTIRE CHURCH CAN BE EDIFIED AND UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE.

GIFTS OF THE BODY, FOR THE BODY [CONT.]

An emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit will bring excitement to some and nervousness to others. Since the initial outpouring of the Spirit in the early believers, the Spirit’s manifestation has been met by varying responses and different levels of embrace. On one end of the spectrum there is a flat-out rejection of the gifts of the Spirit and on the other, there is an embrace of excesses that indulge in manifestations rooted in something other than the Spirit of God. Both ends of the spectrum are harmful for the body of Christ, bringing a false witness to the nature of God, and cause many to reject the life available in the Spirit.

But this is hardly a reason for us to shy away. With all the extremes present, we have the heart of God in his Word that anchors us to his intention for the manifestation of his Spirit. Paul, inspired by the Spirit, writes to a church in Corinth that has been indulging in excess:

“ALL THESE [GIFTS] ARE THE WORK OF ONE AND THE SAME SPIRIT, AND HE DISTRIBUTES THEM TO EACH ONE, JUST AS HE DETERMINES.”

— 1 CORINTHIANS 12:11

“… EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE SO THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE BUILT UP.”

— 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26

“THEREFORE, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, BE EAGER TO PROPHESY, AND DO NOT FORBID SPEAKING IN TONGUES. BUT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE DONE IN A FITTING AND ORDERLY WAY.”

— 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40

The emphasis of 1 Corinthians 13 is that it is all pointless if it is not anchored in love.

“IF I SPEAK IN THE TONGUES OF MEN OR OF ANGELS, BUT DO NOT HAVE LOVE, I AM ONLY A RESOUNDING GONG OR A CLANGING CYMBAL. IF I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY AND CAN FATHOM ALL MYSTERIES AND ALL KNOWLEDGE, AND IF I HAVE A FAITH THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, BUT DO NOT HAVE LOVE, I AM NOTHING. IF I GIVE ALL I POSSESS TO THE POOR AND GIVE OVER MY BODY TO HARDSHIP THAT I MAY BOAST, BUT DO NOT HAVE LOVE, I GAIN NOTHING.”

— 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-3

And Jesus is abundantly clear that the purpose of the Spirit is to empower witness:

“BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; AND YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

— ACTS 1:8

There is purpose for the Spirit’s work through his gifts in our lives and if we find ourselves anchored to his intention for them, we will be safe in the expression of them.

GIFTS OF GRACE:

Similar to the “gifts of the Spirit” Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 12, he also gives examples of gifts commonly referred to as “gifts of grace.” He lists them as follows (Romans 12):

PROPHECY:

THE ABILITY TO DELIVER MESSAGES FROM GOD THAT CAN ENCOURAGE, GUIDE, AND EDIFY THE CHURCH.

SERVICE: THE GIFT OF HELPING AND SERVING OTHERS IN PRACTICAL WAYS.

ENCOURAGEMENT / EXHORTATION: THE ABILITY TO UPLIFT, MOTIVATE, AND INSPIRE OTHERS IN THEIR FAITH.

TEACHING: THE ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AND APPLY THE TRUTHS OF THE FAITH IN A CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDING MANNER.

GIVING: THE GIFT OF GENEROSITY, SHARING RESOURCES FREELY AND JOYFULLY.

LEADERSHIP: THE ABILITY TO GUIDE AND OVERSEE OTHERS WITH DILIGENCE AND CARE.

MERCY: THE GIFT OF SHOWING COMPASSION AND KINDNESS TO THOSE IN NEED.

Different to the gifts of the Spirit, this list of gifts is not meant to be exhaustive. There are as many gifts of grace as there are people present in your gatherings. A large part of the journey your group takes together will be in cultivating these gifts in each other and using them to build up the body.

FOR HOUSE CHURCH TO FULFILL THE POTENTIAL OF GOD’S DESIGN, THE GIFTS OF GOD IN EACH PERSON MUST BE DESIRED, DISCOVERED, AND DEVELOPED.

Disciple-making Disciples

One of the clearest functions of the church is to be a disciple and to make disciples. Living into Jesus’ vision of renewal for the world requires us to look at and engage the lifestyle of discipleship he has invited us into. Jesus was the perfect host of the Spirit of God, the perfect picture of God and humanity dwelling as one. This is the baseline of our apprenticeship to Jesus. What does it look like to live in and walk out a perfect union with our God in this world and invite others to do the same?

It is worth noting in our modern, program-filled churches that discipleship is not limited to a program you sign up for or a small group you attend; it is a lifestyle you engage in as you follow Jesus. Our framework for discipleship begins with Jesus’ first century invitation to follow him, but we have also adapted some of John Mark Comer’s language to help frame what this looks like in our context.

BEING WITH HIM

His presence is a high priority for us as we gather, in fact, it is the priority. Jesus made it clear that abiding in his love is the only way to bear any fruit and House Church is a space where we practice his presence. To be nourished and sustained by abiding in him is the call of our lives and the only way we can walk in our purpose.

BECOMING LIKE HIM

Becoming like Jesus is the Father’s vision for our lives. Paul puts it this way to the Romans, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29). And we believe the more you look like Jesus, the more you look like yourself, fully alive.

DOING AS HE DID

Being a disciple of Jesus is participating in the expression and expansion of his kingdom through what he called “bearing fruit.” He has prepared works for us to do as his ambassadors and we cannot disconnect our faith in him from the works he has called us to in partnership with him.

TOGETHER

The church is a body that is meant to function together. Much of the process of becoming like Jesus will happen through relationships with one another. Our commitment to Jesus means a commitment to his body and the role we play in it.

House Church is a movement designed for those that want to be disciples of Jesus. We desire it to carry a culture that is not perpetuated from the top down, but from the inside out. This requires those who are part of the culture to carry and propagate it from within. If we cultivate an environment in which what we have in common is a clear and shared commitment to be apprentices of Jesus, then it will bear the extraordinary fruit Jesus designed his church to produce.

