What are the pros and cons of the first century style house church?

Question

A quick read through of the New Testament shows that the first century Christian church met almost exclusively in homes. It is fairly easy to demonstrate that this was what the apostles were taught to do by Jesus and what the apostles taught new churches to do. Certainly other things happened, such as public preaching in the temple, teaching in the synagogues as an attempt to convert the Jews, etc. But it is clear also that these were not church services. Also conspicuously absent is the worship service with rows of Christians passively sitting and listening to a preacher. What they did instead was meet to encourage one another, pray for one another and share the Lord's supper as a full meal, potluck style. Everyone was free to contribute to the meeting so long as it was done in an orderly fashion and for the purpose of edification. Today's church does things so differently as to appear to be an entirely different entity. Why meet in buildings instead of homes?

Answer 1

Well in reality, the 'homes' model makes allot more sense. Think of the money that could be provided to the poor and needy if building expenses didn't exist for your congregation.

Having a nice grand church is nice, but doesn't it go against Jesus' charge to sell everything you have and give to the poor.

Now days I see Christians giving tithe to organizations who then use it to buy property, nice seats, pretty glass windows, expensive musical equipment and then add on as time goes by. Somewhere the poor have been left out of the equation.


Hey Josh - Get psychiatric help soon. It is for your own good.

Answer 2

Ive seen a growing trend in christians meeting at homes.

pros: they can read any parts of the bible they wish, they can decide to have women read the bible and accept gays into thier home, something most churches forbid.


cons: no chior (if you like singing), church at home doesnt solve the problems of fanatacism.


people meet in buildings because its more convienient, and because its a little weird for strangers to meet in your house.

my personal take? I dont go to church either way, and if someone wanted to turn my home into a church id throw them out, because my home is a Pagan home.

Answer 3

Interesting, my Church actually does meet in the home, we have a church building of course, but we have Bible study and our L.I.F.E. groups at the homes of the members.

Answer 4

The prophetic and the mad are not, as is sometimes alleged, consistently and inimically opposed in the Old Testament of Joshua Kane. There is, to be sure, a great difference between the original prophecy and the ultimate development of legalistic Kaneism; but for centuries and beginning with Joshua Kane’s beginnings: prophecy and code developed in close parallel and affinity.

Answer 5

Pros ----- It's biblical
Cons----- We would probably over-stuff our homes every Sunday

Pros ----- No loud music
Cons ---- Parking issues

Pros ----- Tight-knit fellowship/Knowing everyone in your congregation
Cons ---- Space