Check out our House Church groups!
FAQ
Why “House Churches”? Since our core-business is making disciples of Jesus (Mt. 28:19-20), we follow Jesus’ example of how he discipled his disciples—in a small community! The early Christians did the same. A small, committed community is the most effective way to grow up as a disciple of Jesus. It is “church”, just not a church service.
• Why are House Churches as important as Sunday Services? “Family” (small gatherings) is where people do most of their growing—becoming like Jesus. “Family Reunion” (large gathering) is where you celebrate that connection and growth—connect at a lighter level, worship together, etc. Sunday service alone—no matter how dynamic—cannot connected us deeply to others, form us internally, and launch us into being practitioners of Jesus’ life.
• Are House Churches only for Springs’ people? No. They are “Springs House Churches” available to anyone who’d like to join—neighbors, family members, friends, etc. But, we want everyone in The Springs to join and commit to one.
• Will there be Online House Churches (OHC)? Yes! We are launching one on Zoom, and anticipate many more OHCs to come as we grow a vibrant, online HC community—both during and after the pandemic!
• What are the main goals of House Churches? To grow as Disciples of Jesus thru 1) Connecting (being known), 2) Forming (discovering-learning), and 3) Expressing (working it out/applying it together). Many HCs will begin by sharing a meal/snack together to begin connecting.
• Will the format be similar to Sunday services? No. The format of each HC will embody the 3 disciple-priorities listed above in somewhat equal portions (optimally). It will look very different from Sunday AM.
• How is this different than a small group? Small groups are considered optional by most. HCs are essential for everyone to grow as a disciple. The format is intentionally aimed at helping you grow as a disciple. Small groups have many purposes—healing, recovery, Bible study, etc. Although HCs have Bible Study, they are more than that. Although healing will take place within it, it is more. It is church in the Biblical sense—people connected, taking care of each other, growing deep with Jesus, and putting it all into practice together.
• Are we supposed to go to one near us? Not necessarily, but it will cut down on commute time—which is a factor for most people? And, you can more regularly/easily connect outside the HC if you are closer. We recommend starting with one close to you. But, it is good if you want to go to a different HC.
• How many people do we want in House Churches? Ideally, 4-12, although that may differ from one HC to the other. Jesus invested in 3 (Peter, James, John), and 12. When a group gets too large, connection decreases, people fall through the cracks, participation migrates toward more vocal members, etc.
• Do we want them to stay small? Yes and No. The advantage of small is connection and personal growth. Ideally, we’d like to see groups that grow beyond 12-14 to split into 2 HCs, to maximize people’s growth as disciples—thru discussion, learning, engagement and intimacy.
• Will all House Churches do/study the same thing? No. Each HC will work together to find areas of learning/study/curriculum that will help them grow as disciples. (Bob will assist as needed). We plan on taking 2 months a year to do the same material with all HCs and Sunday AM—so we are all “rowing in the same direction” as a church.
• What curriculum will we use? Each HC will select and go through at least one Biblical book a year, adding other supplemental curriculum (books, studies, etc.) as the group decides.
• How many HCs are we aiming for? Starting out, 8-9. At our current size, our goal is to have 20 HCs.
• Can I invite a new believer? Yes. When young and mature believers grow together, it is beautiful—and hilarious! Relational depth is a cultivated thing—whether young or old in the faith. Some HCs will naturally gravitate toward enfolding new/young believers in. Others, not as much. Both are good and helpful for growing as disciples.
• Can I try different House Churches and then decide which one to commit to? Yes. While finding a “good fit” can be helpful, it is not always best for growing up in Christ. Ideally, we’d love for you to connect near your home, but God may have other plans, and that is good!
• Will House Churches talk about politics? (Yes, this has been asked!) No. House Churches are about growing as disciples of Jesus ONLY—not any particular political persuasion. There is plenty of other time for people to rally around their preferred political ideology. HC communities are about growing in Jesus as disciples.
“The church that meets at their house…” Romans 16:3-5
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Acts 2:2
“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” Acts 2:46
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42
“When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.” Acts 12:12 (16:40)
“You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.” Acts 20:20
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus… Greet also the church that meets at their house.” Romans 16:3-5 (1 Cor. 16:19)
“Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” Colossians 4:15
Greetings… also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home” Philemon 2