MULTIPLICATION

When considering discipleship, multiplication is a metric of health and a clear indication of the Spirit’s work. In an environment where disciples are truly following the way of Jesus, there should be a natural and ongoing multiplication as disciples go and make more disciples (Matthew 28:19).

Over the past three years, House Church has experienced this kind of organic growth, doubling in size each year. This growth hasn’t been driven by a desire to increase numbers for their own sake but has been the natural result of fostering a community committed to the leadership of the Spirit.

While growth within a community is an exciting sign of success, it’s important to remember that it should happen naturally in the right environment, without pressure. Just as a well-nurtured tree naturally produces fruit when planted in a healthy environment, a community of disciples will naturally grow when it is grounded in a clear kingdom foundation and vision. If we, as leaders, place an unhealthy emphasis on growth at the expense of our foundational vision, we may see numerical growth, but it often comes at a high cost. This can be compared to the difference between natural fruit and genetically modified crops — while GMOs might yield more crops, the quality and integrity are often compromised, and the long-term effects can be harmful. True growth, the kind that endures and brings life, comes from focusing on what truly matters.

The vision for House Church will always include growth through multiplication — House Church groups that birth other House Church groups through the process of discipleship.

As gifts are discovered and maturity is developed, leaders are sent out to establish new communities. As a general guideline, leaders who are sent out should have been part of a House Church group for at least one full year.

The goal for House Church is to cultivate a community of 1215 people in each home, creating space for at least 80% of the congregation to be involved in the movement.

The New Command

Jesus made it clear that all of the law can be distilled into two commands: loving God and loving people. This is the essence of the culture Jesus came to re-establish through his leadership and example, but there is a peculiar moment with his disciples where he presents a clear and in-your-face context for application. At the table, just before has was about to be arrested and killed, he spoke to his closest disciples:

“A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER. BY THIS EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

JOHN 13:34-35

He had already, for three years, taught that loving God and your neighbour was the highest priority in his Kingdom. But in this moment, at the table with the twelve, he called this command to love, new. It is clearly not new in the sense that it still falls within the call to love thy neighbour, but it is new in how specific it is. This new law of love was directed to the ones at the table for the ones at the table. Jesus was in essence saying, “look across the table and take note of your brothers. Love them the way I have loved you.”

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO LOVE LIKE HIM UNLESS WE ARE FIRST LOVED BY HIM.

In the truest sense of discipleship, proximity is required. In order for his disciples to become like Jesus, they had to be near him, often. He created spaces for them to be near him and near each other. It can become easy to fulfill the command to love others that are at a distance because there are degrees of separation that minimize the opportunities to love. But when it is up close and personal, the opportunities to love and be loved become unavoidable.

This is why the smaller spaces like House Church matter. They give us the opportunity to live out the ‘new command’ to love each other, closely. This may seem like a high cost and an impossible command to fulfill. It only seems impossible, because it is. In the tension of this high standard we find a holy trap. It is impossible to love like him, unless we are first loved by him. In order to love like him, we need to be reliant on his love for us. The command to love each other, closely, is an invitation into the spaces of our heart that aren’t yet transformed by his love.

“DEAR FRIENDS, SINCE GOD SO LOVED US, WE ALSO OUGHT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN GOD; BUT IF WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER, GOD LIVES IN US AND HIS LOVE IS MADE COMPLETE IN US.” — 1 JOHN 4:11-12

House Church will demand a love from you that you don’t have unless you remain in Jesus’ love. In saying yes to House Church, we are saying yes to a table. And at that table is an invitation to love each other like he loved you. To sit at that table and love people closely is a high cost, but what you get in a deeper experience of his love is worth more than anything his commands cost you.

“comE,

follow me.”

leadership

Throughout the history of Israel and into the church, the health of God’s people has always corresponded to the leadership God has appointed for his people. We saw that Israel prospered when the kings and priests led well and it also suffered when they did not lead well. One thing that has not changed since the garden of Eden is God’s willingness to endow the leadership of his people to his people. It continues to be a great mystery that he trusts the leadership of his church, his bride, to people.

Jesus told Peter and the early disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). And later, after his resurrection he commissioned them saying, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Even though human leadership has the potential to lead in ways that seem to undermine God’s plan for redemption, it is still his plan and intention to lead through his people.

leadership

This may seem daunting to you, and for many good reasons, but we need to take Jesus at his word and allow him to purify what it means to lead. Right after Jesus’ words of peace and commissioning in John 20:21, John writes in verse 22, “And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’”

There is much conversation about the leadership of the Spirit and how it is expressed in the body of Christ today, but we have to know that proper expression will come from proper foundation. If you consider the expression of a house, literally what you can see, it is being supported and sustained by a foundation. Many of the leadership issues in the church today simply arise because there is more of a focus on how leadership is expressed, rather than an emphasis on the foundation of the expression. Jesus says clearly in Matthew 7, there are houses that are not built on the foundation of his leadership that presumably look admirable, but will crumble when storms come. There are others though, that are built on the foundation of Jesus’ leadership that will stand in the storms.

If we, as leaders, can approach the invitation to lead from foundation, the expression of the church will be what Jesus desires it to be.

Consider Paul’s words to the Ephesian church:

“CONSEQUENTLY, YOU ARE NO LONGER FOREIGNERS AND STRANGERS, BUT FELLOW CITIZENS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE AND ALSO MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD, BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, WITH CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF AS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. IN HIM THE WHOLE BUILDING IS JOINED TOGETHER AND RISES TO BECOME A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD. AND IN HIM YOU TOO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER TO BECOME A DWELLING IN WHICH GOD LIVES BY HIS SPIRIT.” — EPHESIANS 2:19-22

The cornerstone is the first stone placed in the building and it informs the position of every other stone. The church will be what Jesus wants it to be as much as it is built the way he wants it built.

After he sent his disciples in the same way the Father sent him, Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit. This means we are not just left with his words, but with the heart of his words given to us by the Spirit. We don’t just have his words to lead us, we have him to lead us. To abide in Jesus is to understand and be shaped by his words expressed to us by his Spirit.

