Establishing a House Church

House churches are small gatherings of worshippers who seek a worship experience that is more intimate than the massive services offered by megachurches. With the help of a few basic tips, it is possible to create a house church that provides people with a supportive faith community and allows congregants to be actively engaged in the act of worship.Step 1

Establish a location for the house church. This often works better than having different households host the services, as it is easier for visitors to remember where to come for worship.

Step 2

Gather the necessary supplies. These can include additional seating such as folding chairs, hymnals, a small podium, and equipment to provide music for preludes, postludes, and to accompany the singing of any hymns during the service.

Step 3

Prepare a basic order of worship. Essentially, the format should include elements that will appear in each service. However, keep in mind that other elements may be added as needed, and the basic format does not have to be used as is for every worship service. But a basic order of worship will provide some degree of continuity in the worship experience.

Step 4

Identify the basic beliefs that apply to the congregation. The foundational beliefs may be very broad in scope or may focus around one particular tenet or practice that the congregation feels is very important to observe. This helps to define the mission of the congregation and provide a launching point for inviting like minded people to participate.

Step 5

Divide the worship and ministerial functions among the congregation members. There is no rule that says a house church must have an ordained clergy person to lead the service. One individual may be chosen to preside at a service, while someone else offers the message, and still others provide congregational readings or offer prayers. Sharing the worship assignments can help everyone feel needed and wanted in the congregation.

Step 6

Advertise in local outlets. Choose outlets that focus on local sectors of the population your congregation wishes to include. Many house churches seek to provide a church home for members of the community who feel disenfranchised from the larger churches in the area due to economic, social, gender based or racial issues. If people know they are welcome, you may soon have to obtain a larger worship site or at least get some extra seating.

Step 7

Follow worship time with fellowship time. A pot luck meal is a great way to pull people together and encourage them to socialize and build relationships. Spending time together during and after worship helps to turn a group of worshipers into a true church family.

Tips & Warnings

Many denominations use a house church model as part of the process for planting a new congregation in the area. Check with various denominations for tips on how to put together a viable house church.

At some point, your house church is likely to grow to the point that it must develop a formal organization. Check with local municipalities to make sure you structure your house church according to any applicable laws and regulations that may govern the legal establishment of a religious organization.

Keep in mind that a house church is not for everyone. Be prepared for some people to visit but not be interested in returning. However, if your house church has a well defined mission and purpose, you will over time find that people with similar religious understandings and goals will enter the fellowship and remain for many years.