House Church
As society grows increasingly disconnected, with digital interactions replacing real relationships, house churches offer a return to authentic community.
“And Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house.”
Philemon 1:2
“The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 16:19
“Greet also the church in their house.”
Romans 16:5
“Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.”
Colossians 4:15
“How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house.”
Acts 20:20
“...breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.”
Acts 2:46
The House Church: A Biblical Model for Today’s Church
In an age where megachurches dominate the Christian landscape, the biblical model of the house church is experiencing a powerful resurgence. Rather than vast auditoriums filled with thousands, the early church thrived in intimate home gatherings where believers could deeply engage in fellowship, worship, and discipleship. This model, rooted in Scripture, remains the most effective way to cultivate genuine Christian community and spiritual growth.
The Biblical Foundation of House Churches
The early church did not meet in large buildings or cathedrals but in homes. Acts 2:46-47 describes the first believers: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” These gatherings were personal, fostering accountability, love, and deep relationships.
Paul, one of the greatest church planters, reinforced this model. Romans 16:5 states, “Greet also the church that meets at their house.” Similarly, in Colossians 4:15, he sends greetings to “Nympha and the church in her house.” The New Testament is filled with references to believers meeting in homes, demonstrating that the house church was the primary structure of Christian worship and fellowship.
Jesus Modelled Small, Intentional Fellowship
Jesus Himself chose only twelve disciples, not twelve thousand. He invested deeply in their lives, teaching them, walking with them, and sharing meals. His model was not about grand crowds but about forming disciples who would go and make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). True discipleship happens in personal settings, where lives are shared, struggles are supported, and faith is strengthened.
The Importance of the House Church in Today’s Society
As society grows increasingly disconnected, with digital interactions replacing real relationships, house churches offer a return to authentic community. Large church settings often make personal discipleship difficult, whereas house churches create an environment where believers can encourage one another, pray together, and grow in their faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Furthermore, persecution and cultural shifts make house churches a sustainable and resilient model. In many parts of the world where Christianity is suppressed, believers continue to meet in homes, just as the early church did under Roman oppression.
The reemergence of house churches is not just a trend; it is a return to the biblical model of Christian fellowship. As the early church thrived in intimate home gatherings, today’s believers can find deeper connection, discipleship, and spiritual growth by embracing this model. Jesus did not need 12,000 followers to change the world—He needed twelve committed disciples. The same principle holds true today: small, devoted gatherings will transform lives and advance the Kingdom of God.
Jason and Orsola are committed to the vision of house church. They oversee a thriving house church in Italy, and saw the formation of a house church in England. They currently attend house church in Wales and actively pursue the vision to see house churches planted wherever they take the Good News.
“Morning and evening devotion in a little home is infinitely more pleasing in the sight of God than all the cathedral pomp which delights the carnal eye and ear.”
Charles Spurgeon