So what does this look like for leadership within House Church?

Living in the Light

It seems as if weekly we are witnessing some of the best known leaders fall in the context of ministry. This has sent ripples through the church and has left many disillusioned, hurt and confused. But this isn’t for a lack of emphasis on leadership, in fact, the conversations on leadership are at an all time high. The issue may lie in what we are emphasizing in our glorified leadership strategies.

Many times in the dialogue around leadership in church settings we can find ourselves searching for the next quick and catchy leadership trick to help us become better influencers of people. These methods can be healthy and rooted in a Kingdom desire, but can often miss the substance necessary to sustain leadership over time and bear the supernatural fruit Jesus sent his leaders, the disciples, to produce.

E.M. Bounds emphasized this in his book Power Through Prayer (1910), “The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” The church becomes susceptible to the shortcuts towards growth and influence when we neglect the essentials. This can cause harmful fallout.

The word fellowship, koinonia in Greek, becomes vital, once again, in understanding how we ought to live and lead as followers of Jesus. John writes:

“THIS IS THE MESSAGE WE HAVE HEARD FROM HIM AND DECLARE TO YOU: GOD IS LIGHT; IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL. IF WE CLAIM TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP (KOINONIA) WITH HIM AND YET WALK IN THE DARKNESS, WE LIE AND DO NOT LIVE OUT THE TRUTH. BUT IF WE WALK IN THE LIGHT, AS HE IS IN THE LIGHT, WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP (KOINONIA) WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND THE BLOOD OF JESUS, HIS SON, PURIFIES US FROM ALL SIN.” — 1 JOHN 1:5-7

Remember, koinonia is what we have in common, or it can be thought of as our shared experience. John tells us that walking in the light is our koinonia; with God and with each other. If the fellowship of the light remains foundational in our lives and leadership, we will undoubtedly be the leaders God has set us apart to be.

SO WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN OUR LIVES?

This first begins by understanding that in calling you to himself, he has called you out of darkness and into the light. Peter writes, “… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Remaining in Jesus is remaining in the light. This is an inner-world commitment to a lifestyle of communion with Jesus.

All we need is found in him. This is not a new idea for most of us, but what we often miss is that the light is also the place where we bring our brokenness, weakness, failure and sin. Because of shame, busyness, and ignorance, we can tend to find solutions for our roadblocks in life and leadership anywhere and everywhere except in the light. We have to admit our weakness, confess our sin, and find strength in him. What lives in the dark will die in the light. We can never forget that God has called us out of the darkness and into the light and nothing should stop us from joining him there because he removed every barrier.

REMAINING IN JESUS IS REMAINING IN THE LIGHT

Secondly, John explains that this fellowship in the light with God is also our fellowship with each other. It is vital that we have spaces to confess and bare our souls. Good, bad and ugly. Fellowship with God and fellowship with each other are mirror images of the same invitation. This is a hurdle for many of us because of shame and the desire to maintain an image, but if we withhold spaces of brokenness from each other, we no longer have fellowship in the light.

LIVING IN THE LIGHT IS NOT A LIFESTYLE ABSENT OF SIN, IT IS A LIFESTYLE OF KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR SIN.

As leaders in House Church, there must be a commitment to living in the light. This is not only an inner-world commitment in your communion with God, but a lifestyle commitment in your communion with others. To be clear, this does not mean airing out your struggles to anyone who will listen, but an across-the-board commitment to each other that you are walking in the light.

Paul writes to the Philippian church to “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17). Our goal for leadership in House Church is to “live up to what we have already attained” in Jesus and be those that others can keep their eyes on to live as we do. This is not perfection, but simply living in the light, trusting that everything will be worked out from there. This is a high standard, but it is one that Jesus has set, invites us into, and gives us the grace we need to live up to it.

High Low

Accountability Control

You may have heard the phrase high accountability, low control in some leadership settings. It is a management style where leaders are given a high degree of responsibility, but have the freedom to be creative, innovative and take ownership over how to carry out their responsibility.

In a similar fashion, Jesus had some baseline levels of accountability for his disciples, but he did not necessarily prescribe what the onthe-ground expression was for each of them. They had different personalities and tendencies and were called to different people in different regions.

Similarly, each House Church will look different because of the many unique aspects of leadership and culture. And we want them all to be a true expression of the personalities, gifts and leadership present. To achieve this, the levels of control will be lower than you might expect or even desire, but the accountability to foundation and culture will be high.

Let’s make some connection with the scripture through three levels of accountability and apply them to House Church.

CALLING

Your highest accountability as a House Church leader is your calling. Your calling may not be what you think it is. Your calling is not to something, it’s to someone.

“I PRAY THAT OUT OF HIS GLORIOUS RICHES HE MAY STRENGTHEN YOU WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, SO THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH. AND I PRAY THAT YOU, BEING ROOTED AND ESTABLISHED IN LOVE, MAY HAVE POWER, TOGETHER WITH ALL THE LORD’S HOLY PEOPLE, TO GRASP HOW WIDE AND LONG AND HIGH AND DEEP IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST, AND TO KNOW THIS LOVE THAT SURPASSES KNOWLEDGE — THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.” — EPHESIANS 3:16-19

Paul, out of all the issues he could address and all the leadership techniques he could bring, prays that the Ephesian church would be strengthened in their inner being and in knowing his love, would be filled with the fullness of God. He is acknowledging Jesus’ words in John 15 that apart from abiding in him, they can do nothing.

In order for any of us to be the leaders God has set us apart to be, we must understand that our highest accountability is to remain connected to and filled with the Spirit.

Your calling is to remain in him.

PURPOSE

From our calling, we can find and walk out our purpose. Your purpose is the convergence of how God has uniquely gifted you and the season that you are currently living. It is the mission of Jesus through your life and the fruit you are equipped to bear as you abide in him.

“FOR WE ARE GOD’S HANDIWORK, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS TO DO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO.”

