Biblical Basis for Meeting in Homes

From the beginning, the early Church met in homes—not cathedrals.
Scripture shows over and over again how God worked in small gatherings:

Examples:

• The upper room (Acts 1:13)

• Lydia’s house in Philippi (Acts 16:40)

• The home of Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3–5)

• The church that met in Nympha’s home (Colossians 4:15)

Key principles:

• Jesus is present where two or three gather (Matthew 18:20)

• Every believer is part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)

• Worship is not confined to a building (John 4:23–24)
   

Historical Roots of House Churches

For the first 300 years of Christianity, most believers worshiped in homes.
This was not only due to persecution, but because it reflected the relational nature of the gospel.

Notable facts:

• No dedicated church buildings existed until around 250–300 A.D.

• House churches flourished in times of revival and renewal (e.g., Reformation, underground churches in China, etc.)

• Even today, they thrive in places where faith is either persecuted or deeply personal
   

Comparing Traditional & House Churches (Without Division)

This is not a competition—it’s a calling.
Traditional churches and house churches are both part of God’s plan, and each believer should discern where they are called to grow and serve.

House churches may offer:

• Intimacy and deep fellowship

• Simpler structure and lower cost

• Shared leadership and personal growth

• Space for spiritual refugees

Traditional churches may offer:

• Wider programs and established systems

• Trained staff and support ministries

• Larger gatherings for celebration

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” —1 Corinthians 12:5
 

Unity in Diversity: Holding One Faith, Many Forms

House churches are not separate from the Church—they are the Church.
We affirm a shared confession of faith with the global body of Christ.

Core affirmations:

• Jesus is Lord

• The Bible is God’s Word

• Salvation is by grace through faith

• We are one body, many members (Romans 12:4–5)

Let us walk in humility, not pride, and joyfully link arms with believers of all expressions.

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Final Thought: A Return, Not a Rebellion

Meeting in homes is not an escape—it’s a return to simplicity, to Scripture, to Jesus at the center.
Whether by choice or circumstance, if you gather in Jesus’ name,
you are part of His Church.

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…” —1 Peter 2:5

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