— EPHESIANS 2:10

As a House Church leader, a unique part of your purpose is to help shape an expression of the Spirit through your God-given personality and gifts. In the same vein, House Church is meant to be an incubator where you and others can discover and develop deeper levels of purpose.

When you start to walk in your purpose, it can be one of the most life-giving and challenging things in the very same breath. Yet, many leaders in the church burnout and breakdown even though they are walking in their purpose. There are many reasons why burnout can occur, but at the root, the breakdown is simply because leaders are prioritizing their God-given purpose without abiding in the vine. Instead of considering the source of the issue at the level of calling, they are likely to compromise or outright abandon their purpose because it is not providing the life it once did.

We are called to bear fruit in our purpose, but the only way to bear fruit is to first walk in our calling by abiding in the vine.

“THIS IS TO MY FATHER’S GLORY, THAT YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT, SHOWING YOURSELVES TO BE MY DISCIPLES.”

— JOHN 15:8

RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities include tasks, duties, or obligations that you are personally expected to fulfill. In essence, responsibilities are what you’re accountable for and what you’re supposed to take care of. This is the arena of accountability that can make or break us; it can fill us with life or rob us of it.

In every area of life — whether work, personal, or leadership in House Church — the dynamics of responsibility remain the same. We all have to wrestle with tasks that may seem beneath us, insignificant, or not worth the time and effort. There will also be those moments when responsibilities seem far greater than what you believe you’re capable of handling. You’ll be sending texts, committing to leadership gatherings, filling out forms, and at times, managing menial tasks that may become burdensome if not handled with intention.

On the other hand, you may face obligations that require more capacity than you think you have. It’s easy to disconnect these responsibilities from ideas of purpose and calling, but if we do, we miss the source of life available to us in them. When we live from our calling and move into our purpose, we can be sure that abundant grace will meet us in every task, large and small.

“AND WHATEVER YOU DO, WHETHER IN WORD OR DEED, DO IT ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM.”

— COLOSSIANS 3:17

“COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY & BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE & HUMBLE IN HEART & YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. FOR MY YOKE IS EASY & MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.”

MATTHEW 11:28-30

CALLING

“COME TO ME.”

PURPOSE

“TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME.”

RESPONSIBILITY

“MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.”

HIGH ACCOUNTABILITY, LOW CONTROL is a practical way to understand what the priority is in the life of a House Church leader. Everything should flow from the Source. The highest accountability is to remain connected to that source and everything that flows from it, through you, will be the expression of leadership that is needed.

Leading in the Light

There was a moment as Moses was leading the nation of Israel into a new identity in the wilderness, when Jethro, his father-in-law, sat him down and spoke some sense in how his leadership would lead to burnout for everyone. He said, “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18). He goes on to say that the role of bringing vision is one thing, but walking it out in community is another. Conflicts will arise, tragedies will unfold, offense may come and there will be needs to be satisfied, so you’ll need to equip leaders to share the responsibility.

Just like Moses, we can tend to carry a burden of leadership on our shoulders that is too heavy for us to carry alone. As leaders, we need to acknowledge every day that if we walk out our leadership responsibilities the way we’re invited to by Jesus, then the yoke will be easy and the burden will be light. If we don’t live in the easy-andlight way of Jesus, it will cause dysfunction in our souls and will lead others into the same dysfunction.

Earlier, we considered the fellowship we have living in the light. That definition of light obviously speaks to illumination, the opposite of dark. But, now, as we think about the burden of ministry, consider the other definition of light: having little weight, not heavy.

If our fellowship is in the light then we both live in the light (illumination) and lead in the light (little weight).

This is our shared commitment.

LIVE IN THE LIGHT LEAD IN THE LIGHT

[ILLUMINATION]

[LIITLE WEIGHT]

LEADING IN THE LIGHT IS A COMMITMENT TO:

+ Not allow things to remain unchecked or unresolved when it comes to the burdens of leadership.

+ Not carry burdens alone in order to not burden anyone else. Things that are too heavy for you may just be a prompt for you to empower others — it may be the breakthrough they need.

+ Consistently discern what needs to be brought to the attention of House Church oversight and take initiative to reach out.

+ Encourage the leaders around you to bring refreshment to their soul. Seek out encouragement when you need to be refreshed in your own soul.

+ Celebrate the wins and breakthroughs that are coming through your group’s leadership.

+ Have fun and choose joy!

HOUSE CHURCH LEADERSHIP PATHWAY

Leading a House Church comes with both amazing moments to celebrate and challenges to face. It is essential to share both the wins and the struggles with others. Just as Moses learned from Jethro, effective leadership is about knowing when to delegate and ask for support. This Leadership Pathway is designed to guide you and your group to thrive together. [GROUP ENGAGEMENT]

[LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY]

LEVEL 1:

LEAN ON THE GIFTS IN YOUR GROUP

When something arises, the first step is to tap into the gifts and strengths within your group. Get everyone involved — encourage your members to use their talents and share their insights. This approach not only strengthens your community but also makes leadership a shared experience. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you as you work together.

[LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY]

[GROUP ENGAGEMENT]

[HC LEADERS]

LEVEL 2:

REACH OUT TO HOUSE CHURCH OVERSIGHT

If the situation requires more than your group can handle, reach out to your House Church oversight. They’re there to provide coaching, advice, and a fresh perspective. This is about recognizing when to ask for help and allowing others to step in and support you. Your oversight team is there to back you up with the wisdom and tools you need.

[HC LEADERS]

[HC OVERSIGHT]

LEVEL 3: HOUSE CHURCH OVERSIGHT ENGAGES THE PASTORAL TEAM

If the issue isn’t resolved after working with House Church oversight, they’ll bring in the pastoral team. The pastoral leaders will offer additional coaching and guidance, ensuring you have the full support of the leadership team as you continue to lead your group.

[HC OVERSIGHT]

[PASTORAL TEAM]

LEVEL 4: DIRECT SUPPORT FROM THE PASTORAL TEAM

In those rare cases where even more support is needed, the pastoral team will step in directly. They’ll work alongside you to address the situation with care and wisdom. After that, the focus will be on helping you and your group move forward with renewed strength and clarity.

[LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY]

[PASTORAL TEAM]

The weekly rhythm of House Church is a vital part of our journey in discipleship, fostering a deeper connection with God and each other. The habit of gathering weekly is essential for nurturing consistency and providing space to delve into how God is moving amongst us as a community. The priority of a House Church gathering is not merely for everyone to leave with a sense of contentment but to ask ourselves, “Did we prioritize the presence of Jesus tonight?” This question anchors our expectations and focuses our hearts on what truly matters.

PRACTICE

IN PRACTICE

Before a Gathering

PRAYER

Prayer is the cornerstone of our preparation. Spending time in his presence equips us to lead others into his presence. Dedicate time to worship and align your heart with the Lord before each gathering. It is in these moments of intimacy with God that we draw strength, clarity and direction for our leadership, allowing him to minister through us. Prayer is the practice of his presence. This is the most practical way to remain connected to the Source of life for your gatherings.

SOME PRACTICAL QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU AS YOU PREPARE IN PRAYER:

IN WHAT AREAS AM I ANXIOUS, FRUSTRATED, TIRED?

WHAT DO I NEED FROM GOD IN THOSE SPACES?

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT REVEALING ABOUT JESUS?

WHO IS THE SPIRIT HIGHLIGHTING IN THE GROUP?

HOW DOES THE FATHER WANT TO TAKE US DEEPER INTO HIS HEART?

WHAT IS THE INVITATION OF JESUS THIS WEEK?

REVIEW THE GUIDE & KEY SCRIPTURES

Each week, a guide is prepared based on what the Spirit is speaking to the church through the Word. The guide is usually framed as an opportunity to engage Sunday’s content in a deeper way with scriptures and prompts designed to unify and guide us on our shared path of discipleship.

As a leader, seek the Lord’s guidance together in prayer to discern which questions and scriptures will most resonate with your group. The goal is not to simply tick off questions but to engage deeply with Jesus through the text and the spirit of the message, allowing him to lead us into his heart.

Ultimately, the guide serves two basic purposes: to foster unity across every group and to aid leaders by lifting some of the burden of preparation.

You may only use some of the questions, or the Spirit may prompt your leaders to engage in a way that is unique to the guide, but use the content for a sense of unity and direction.

During a Gathering

GATHER THE ROOM

Establish a rhythm with your group that sets clear expectations for when the gathering will begin. This practice nurtures a culture of consistency and respect for everyone’s time, creating an environment where everyone knows they are valued. If the expectations are consistently neglected, address the issue with individuals and the group and call people to a higher standard.

WORSHIP & PRAYER

Begin each gathering with worship and prayer, recognizing that many will arrive from the busyness of their daily lives. Worship should draw us into a place of adoration, focusing on Jesus’ worth, beauty, and holiness. As we see him for who he truly is, everything else falls into its proper place. Use this time to pray collectively, providing space for those with prophetic, intercessory, or discernment gifts to contribute and build up the body.

SCRIPTURE AND DISCUSSION

God’s Word is our ultimate guide, as it has been for believers throughout the history of the church. Approach the scriptures with humility, leaving personal wants and opinions at the door, and come with open hands to receive all God is saying through the text. The guide is there to assist, not restrict; focus on the scriptures and questions that will best lead your group.

As you open up discussions, ensure you are engaging the entire group. Be mindful of different personality types, providing space for quieter members to share and gently guiding more talkative members to allow space for others. This inclusive approach fosters an environment where everyone has an opportunity to discover and engage the gifts God has placed within them.

Your discernment and leadership will be key in these discussions in the moment and over time. It is important to do your best in the moment to navigate what healthy participation looks like for everyone, but keep in mind, your group will grow in its unity of discussion as the Spirit leads throughout the year together.

COMMUNION

Communion is a sacred part of our gathering, drawing us to the table with Jesus just as his disciples did. It serves as a constant reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the promise of his return. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “We proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Communion is central to our understanding of the Gospel, and it’s essential to prioritize this moment each week.

Communion is the continual revelation of his sacrifice for us, his presence with us, and the fulfillment of his promises yet to come.

Invite others to participate in leading communion, encouraging them to prepare a short scripture or thought to share with the group. This involvement fosters discipleship and a deeper connection with the truths of the Gospel. Encourage everyone participating to seek God for deeper revelations of his body and blood every week.

PRAYER, RESPONSE & MINISTRY

Throughout the gathering, remain attentive to what the Spirit is revealing, who the Spirit may be highlighting or any themes that arise. These are moments the manifestation of the Spirit through gifts of ministry are most clear. Encourage people to step out in faith and practice responding to the Spirit’s leadership.

PRACTICAL TIPS ON MINISTRY

+ Ground everything you do in prayer, ensuring your words and actions are Spirit-led.

+ Recognize that ministry is often the beginning of a journey; follow up with individuals after gatherings to continue supporting their spiritual growth.

+ Respect the time constraints of those in your group. If ministry extends beyond the planned end time, communicate clearly and allow those who need to leave to do so quietly.

+ When praying in smaller groups, ensure no personal boundaries are crossed. Promote a culture of respect and honour that lives in your gatherings and beyond them.

+ Handle prophetic words with care, ensuring they are appropriate and delivered in a way that honours God and the one receiving the word. Scripture teaches that the prophetic gift is to edify, exhort and encourage. Refrain from giving correction and direction in the context of a House Church gathering.

After a Gathering

REVIEW THE NIGHT

Engage in a time of reflection with other leaders, discussing the events of the night and providing feedback. This collaboration allows leaders to support and honour each other’s gifts and perspectives.

Make note of anything that needs to be followed up with and delegate the leader responsible. Maintain accountability across leadership for how and when situations are handled.

House Church is not meant to be led by one person alone. It is a reflection of a biblical family — a body made up of many parts. This collaborative leadership fosters a true sense of community and family, providing a model for others to understand and implement in their own lives.

Hospitality

Hospitality is first and foremost about creating a space that invites and hosts the presence of God. This begins with intentional prayer and seeking his heart in your preparations. While good food and a clean home are important, the true essence of hospitality lies in preparing your heart before preparing your home. The emphasis should always be on hosting God’s presence.

ASK YOURSELF:

ARE WE ALLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US AS WE PREPARE FOR HOUSE CHURCH?

IS THERE ANYTHING DISTRACTING ME FROM FOCUSING ON HIS PRESENCE DURING MY PREPARATION?

Without relying on the Holy Spirit, our efforts can lead to burnout, frustration, and fatigue. However, hospitality isn’t a burden meant to be shouldered by one person alone. It’s something that should be modeled, so others can see and contribute to the group as they feel led.

It may seem strong to some, but setting clear expectations for your home can be one of the healthiest things you do. Whether it’s deciding as a group what to eat, establishing practical guidelines for your home, or determining how to care for one another — these actions go a long way in fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

People entering your home should understand they are stepping into a family, where everyone shares in the care and responsibility of the home and the group.

Finally, one important check for yourself: if you are not feeling rest in what you are doing, acknowledge this and allow the Holy Spirit to work in those places.

ASK YOURSELF:

AM I FINDING REST IN MY SOUL?

AM I LEANING ON HIS NATURE, RATHER THAN LEANING IN MY OWN STRENGTH OR AMBITIONS?

If hosting and hospitality feel burdensome, don’t hesitate to engage the leadership pathways found on pages 79 - 81 for support. This is an opportunity for growth and learning to lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and endurance. It’s also a moment to ask, “Am I allowing others to support me in this responsibility, or am I trying to carry it alone?”

HOUSE

ESTABLISHING RHYTHMS

Creating consistency and setting expectations from the very beginning allows everyone to feel comfortable and respected. These guidelines help maintain a space that honors both the presence of God and the people he brings into our homes.

SETTING AN END TIME:

Clearly communicate what time the gathering will conclude. This will allow everyone to plan their evening accordingly.

CLEAN UP PROTOCOL:

Encourage everyone to take part in tidying up, ensuring that the responsibility is shared and no one is left overwhelmed.

HOUSE ETIQUETTE:

Establish basic expectations for how the home is treated, promoting respect and care for the space and one another.

FAMILY RULES:

If children are present, set guidelines that support parents while keeping the focus on the evening’s purpose.

FOOD

Sharing food is a powerful way to connect at the start of the evening. How this is approached can vary based on the group’s dynamics, but here are some effective methods:

POTLUCK STYLES:

Each person brings a dish to share every week, creating a shared meal.

SHARED MEALS:

The group enjoys a meal together, with each person contributing a portion of the food.

ROTATING RESPONSIBILITY:

Divide the House Church into two groups, with each group alternating weekly responsibilities for snacks.

SIGN-UP SYSTEM:

Individuals sign up for specific weeks to provide snacks. If they can’t attend, they ensure snacks are provided by other means.

MONTHLY POTLUCK:

Once a month, the group enjoys a big potluck, with smaller snack contributions on other weeks.

RULES

CHILDREN

When children are part of the group, it’s important to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included. Let parents know that your space is also theirs, and they should never feel embarrassed or burdened by their child’s presence. At the same time, be ready to gently guide the evening if children’s activities begin to detract from the gathering’s focus.

ANTICIPATING DISRUPTIONS:

Be proactive in managing any disruptions, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for families.

ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN:

Provide activities to keep older children engaged and involved.

SUPPORT NEW MOTHERS:

Offer a comfortable space for new mums to breastfeed or soothe their babies.

YOUR HOME

Creating a welcoming environment is key to making everyone feel at home and ready to encounter God.

CLEANLINESS:

Ensure that the bathrooms are clean and dishes are ready for use.

WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE:

Set the tone with candles, music, and blankets if it’s cold. Provide enough seating or pillows so everyone is comfortable.

SIMPLE HOSPITALITY:

Offer hot water for tea or other simple refreshments, making people feel cared for and at ease.

PEOPLE

As leaders, our primary responsibility is to care for each person who walks through our doors. Our role goes beyond hospitality — it’s about creating a space where people can truly encounter the presence of God.

ATTENTION TO NEWCOMERS:

Always be mindful of new faces, ensuring they feel welcomed and included. This may be their first experience of discipleship, and it’s our responsibility to make it a meaningful and impactful one.

Community Care

As we live into the “new command” to love each other, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet people in their place of need and serve the way Jesus modeled for us. We get to walk into rooms and situations with the full understanding of who it is we follow, and love others the way he loved us.

There is immense joy and blessing in the moments when we get to meet the needs of those we are called to serve. It’s important to recognize the significance of the promise of joy as we love each other (John 15:11) because when we allow anxiety, fear, or worry to take root as we respond to needs, it can hinder our ability to offer the pure love that Jesus desires to express through us.

The reality is that there will always be someone around us who is in need and while we could spend our whole lives responding to every need, it is vital that we allow Jesus to lead. We want to keep in step with the Spirit, and simply obey as he gives direction.

As we bless others through practical care, we also receive a blessing — especially as our hearts expand in understanding the vastness of our Father’s love and how far it reaches.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CARE

As you continue to do life with those in your groups, there will be many opportunities to meet people in their needs. Some people will ask for help and others may not, but as leaders we want to step into needs like Jesus did with his heart to serve.

FAMILY MILESTONES

NEW PREGNANCY

+ Meal train: Organize a meal train to support the family during this exciting time.

+ Understanding Family Dynamics: Consider the family’s situation, such as whether grandparents or other relatives are local, and how they might be involved.

+ Connection to New Moms Group: Reach out to the New Moms Group leadership for guidance on how the church can best support the new baby and family.

LOSS OF LOVED ONE

+ Meals: Provide meals as needed to support the family during their time of grief.

+ Spiritual Care: Offer prayer, encouragement from the Word of God, and create spaces where the presence of Jesus can bring comfort and peace.

+ Emotional Support: Schedule intentional time to visit, listen, and offer love and care to those grieving.

PHYSICAL + MENTAL HEALTH

+ Personalized Care: Approach each situation with care, tailoring support to the individual’s specific needs.

+ Spiritual & Emotional Care: Offer prayer, encouragement, and emotional support when needed. Assign a specific person to keep in touch with the individual, providing ongoing care and connection. Ensure they feel seen and loved.

ILLNESS/MEDICAL PROCEDURES

+ Meals: Organize meal support during recovery periods.

+ Physical Support: Offer practical help such as rides to appointments, aid with household tasks, or care for dependents like children or pets.

+ Transitioning Back to Church: Ensure that returning to in-person church is as smooth as possible by saving seats, making spaces accessible, and offering rides if needed.

MENTAL HEALTH

+ House Church Covering: Regularly lift the individual in prayer during House Church gatherings when appropriate. Some situations will require increased sensitivity.

+ Inform House Church Oversight: If the person is a risk to themselves or others, engage the leadership pathways found on pages 79 - 81 for support as soon as possible.

SEASONS OF TRANSITION

MOVING HOMES/RELOCATION

+ Moving Support: Organize a team to assist with the move, providing practical help and encouragement.

+ Standing in the Gap: Be present in prayer, faith, and practical support during challenging transitions such as eviction, loss of a home, or moving to a new city.

JOB LOSS

+ Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and encouragement during this difficult time.

+ Prayer: Uplift the individual in prayer, seeking God’s provision and guidance.

+ Practical Support: Identify and address any practical needs, helping to connect them with resources within the community.

FINANCIAL DISTRESS (HOMELESSNESS ETC.)

+ Involve Leadership: Engage the situation with the leadership pathways found on pages 79-81 for accountability and access to the appropriate resources and support.

“‘I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

— Matthew 25:36-40

Outreach & Evangelism

From time to time, church leadership may identify opportunities for outreach and other initiatives in the city. Prepare your heart and the hearts of the people in your group to be ready to respond as part of the greater church. Mobilizing our groups will be one of the most effective ways to serve the city.

Feel free to also pray with your groups and seek the Spirit’s guidance on how you can bring pockets of paradise to the community around you. We encourage you to advocate for ways to serve, whether by volunteering together as a House Church or by initiating programs that address specific local needs.

Some examples of this could include:

FOOD DRIVES AND MEAL DISTRIBUTION:

Organize efforts to collect and distribute food to those in need.

COMMUNITY WORSHIP AND EVANGELISM:

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP PROJECTS:

Worship in parks or street corners. Pray for the sick and oppressed. Share the good news of Jesus.

Rally your group to help beautify and care for local neighborhoods.

SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY:

YOUTH OUTREACH AND SPORTS PROGRAMS:

VISITING HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES:

REFUGEE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE:

Provide companionship and assistance to seniors in your community.

Engage with local youth through sports or mentoring programs.

Bring comfort and encouragement to those who are sick or elderly.

Offer practical help and friendship to refugees as they adjust to their new lives.

Above all, understand that outreach is not a one-time event but an ongoing, Spirit-led commitment. It requires continuous effort and dedication to make a lasting impact. Be encouraged to discern the needs of your community through prayer and seek the Lord’s guidance in finding new and meaningful ways to serve.

Reporting

Each week, our aim is to document what transpired during the gathering, focusing on what God did in your group, who was highlighted, ministered to, or requires follow-up.

When crafting a feedback report, the objective is not merely to “check the box” but to effectively communicate what God accomplished in your group that night. Document the report in a way that helps leadership gain insight into what happened without being there.

SOME QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

WHO WAS HIGHLIGHTED FOR MINISTRY?

ARE GIFTS BEING IDENTIFIED AND PRACTICED?

WERE THERE SIGNIFICANT BREAKTHROUGHS?

WHAT IS WORTH CELEBRATING?

ARE THERE RECURRING ISSUES WITHIN THE GROUP?

To ensure that the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on one leader, designate someone in advance to keep track of how God is moving that night. Afterward, leaders should come together to review the evening, making sure all perspectives are considered. This collaborative approach helps to capture a complete picture of the night, ensuring no important detail is overlooked. By sharing this responsibility, we foster a sense of collective leadership and accountability within the group.

It’s important to prioritize submitting your report within 24 hours to maintain a consistent and accurate reporting structure. This practice ensures that all relevant information is captured promptly and effectively.

After documenting the night’s events, it’s crucial to follow up on any highlighted issues or individuals needing further ministry. This follow-up may include personal check-ins, additional prayer, or organizing support for those in need.

APPENDIX

NEW TESTAMENT STANDARDS ON PROPHECY

As we navigate the practice of prophecy within our House Church groups, it’s crucial to remember that prophecy is not just an expression of spiritual insight; it’s a gift that must be handled with care and discernment. The Bible teaches us that prophecy should always be weighed against the truth of Scripture. Accepting prophetic words without such scrutiny would be contrary to the biblical instruction we are called to uphold.

This guidance serves as a foundation for understanding how to approach prophecy in our gatherings, providing clear biblical standards for testing and discerning prophetic words.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING PROPHECY

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives clear instructions on how prophecy should function within the church: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge [or discern]” (1 Corinthians 14:29 NKJV).

This verse reminds us that prophets are not isolated figures; they are integral members of the body of Christ, contributing in harmony with others. The New Testament emphasizes the collective discernment of prophetic words, highlighting the importance of community in testing prophecy.

When we test prophecy, it’s essential to ask: “Is this from God? Is it aligned with His truth? Should it be taken to heart?” Paul reiterates this:

“DO NOT QUENCH THE SPIRIT. DO NOT DESPISE PROPHECIES. TEST ALL THINGS; HOLD FAST WHAT IS GOOD.” — 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21

Scripture encourages us not to stifle the work of the Holy Spirit or dismiss the gifts he gives, including prophecy. However, the key is to test everything, holding on only to what is genuinely good and true.

Throughout the history of the church, many so-called prophecies have led to confusion and harm. We must remain vigilant and discerning, not cynical, knowing that the solution lies in testing every word and clinging to what truly reflects God’s heart.

PRINCIPLES FOR JUDGING PROPHECY

To help us discern the authenticity of prophetic words, here are nine principles grounded in Scripture:

1. DOES IT EDIFY?

Paul provides a clear standard:

“BUT HE WHO PROPHESIES SPEAKS EDIFICATION AND EXHORTATION AND COMFORT TO MEN.”

— 1 CORINTHIANS 14:3

A true prophetic word should build up, encourage, and bring comfort to the body of believers. Prophecies that are negative, destructive, or condemning do not align with this standard. We’ve seen how misuse of prophecy can lead to division and harm — prophecy is powerful, but when misused, it can cause significant damage.

2. DOES IT ALIGN WITH SCRIPTURE?

Paul offers a crucial test:

“ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, AND IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

— 2 TIMOTHY 3:16

The Holy Spirit, who inspired the scriptures, will not contradict himself. Therefore, any true prophecy will always harmonize with the letter and spirit of the Bible.

3. DOES IT GLORIFY JESUS?

Jesus teaches us:

“WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH HAS COME, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH... HE WILL GLORIFY ME...”

JOHN 16:13-14

The role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. Any prophecy that does not elevate and honor Jesus should be questioned.

APPENDIX

4. DOES IT BEAR GOOD FRUIT?

“FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT EATING AND DRINKING, BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.”

— ROMANS 14:17

Righteousness, peace, and joy are the hallmarks of good fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which should be evident in the lives of those delivering prophetic words.

5. HAS IT BEEN FULFILLED?

Deuteronomy 18:20-22 provides a clear criterion. If a prophecy contains a prediction that does not come to pass, it did not come from God. Accuracy in prediction is a definitive test of a true prophecy. Romans 12:6 also cautions that prophecy should be in proportion to the faith given. Sometimes, individuals may start in the Spirit but then extend beyond what was truly given, leading to error.

6. DOES IT ENCOURAGE OBEDIENCE TO GOD?

Even accurate prophecies must encourage obedience to God. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns against prophecies that lead people away from God, even if they seem supernaturally accurate.

7. DOES IT BRING FREEDOM, PEACE, AND CONFIDENCE?

“... WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY.”

— 2 CORINTHIANS 3:17

The Holy Spirit brings freedom, not bondage or fear. True prophecy will bring a sense of peace and liberty.

8. DOES IT BRING FRESH LIFE?

“... BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE.”

— 2 CORINTHIANS 3:6

True prophecy should invigorate and bring new life to a person or situation.

9. DOES YOUR SPIRIT BEAR WITNESS?

1 John 2:27 speaks of the anointing within believers:

“BUT THE ANOINTING WHICH YOU HAVE RECEIVED FROM HIM ABIDES IN YOU.”

— 1 JOHN 2:27

“The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you...”

This internal witness, given by the Holy Spirit, helps us discern truth from falsehood. When walking in the Spirit, this witness is a valuable tool for discerning prophetic words.

By applying these principles, we can better discern the authenticity of prophetic words and ensure they align with the teachings of the New Testament, safeguarding the spiritual health of our community.

This content has been adapted from Derek Prince Ministries.

T.W.I.

SPIRIT-LED THANKSGIVING, WORSHIP + INTERCESSION

THANKSGIVING (PSALM 100:4) ~ 10 MINUTES

Thanskgiving is our response to what God has done and who he has been. It is a gift we give to God as we acknowledge with gratitude his goodness towards us.

Leadership transition example: “Let’s begin by taking turns thanking God for anything and everything you would like to, big or small. Let’s enter in with thanksgiving.”

Lead the group to take turns praying thanksgiving and praise to God for anything and everything they would like to.

Try to thank God for what he has done, or who he is, not futuristic or intercessory thanks. As a leader, listen and watch for the Holy Spirit to highlight a specific attribute of Jesus’ character during this time. Many times, something that someone says in the thanksgiving time about his character will be highlighted to you.

WORSHIP (EPHESIANS 1:17) ~ 30 MINUTES

Worship is our response to a revelation of who God is. The Holy Spirit loves to reveal Jesus to us and it is Spirit-led worship when we respond to what is being revealed.

Land on one aspect of his character you felt the Spirit highlight about Jesus and lead the group to focus on that one aspect of Jesus.

Leadership transition example: “I feel the Holy Spirit highlighting that Jesus is (an aspect of his nature). Let’s respond to this and worship him for that together. We can take turns praying prayers of worship.”

Focus on that one attribute of God for the rest of the time.

Lead the group in encountering and responding to this specific revelation of his character through prayer, scripture, song, art, or testimony. Keep all responses vertical and prayerful in nature, speaking all scriptures, songs and testimonies directly to the Lord. Shift prayers from “Thank You…” phrases to “You Are…” declaration phrases

INTERCESSION (EZEKIEL 22:30) ~ 20 MINUTES

Intercession is our response to what God wants to do. When we encounter a specific attribute of his character, it’s not just for us but for the world around us. If he is revealing something to us, he wants to release that through us.

Leadership transition example: “From this place of encountering Jesus as , let’s pray for (region/family/church/people group/etc…).

Let’s take turns praying this attribute of him over .”

Lead the group in interceding for your chosen topic from the place of revelation focused on in the “Worship” time. Use your revelation of Jesus to fuel your intercession. You can take this time to also share a few prayer points to focus on.

MINISTRY AND CLOSE

By following the Spirit, he may lead into aspects of ministry to each other. Stay sensitive to how the Spirit is leading and is ministering. Discern a moment to close the time together in prayer. If there is still a hunger for prayer, keep in mind these night are meant to create a hunger that provokes a deeper personal prayer life. Send your group with an encouragement and blessing toward their personal devotion in prayer.